Radio Procedures – Using Aviation Radio

Clearances:

• Controlled Airspace
• Class C & D

Broadcasts:

• Outside Controlled Airspace
• Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)
• Class G

Note: A Broadcast may start with either:

• [Location] Traffic – this refers to aircraft only
• All Stations [Location] – refers to aircraft and Air Traffic Services, UNICOM and vehicles on the ground.

Example Broadcast

• Listen Before you Transmit:
  • If you have just changed frequencies, pause, listen, and make sure the frequency is clear
  • Don’t broadcast until you know the frequency is clear or you will jam, or “step on” another call causing them to repeat their call
  • Keying a transmitter when someone is talking will be futile and you will probably jam their receivers causing them to repeat their call
  • Many times you can get the information you want through Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS), Aerodrome Weather Information Service (AWIS), or by monitoring the frequency
• Think Before Keying the Transmitter:
  • Know what you’re going to say before you say it
  • If it is lengthy; e.g., a flight plan or IFR position report, jot it down ahead of your call
• Key the Mic and Talk:
  • The microphone should be very close to your lips, but not touching, and after pressing the mike button, a slight pause may be necessary
  • Constant volume and even rate of speech (not exceeding 100 words per minute)
  • Be clear, concise, accurate, speaking in a normal tone
  • When you release the button, wait a few seconds before calling again as the controller or FSS specialist may be jotting down your number, looking for your flight plan, transmitting on a different frequency, or selecting the transmitter for your frequency

Transmission Tips:

• Use a normal conversation tone, speak clearly and distinctly
• Maintain an even rate of speech not exceeding 100 words per minute. When it is known that elements of the message will be written down by the recipients, speak at a slightly slower rate.
• Maintain the speaking volume at a constant level.
• A slight pause before and after numbers will assist in making them easier to understand.
• Avoid using hesitation sounds such as ‘er’
• Avoid excessive use of courtesies and entering into non-operational conversations.
• Depress the transmit switch fully before speaking and do not release it until the message is complete. This will ensure that the entire message is transmitted. However, do not depress transmit switch until ready to speak.
• Messages should not contain more than three specific phrases, comprising a clearance, instruction or pertinent information. In cases of doubt, e.g. a foreign pilot having difficulty with the English language or an inexperienced pilot unsure of the procedures, the controller should reduce the number of items and if necessary these should be passed, and acknowledged, singly

Which Frequencies will you hear this on?

• ATC frequencies
• Area frequencies
• CTAF frequencies
• International Distress Frequency 121.5 MHz
  • Distress Beacon alert
  • Emergency Calls
  • DO NOT TRANSMIT ON THIS FREQUENCY EXCEPT IN EMERGENCIES

You can listen now at: https://www.liveatc.net/

Search e.g. YBAF (Archerfield), YBBN (Brisbane) Ground, Tower…