Example of radio calls

Sport Pilot

Sport Pilot

Pre-takeoff checklist
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Can someone give me an example of a radio call when taxiing?

Taking off?

Radio calls on pattern work; and do you do radio calls on crosswind, downwind, base, and final? Or just on base and final?

Thanks!
 
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Podunk traffic - Cirrus - Any traffic in the area give way - Podunk

That should serve you well at any airport on the planet, and I think they have a letter of agreement in the works for the space station.
 
Podunk traffic airplane 123 departing RWY23, closed traffic.

Podunk traffic airplane 123 downwind RW23

Podunk traffic airplane 123 final 23.

After a few laps, if it's looking like it's just me at the airport I won't make any calls unless I see or hear someone else


If someone come on freq for the airport I'll say my position and that I'm closed traffic.

Remember it's just a conversation, don't worry about getting it "wrong" just use common sense and try to ensure everyone is on the same page.
 
Assuming a not towered airport:
Taxiing: " "
take off: 'blah traffic, sperimental 123, slow mover, departing runway 37, remaining in pattern, blah"
Crosswind - only if entering the pattern via crosswind: "blah traffic, sperimental 123, slow mover, 2 east planning midfield crosswind runway 00 blah"
Downwind: yes
base: yes
Final: sho nuff
clear of runway: yup
WTF is that other guy doing? "Wherever I am at at the moment..."
 
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Clark1961 said:
Say again please
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Which is the name of bobmrg (Bob Gardner's) very good book on the subject.

You might try reading the AIM, too.

AOPA had a beautiful multipage pamphlet on radio calls years ago, but I've not seen it in a long time.
 
Do a google search for examples. Or as flyingron suggested, the AIM. Plenty of information out there. You just have to put forth a little effort to find it.
 
Also a good ground school exercise with your CFI.

And plus one to Bob’s book.
 
Spend a few dollars to get Sporty's DVD "VFR Communications" and Bob Gardner's book "Say Again Please." They're both really good.
 
Thanks guys. So...
You
Me
Where
What
With

I am flying out of Mt Vernon Airport in a Jabiru N698J.

So I would say Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner 698Juliet, ready for taxi, Mt. Vernon?
 
Sport Pilot said:
Thanks guys. So...
You
Me
Where
What
With

I am flying out of Mt Vernon Airport in a Jabiru N698J.

So I would say Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner 698Juliet, ready for taxi, Mt. Vernon?
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No. Mount Vernon is non-towered, so there’s no ATC to clear you for taxi.

It would be: ‘Mt Vernon Traffic, Jabiru 698Juliet is taxiing for Runway X, Mt Vernon.’ Although that’s not even a necessary radio call to make.
 
Use this template as a general rule of thumb—

“(Airport Name) traffic, Jabiru698J (What you’re doing, ie., turning base, departing runway X, etc), (Airport Name again.)”
 
Ryanb said:
No. Mount Vernon is non-towered, so there’s no ATC to clear you for taxi.

It would be: ‘Mt Vernon Traffic, Jabiru 698Juliet is taxiing for Runway X, Mt Vernon.’ Although that’s not even a necessary radio call to make.
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May not be necessary...but It can be beneficial. I've even been known to call (and heard calls of) warming on the ramp. It just helps coordinate particularly when it's a back taxi runway.
 
Though it is uncontrolled, my CFI wants me to make radio calls. He said we will work on them on Sunday.
 
Clark1961 said:
May not be necessary...but It can be beneficial. I've even been known to call (and heard calls of) warming on the ramp. It just helps coordinate particularly when it's a back taxi runway.
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Saying that something isn’t necessary doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done. I’ve made those kind of radio calls several times, just depends on what the current situation is at the airport at the time.

Sport Pilot said:
Though it is uncontrolled, my CFI wants me to make radio calls. He said we will work on them on Sunday.
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The correct terminology is ‘non-towered’, nonetheless, radio calls are still important and should always be practiced whether it’s required or not.
 
Sport Pilot said:
I froze on my radio call last night.
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Not uncommon for student pilots.

Even after rehearsing what I wanted to say in my head, too often what came out of my mouth was a lot of umms uhhhs ahhs that I relabeled the "Push to Talk" button as "Push to Forget"

Just like learning to land the aircraft, radio skills get better with time and repetition.


And even after many years and many hundreds of hours flying, I still periodically mangle a radio call
 
Ryanb said:
Saying that something isn’t necessary doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done.{/QUOTE]

Really?

Well, at least you admit that it's an appropriate call. The comment of "not necessary" was rather dismissive to someone who is trying to learn.
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AggieMike88 said:
Not uncommon for student pilots.

Even after rehearsing what I wanted to say in my head, too often what came out of my mouth was a lot of umms uhhhs ahhs that I relabeled the "Push to Talk" button as "Push to Forget"

Just like learning to land the aircraft, radio skills get better with time and repetition.


And even after many years and many hundreds of hours flying, I still periodically mangle a radio call
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Student pilots with so so instruction, some CFIs teach radio ops like potty training a kid at gun point.

I've never had a student freeze up, I also never gave them verbatim lines to say.
 
Yeah Clark, I was meaning that it’s more of an optional radio call to make, unlike a departure, crosswind, downwind call etc.

If you want to be pedantic and say that all of those radio calls are optional, than be my guest, but I think you get my gist.
 
Taxi: "Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet, At the ramp Taxi runway 23 via Bravo"

if you are leaving somewhat runway heading.
Takeoff: "Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet departing runway two three to the southwest"

If I am taking off and going the other way, I would say:
Takeoff: "Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet departing runway two three downwind departure to the northeast"
This lets people know I am going to fly a pattern as I climb and head out on a known pattern leg

5 Miles out:
"Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet 5 miles to the north, will enter 45 degree downwind for two three"

Entering the pattern:
"Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet entering 45 degree downwind for two three, Full stop (or "touch n go")

Downwind:
"Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet is downwind, two three, full stop"

Base:
"Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet turning base, two three full stop"

Final:
"Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet, final, two three, full stop"

Important to not worry about when you make the call. I used to try and make sure I was turning base and calling base at a precise moment. That is fine as you begin to improve multi tasking.
Make the call when you can. If you can make the call when turning final, make the call "Turning final two three" If you need to focus on lining up for the runway and delay the call 10 seconds, then make the call ""Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet, final two three" instead of "Turning final" or even "Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet short final two three"

Don't try to be perfect, just be accurate about where you are when you make the call. If you forget to call downwind for a minute, then make your call:
"Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet midfield downwind two three full stop"
 
Ryanb said:
No. Mount Vernon is non-towered, so there’s no ATC to clear you for taxi.

It would be: ‘Mt Vernon Traffic, Jabiru 698Juliet is taxiing for Runway X, Mt Vernon.’ Although that’s not even a necessary radio call to make.
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I never make the call but I suspect his CFI as asking him to.
 
Don't try to be perfect
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I think that’s my issue. Since I have started my training, I have found myself trying to do the best I can. During one of my flights, my CFI pointed out my hand on the stick...my knuckles were white. I released my death grip. I know I need to relax and enjoy the flight and training, but, for me, the experience is intense.
 
Sport Pilot said:
I think that’s my issue. Since I have started my training, I have found myself trying to do the best I can. During one of my flights, my CFI pointed out my hand on the stick...my knuckles were white. I released my death grip. I know I need to relax and enjoy the flight and training, but, for me, the experience is intense.
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All this stuff comes in time. Along with:
When will I figure out landing?
When will the bumps stop bothering me?
and on and on.

I did the death grip well past my checkride.
Now I fly with almost no grip at all because it is easier.

Everything you are being told to do now seems frustrating and awkward.
In a year it will all be natural.

Have fun and don't let frustrations get to you.
 
Sport Pilot said:
my knuckles were white
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If your palm is on the stick or yoke, it is too easy to get tense and white knuckle. And you're flying with your shoulder muscles which is "gross movements"

A properly trimmed aircraft should permit you to fly with your fingertips and wrist muscles. Meaning you're flying with "fine movements".


If you find yourself always white knuckling, try interlacing a pencil between your fingers before gripping the stick or the yoke. If you start to grip too hard, you'll be quickly (and slight painfully) reminded of how hard you're gripping.
 
SixPapaCharlie said:
Taxi: "Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet, At the ramp Taxi runway 23 via Bravo"

if you are leaving somewhat runway heading.
Takeoff: "Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet departing runway two three to the southwest"

If I am taking off and going the other way, I would say:
Takeoff: "Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet departing runway two three downwind departure to the northeast"
This lets people know I am going to fly a pattern as I climb and head out on a known pattern leg

5 Miles out:
"Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet 5 miles to the north, will enter 45 degree downwind for two three"

Entering the pattern:
"Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet entering 45 degree downwind for two three, Full stop (or "touch n go")

Downwind:
"Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet is downwind, two three, full stop"

Base:
"Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet turning base, two three full stop"

Final:
"Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet, final, two three, full stop"

Important to not worry about when you make the call. I used to try and make sure I was turning base and calling base at a precise moment. That is fine as you begin to improve multi tasking.
Make the call when you can. If you can make the call when turning final, make the call "Turning final two three" If you need to focus on lining up for the runway and delay the call 10 seconds, then make the call ""Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet, final two three" instead of "Turning final" or even "Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet short final two three"

Don't try to be perfect, just be accurate about where you are when you make the call. If you forget to call downwind for a minute, then make your call:
"Mt. Vernon traffic, Jabiru Niner Eight Juliet midfield downwind two three full stop"
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Do you wear out PTT buttons often ;)
 
Chair fly it. Say the calls out loud, with thumos. I have a broadcasting background, so the talking part was easy. Do the practice out loud before flying, you'll gain by leaps....
 
I couldn't get a word in edgewise into Baxter County last Saturday. Two guys were having an extended conversation on CTAF right after I entered downwind. 'Shut up!'
 
A long time ago, when I was doing TnG's at KAFW, I told the tower controller that his voice reminded me of someone counting down the hits of a Top 40 radio program.

After that, and because there no other traffic in the pattern, all of my clearances were given in the voice and style of Kasey Kasem.


I wish I had known about LiveATC at the time so I could have saved the broadcast. It made that day's worth of flying even more fun.
 
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SixPapaCharlie said:
I never make the call but I suspect his CFI as asking him to.
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More than likely. Point I was trying to make with Clark, was that if you feel the call is necessary than by all means do it. ‘Necessary’ may be the wrong word to use in this instance though, so I can see that.
 
Sport Pilot said:
I think that’s my issue. Since I have started my training, I have found myself trying to do the best I can. During one of my flights, my CFI pointed out my hand on the stick...my knuckles were white. I released my death grip. I know I need to relax and enjoy the flight and training, but, for me, the experience is intense.
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Pay attention to other pilots. After you hear how stupid a lot of them sound, and all the mistakes they make, you'll feel a lot more comfortable. At least that's what got me past my mic fright.
 
Thanks for all the replies. This site is a great reference with wonderful pilots willing to help. It means a lot to me.

Last night my instructor said I need to purchase a headset. Since I’m relatively new in the game, I’d like to purchase a used inexpensive set of two of the same model for my girl and I. If any of you have an extra set (two) laying around that you do not use anymore, please PM me. Thank you very much.
 
As others have mentioned, use your best judgement. The FAA recommends less calls that a lot of people make.

AIM, Table 4-1-1, Summary of Recommended Communication Procedures
Outbound: Before taxiing and before taxiing onto the runway for departure.
Inbound: 10 miles out, entering downwind, base, final, and leaving the runway.

Some will argue these aren't enough calls. At a busy airport, I'll usually call 10 miles out, then 5-mile 45 which is not recommended. I do it if I'm flying a slower plane because going 10 miles seems like a lot of time between calls. Then again, some will say I'm just adding to an already cluttered frequency.

Then again the Aeronautical Information Manual section 4-1-9(g)(1) states: Pilots stating traffic in the area, "please advise" is not a recognized self-announce position and/or intention phrase and should not be used under any condition. But I guess this makes some pilots feel safer, so I guess the best answer is, do what makes you feel safe.
 
JCranford said:
I couldn't get a word in edgewise into Baxter County last Saturday. Two guys were having an extended conversation on CTAF right after I entered downwind. 'Shut up!'
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I like to hit my push-to-talk a few times when they're trying to talk. Usually shuts them up if they're close by.
 
Sport Pilot said:
Last night my instructor said I need to purchase a headset. Since I’m relatively new in the game, I’d like to purchase a used inexpensive set of two of the same model for my girl and I. If any of you have an extra set (two) laying around that you do not use anymore, please PM me. Thank you very much.
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Headsets will become a whole nother thread of its ownself.

Initial items to consider are:
Budget (what do you have/want to spend),
do you want active noise reduction (raises the price, but oh so worth it in long run),
and comfort when wearing for long length's of time.​


ANR headset's will range from the $300's to $1100's, depending on brand and features. A good overview can be found in this Flying Magazine article.

Passive Noise Reduction (PNR) sets can be found starting at $75.00. They will do the job for the student on a tight budget. I found some highly rated KORE AVIATION KA-1 headsets on Amazon for a good price. These I have on hand for my passengers.

Most headsets are "over the ear" design. But there are "in the ear" designs too. Two popular brands are Clarity Aloft and Quiet Technologies "Halo". These two are PNR, but their in ear design provides noise attenuation on a similar level as the ANR headsets.


Used headsets can be found from many channels, such as craigslist and eBay. One of our members, @pigpenracing, is a seller of used headsets.

Important thing is that headset selection is a bit of a personal choice. One pilot might like the David Clark's, but another doesn't because they don't fit very well. The point is to get or borrow a few different ones to see which fits you best.
 
Sport Pilot said:
Thanks for all the replies. This site is a great reference with wonderful pilots willing to help. It means a lot to me.

Last night my instructor said I need to purchase a headset. Since I’m relatively new in the game, I’d like to purchase a used inexpensive set of two of the same model for my girl and I. If any of you have an extra set (two) laying around that you do not use anymore, please PM me. Thank you very much.
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You can find decent passive headsets for .1 to .15 AMUs.

https://www.koreheadset.com/product...on-headset-with-mp3-support-and-carrying-case

I was given one of these for Christmas last year. They are comfortable and seem to be well made. Something similar may be right up your alley.
 
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