How To Talk To Air Traffic Control | ATC Radio Basics for Pilots

In this video we're going over the basics of talking to air traffic control that you'll need for your private pilot license. It's one of the most intimidating things for student pilots! We break it down to make it easy by taking you on a typical flight. From start to finish, we'll cover just about all the ATC communicating you'll need to do, and even cover what some of the stuff they say actually means!

Now, this is basic radio communications for VFR flight and geared towards the student pilot, rusty pilot, or the pilot who usually only fly's at uncontrolled fields. It can even be good for part 107 or for VATSIM! . BUT, it's the first in a new series we're making to cover just about EVERYTHING you need to know about talking to air traffic control. Scroll down to see links to our other videos.

Save 10% with our code "FLYWITHTHEGUYS"

Plane English
---------------------------------------------------

How it works:
1. Download the app from the App Store or GooglePlay store (get a feel for what it does and how it does it with the included free lessons)
3. You'll receive an email with the access key. Input this access key in Settings-Institutions (for iOS) or Settings-Access (for Android).

LINKS
---------------------------------------------------

FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE
---------------------------------------------------

Purchases made through some links may provide some compensation to Fly With The Guys.

#atc #garadios #atccommunications

CHAPTERS
---------------------------------------------------
0:00 Into
0:40 What ATC is all about
1:19 ATC Breakdown
1:50 How ATC Works
2:24 Outbound Procedures
2:50 5 W's of ATC
3:55 Confirming Instructions
4:55 Following Instructions
5:26 Frequency Change
6:33 Departure Options
8:49 Inbound Procedures
9:56 Inbound Options
11:22 Inbound Instructions
11:54 Last call
12:23 Radio Tips
13:33 Final Thoughts

[jameshunley]

Air traffic controller here. All information in this video is absolutely spot on. I would highlight, if you are unfamiliar or unsure of what we want you to do, or even the layout of the airport, just let us know you are unfamiliar early in the transmission. It will switch us from our normal traffic bearing mode to a more focused, almost nurturing mode. Sometimes you will get controllers who will get frustrated. Just do your best to understand and comply with their instructions while letting them know what you don't understand. Also sticking to standard phraseology is best. a lot of the time we don't have much time for pleasantries sadly.

[joeblowjohndoe]

It was amazing how much easier it gets after you get the first few mistakes out of the way and realize that it's OK. You start to realize how simple it is. The fear just comes from the pressure you put on yourself. This is good. It means you care, and will end up being a good pilot.

[samtheking]

ATC is like the doctors handwriting of speech lol

[johnniess]

Whoever disliked this was on the wrong frequency

[BeakerSteve]

Air traffic controller here. In my training, I've learned to know what I say before I speak up. That ensures there's no confusion on frequency and it helps pilots feel secure knowing their controller knows what he's doing. I think that's equally as important for pilots. While reading back initial instructions may be difficult for new pilots, know your intentions first, then call up. It'll help reduce congestion on frequency. Also, don't be too nervous and feel like ATC is going to attack you. I work in a very busy Delta. I'd rather be asked to repeat my instructions than have someone readback blindly and cause a conflict. If you don't understand, just ask. Your safety is our job.

Great video!

[flywiththeguys]

Did you notice my mistakes!? I got in a bad habit of shortening my call sign when closing my communications before ATC did. Never really been called out for it because I always started with my full call sign, but that doesn't make it right. I even say in the video don't do it, but then I did... Regardless, some of you guys are noticing and calling me out for it. NICE CATCH! Even though I don't like making mistakes, especially in videos that are meant to help people, it's good for everyone in the long run. I'm not going to get into the why, or give excuses, but I have changed my ways since this video. Be better than me guys and fly safe!

[Mooneyer]

Part 2: talking to ATC like a pro. Preface your initial contact with good morning, good afternoon, or good evening. It shows them you are on your game and know what time of day it is.

[rossdax]

Not a pilot, not in training to be a pilot, but love the break down! Thanks for making it so simple! :)

[sheath]

My lord, this comment section is purely positive vibes. After scrolling for a while, still haven't seen a single remotely negative comment. That's how I like to see it! But honestly, with a really good video like this it should be positive.

[Kruuga]

I'm a fresh student pilot and have yet to speak with ground/atc. Radio comms are something I have been intimidated to do but this video helped me ease my nerves and definitely broke it down in a way I could understand. I'd subscribe to your channel twice if I could. Thanks!!!

[RoscoeMcGillicuddy]

So many things to say here:

01) I really appreciate this and all of your videos. Talking with ATC is my current struggle in Instrument training. This helps tremendously, so thank you.
02) I used to live in Phoenix, near Peoria. If I had a nickel for every time I drove past Deer Valley, I'd be rich. I miss it out west.
03) I am SO GLAD you pronounced "Prescott, AZ" as "PRESS-cot." When I lived in PHX there were so many people insisting is was pronounced "press-KITT, " and I basically told them I would never be pronouncing it like that myself, and people would just have to deal with that. haha

[Mike-csjr]

One very helpful suggestion for student pilots is to mention that fact when making the initial calls. Controllers are generally very accommodating and understanding and will slow down their speech if needed.

[stardogegaming]

VTOL VR community here. Thanks for making GFA servers easier.

[grene]

I recently retired, and am just starting to go for my PPL to finish what I started in high school...yes, it was a long time ago! The biggest hurdle for me is understanding ATC. This video was fantastically helpful, so a big thank you!

[DC-ncvt]

This is rock solid advice. What helped me get comfortable was getting a scanner and listening to ground, tower and then ATC. Really helped with solo work and my checkride.

[_planejoe_]

This is going to be a huge help as I begin my flight training this week!

[stevek]

Hated towers when I was learning to fly in Minnesota. Avoided them completely for several years after getting my PPL. When Deer Valley became my home airport, I spent 3 days listening to the radio traffic just trying to figure out what I needed to say and do to be safe. This little video would have removed much anxiety all those 22 years ago Carl. Nice update to your original mega-video on ATC interaction. This is good for pilots that haven’t flown into a controlled airport in awhile also. Lots of those headed for Oshkosh soon.🤞🙏🙏🙏

[foesfly]

I can't imagine any way to improve this presentation. It is truly outstanding. Thank you.

[Jeffrey-Flys]

I like to say..
“Hey tower! Guess who… and you’re never gonna guess where I am.”

[brandenjones]

I have such a passion for avionics I absolutely feel like I NEED to fly, just found this channel gonna start learning while I save money to learn. Thank you thank you, very well done video I'm here to stay.