Communications: VFR and IFR Phraseology and Failure Procedures
Standard phraseology
Know the standard readback requirements and the meaning of words such as cleared, approved, expect, standby and roger. Understand that roger means received, not agreed, and that wilco means will comply. Know the phonetic alphabet and standard number pronunciation, including the pronunciation of decimal points and thousands.
VFR and IFR communications
For VFR, know the calls at uncontrolled aerodromes and the position reporting format. For IFR, know the clearance format: clearance limit, route, level, and any speed or time restrictions. Understand the difference between an initial and a subsequent clearance, and how to request a level change.
Failure procedures
Know the actions for radio failure in VMC and in IMC, including the transponder code 7600, and the rules for continuing under the last acknowledged clearance. Know the emergency code 7700 and the unlawful interference code 7500.
Traps
- Confusing 7600 (radio failure), 7700 (emergency) and 7500 (unlawful interference).
- Assuming roger means you may proceed.
- Forgetting that a clearance readback must include the items that affect safety, such as level and route.
Rule of thumb
If a question describes radio failure in IMC, the answer usually involves continuing according to the last acknowledged clearance or the published procedure, squawking 7600, and maintaining the assigned level until the appropriate point to begin the approach.