Communications (VFR and IFR)
Phraseology and procedures
Know the standard ICAO phraseology for clearance delivery, ground, tower, approach, and centre. Understand the readback requirement: clearances, runway assignments, altitude instructions, and frequency changes must be read back. Know the meaning of standby, roger, wilco, affirm, and negative, and the correct use of the phonetic alphabet.
VFR and IFR communications
For VFR, know the position reporting format and the use of the traffic pattern. For IFR, know the clearance format (clearance limit, route, altitude, frequency), and the meaning of expect, hold, and intercept. Know the transponder codes: 7700 (emergency), 7600 (radio failure), and 7500 (unlawful interference).
Emergencies and loss of communication
Know the procedures for radio failure in VFR and IFR, and the meaning of the distress and urgency calls. Understand that a clearance readback error must be corrected immediately.
Traps
- Confusing 7600 (radio failure) with 7700 (emergency) and 7500 (unlawful interference).
- Failing to read back an altitude instruction.
- Using Mayday for an urgency situation instead of Pan-Pan.
- Assuming a clearance is valid without a readback confirmation.
Worked example
If ATC issues "climb to 5,000 ft, report reaching", the correct readback is "climbing to 5,000 ft, will report reaching". Omitting the altitude from the readback is a common error and a frequent question trap.