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ATC phraseology: Difference between revisions
Added ''Pilot'' and ''Controller'' to the dialogues; emphasized necessity to read back critical items; added "readback correct" to departure clearance
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This page lists some common phraseologies used in the communication between pilots and [[Air traffic control|ATC]]. Items in ''italic'' need to be replaced by the relevant information | This page lists some common phraseologies used in the communication between pilots and [[Air traffic control|ATC]]. | ||
* Items in ''italic'' need to be replaced by the relevant information. | |||
* Lists are dialogues between the pilot and the controllers; we assume that '''station''' is the controller's callsign and that '''callsign''' is the pilot's callsign. | |||
* Most items critical for the safety of flight (such as new headings/altitudes...) must be read back (repeated) by the pilot; this allows the controller to check whether the pilot understood them correctly. In case readback is required, this will be mentioned. '''Do not just say "roger" in those cases''' – that's a common error. If an item is read back wrongly, the controller should just state it again. | |||
* Some clearances (authorizations) may be combined in a single sentence for brevity. | |||
For a detailed tutorial in ATCing, please take a look at the [[ATC Tutorial]]. | For a detailed tutorial in ATCing, please take a look at the [[ATC Tutorial]]. | ||
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* ''Callsign'', contact ''station'' on ''frequency'' | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', contact ''station'' on ''frequency'' | ||
* Contact ''station'' on ''frequency'', ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Contact ''station'' on ''frequency'', ''callsign'' | ||
| A controller asks the pilot to change radio frequency and contact another controller; the pilot acknowledges the instruction and then changes frequency. | | A controller asks the pilot to change radio frequency and contact another controller; the pilot acknowledges the instruction and then changes frequency. | ||
| If the new controller does not respond, change to the previous frequency and inform ATC. | | If the new controller does not respond, change to the previous frequency and inform ATC. | ||
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| Roger | | Roger | ||
| I received your information | | I received your information | ||
| This sentence should ''not'' be used in case a readback (repetition of the message you heard, for safety reasons) is required. | | This sentence is often abused; it should ''not'' be used in case a readback (repetition of the message you heard, for safety reasons) is required. | ||
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| Wilco | | Wilco | ||
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* ''Station'', ''callsign'', stand ''stand'', ''aircraft type'' with information ''code'', request IFR clearance to ''destination'' | * '''Pilot:''' ''Station'', ''callsign'', stand ''stand'', ''aircraft type'' with information ''code'', request IFR clearance to ''destination'' | ||
* ''Callsign'', ''station'', cleared to ''destination'', ''SID'' departure, squawk ''code'' | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', ''station'', cleared to ''destination'', ''SID'' departure, squawk ''code'' | ||
* Cleared to ''destination'' via ''SID'', squawk ''code'', ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Cleared to ''destination'' via ''SID'', squawk ''code'', ''callsign'' | ||
| Used by a pilot to ask which SID he is going to use for departure. | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', readback correct | ||
| Used by a pilot flying under [[Flight rules#Instrument_flight_rules|instrument flight rules]] to ask which SID he is going to use for departure. | |||
| ''This is not an authorization to take off.'' | | ''This is not an authorization to take off.'' | ||
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* ''Callsign'', request pushback | * '''Pilot:''' ''Callsign'', request pushback | ||
* ''Callsign'', pushback approved facing ''direction'' | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', pushback approved facing ''direction'' | ||
* Pushback approved facing ''direction'', ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Pushback approved facing ''direction'', ''callsign'' | ||
| The pilot asks for permission to pushback (be pushed away from the stand by a tug). At the end of the maneuver, the aircraft should be headed ''direction''. | | The pilot asks for permission to pushback (be pushed away from the stand by a tug). At the end of the maneuver, the aircraft should be headed ''direction''. | ||
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* ''Callsign'', request startup | * '''Pilot:''' ''Callsign'', request startup | ||
* ''Callsign'', startup approved | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', startup approved | ||
* Startup approved, ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Startup approved, ''callsign'' | ||
| The pilot asks for permission to start up the engines. | | The pilot asks for permission to start up the engines. | ||
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* ''Station'', ''callsign'', stand ''stand'', request taxi | * '''Pilot:''' ''Station'', ''callsign'', stand ''stand'', request taxi | ||
* ''Callsign'', ''station'', taxi to ''holding point'' via ''full list of taxiways'' | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', ''station'', taxi to ''holding point'' via ''full list of taxiways'' | ||
* Taxi to ''holding point'' via ''full list of taxiways'', ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Taxi to ''holding point'' via ''full list of taxiways'', ''callsign'' | ||
| The pilot asks for authorization to taxi; the controller authorizes him to taxi to an holding point, reached which the pilot should stop and ask/wait for further instructions. | | The pilot asks for authorization to taxi; the controller authorizes him to taxi to an holding point, reached which the pilot should stop and ask/wait for further instructions. | ||
| Refer to an updated [[Getting aeronautical charts|aeronautical chart]] to know taxiway names. | | Refer to an updated [[Getting aeronautical charts|aeronautical chart]] to know taxiway names. | ||
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* ''Station'', ''callsign'' holding short runway ''number'' at ''intersection'' | * '''Pilot:''' ''Station'', ''callsign'' holding short runway ''number'' at ''intersection'' | ||
* ''Callsign'', cross runway ''number'' at ''intersection'' | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', cross runway ''number'' at ''intersection'' | ||
* Cross runway ''number'' at ''intersection'', ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Cross runway ''number'' at ''intersection'', ''callsign'' | ||
| The pilot needs to cross a runway and asks the ground controller for permission; the ground controller obtains a clearance from Tower (not reported here) and authorizes the pilot to cross. | | The pilot needs to cross a runway and asks the ground controller for permission; the ground controller obtains a clearance from Tower (not reported here) and authorizes the pilot to cross. | ||
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* ''Callsign'', hold short of ''position'' | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', hold short of ''position'' | ||
* Will hold short of ''position'', ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Will hold short of ''position'', ''callsign'' | ||
| The ground controller asks the pilot to stop at ''position'' (a taxiway entrance, runway crossing...). As soon as the pilot reaches the designated point, (s)he must inform the controller that the aircraft is "holding short". | | The ground controller asks the pilot to stop at ''position'' (a taxiway entrance, runway crossing...). As soon as the pilot reaches the designated point, (s)he must inform the controller that the aircraft is "holding short". | ||
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* ''Callsign'', hold position | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', hold position | ||
* Holding position, ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Holding position, ''callsign'' | ||
| The ground controller asks the pilot to stop immediately/maintain the current position. | | The ground controller asks the pilot to stop immediately/maintain the current position. | ||
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* ''Callsign'', line up and wait runway ''number'' | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', line up and wait runway ''number'' | ||
* Line up and wait runway ''number'', ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Line up and wait runway ''number'', ''callsign'' | ||
| The tower controller instructs the aircraft to enter the runway, position itself in the center and await further clearance. | | The tower controller instructs the aircraft to enter the runway, position itself in the center and await further clearance. | ||
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* ''Callsign'', wind is ''heading'' at ''speed'' knots, runway ''number'', cleared for takeoff | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', wind is ''heading'' at ''speed'' knots, runway ''number'', cleared for takeoff | ||
* Cleared for takeoff runway ''number'', ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Cleared for takeoff runway ''number'', ''callsign'' | ||
| The controller authorizes the aircraft to take off. | | The controller authorizes the aircraft to take off. | ||
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* ''Callsign'', hold position, cancel takeoff, I say again cancel takeoff due to ''reason'' | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', hold position, cancel takeoff, I say again cancel takeoff due to ''reason'' | ||
* Holding position, ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Holding position, ''callsign'' | ||
| The controller cancels the existing takeoff clearance. | | The controller cancels the existing takeoff clearance (e.g. because there is an obstacle on the runway). | ||
| This form is used when the aircraft has not started the takeoff roll yet. | | This form is used when the aircraft has not started the takeoff roll yet. | ||
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* ''Callsign'', stop immediately! | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', stop immediately! | ||
* Stopping, ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Stopping, ''callsign'' | ||
| The controller cancels the existing takeoff clearance. | | The controller cancels the existing takeoff clearance (e.g. because there is an obstacle on the runway). | ||
| This form is used when the aircraft has already started the takeoff roll. | | This form is used when the aircraft has already started the takeoff roll. | ||
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* ''Station'', ''callsign'', passing ''current altitude'', ''climbing (descending)'' to ''altitude'', ''other ATC clearances assigned'' | * '''Pilot:''' ''Station'', ''callsign'', passing ''current altitude'', ''climbing (descending)'' to ''altitude'', ''other ATC clearances assigned'' | ||
* ''Callsign'', ''station'', radar contact, (squawk ''new squawk code''), (''new clearances'') | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', ''station'', radar contact, (squawk ''new squawk code''), (''new clearances'') | ||
| The pilot has just been transferred to another controller and contacts him/her announcing the current altitude, the altitude (s)he was cleared to and any other ATC clearances previously assigned (SID/STAR, etc.). The controller identifies the aircraft on the radar screen, announces so and, if needed, assigns a new squawk code/issues further clearances. | | The pilot has just been transferred to another controller and contacts him/her announcing the current altitude, the altitude (s)he was cleared to and any other ATC clearances previously assigned (SID/STAR, etc.). The controller identifies the aircraft on the radar screen, announces so and, if needed, assigns a new squawk code/issues further clearances. | ||
| New clearances/squawk codes should be assigned only if needed. | | New clearances/squawk codes should be assigned only if needed and must be read back. | ||
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* ''Callsign'', climb (descend) and maintain ''new altitude'' | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', climb (descend) and maintain ''new altitude'' | ||
* Climb (descend) and maintain ''new altitude'', ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Climb (descend) and maintain ''new altitude'', ''callsign'' | ||
| Climb (or descend) to ''new altitude'' and hold it until further instructions are given. | | Climb (or descend) to ''new altitude'' and hold it until further instructions are given. | ||
| Flight levels below FL100 should be referred to as two digit numbers (to avoid confusion with headings). | | Flight levels below FL100 should be referred to as two digit numbers (to avoid confusion with headings). | ||
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* ''Callsign'', turn left (right) heading ''new heading'' | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', turn left (right) heading ''new heading'' | ||
* Turn left (right) heading ''new heading'', ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Turn left (right) heading ''new heading'', ''callsign'' | ||
| The aircraft is instructed to turn left/right to another heading. | | The aircraft is instructed to turn left/right to another heading. | ||
| The pilot must execute the turn according to ATC instructions, even if it's not the most direct way. | | The pilot must execute the turn according to ATC instructions, even if it's not the most intuitive/direct way. | ||
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* ''Callsign'', proceed direct ''fix/navaid'' | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', proceed direct ''fix/navaid'' | ||
* Proceeding direct ''fix/navaid'', ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Proceeding direct ''fix/navaid'', ''callsign'' | ||
| Proceed along a straight line towards ''fix/navaid''. | | Proceed along a straight line towards ''fix/navaid''. | ||
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* ''Callsign'', cleared for ILS approach runway ''number'' | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', cleared for ILS approach runway ''number'' | ||
* Cleared for ILS approach runway ''number'', ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Cleared for ILS approach runway ''number'', ''callsign'' | ||
| After reaching the first fix of the ILS approach, follow the altitudes and flight path specified by the approach procedure. | | After reaching the first fix of the ILS approach, follow the altitudes and flight path specified by the approach procedure. | ||
| The pilot must '''not''' descend before (s)he has reached the first fix, unless specifically cleared. | | | ||
* The pilot must '''not''' descend before (s)he has reached the first fix, unless specifically cleared. | |||
* Some airports may have more than one ILS approach procedure – if that is the case, the controller will mention its name. Make sure to use the correct one. | |||
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* ''Callsign'', report established localizer runway ''number'' | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', report established localizer runway ''number'' | ||
* Will report established localizer runway ''number'', ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Will report established localizer runway ''number'', ''callsign'' | ||
| The pilot must tell ATC when (s)he has caught the localizer and glideslope. | | The pilot must tell ATC when (s)he has caught the localizer and glideslope. | ||
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* ''Callsign'', continue approach | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', continue approach | ||
* Continue approach, ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Continue approach, ''callsign'' | ||
| The pilot should continue the approach. | | The pilot should continue the approach. | ||
| | | Generally used when the landing runway is still obstructed and the controller needs to delay the landing clearance. ''This is not an authorization to land.'' | ||
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* ''Callsign'', make ''number'' orbit(s) to the ''left/right'' | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', make ''number'' orbit(s) to the ''left/right'' | ||
* Make ''number'' orbit(s) to the ''left/right'', ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Make ''number'' orbit(s) to the ''left/right'', ''callsign'' | ||
| Make ''number'' circles to the left/right, then continue on the original heading. | | Make ''number'' circles to the left/right, then continue on the original heading. | ||
| Used by ATC to space an aircraft from the one in front. | | Used by ATC to space an aircraft from the one in front. | ||
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* ''Callsign'', wind is ''heading'' at ''speed'' knots, runway ''number'', cleared to land | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', enter (exit) holding pattern | ||
* Cleared to land runway ''number'', ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Enter (exit) holding pattern, ''callsign'' | ||
| Enter (exit) the holding pattern (circular/oval path, usually drawn at the beginning of the approach). If entering, continue to fly it until further clearance. | |||
| Used by ATC to space an aircraft from the one in front. | |||
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* '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', wind is ''heading'' at ''speed'' knots, runway ''number'', cleared to land | |||
* '''Pilot:''' Cleared to land runway ''number'', ''callsign'' | |||
| Land on the specified runway. | | Land on the specified runway. | ||
| ''This is the one and only clearance that authorizes an aircraft to land''. | | ''This is the one and only clearance that authorizes an aircraft to land''. | ||
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* ''Callsign'', go around | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', go around | ||
* Going around, ''callsign'' | * '''Pilot:''' Going around, ''callsign'' | ||
| Abort the landing and fly the published missed approach. | | Abort the landing and fly the published missed approach. | ||
| Used when a controller deems that the landing would be unsafe. | | Used when a controller deems that the landing would be unsafe. | ||
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* ''Station'', ''callsign'' going around | * '''Pilot:''' ''Station'', ''callsign'' going around | ||
* ''Callsign'', roger | * '''Controller:''' ''Callsign'', roger | ||
| The pilot aborts the landing and flies the published missed approach. | | The pilot aborts the landing and flies the published missed approach. | ||
| Used when the pilot deems that the landing would be unsafe. | | Used when the pilot deems that the landing would be unsafe. | ||