This page lists some common phraseologies used in the communication between pilots and 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.
General
Phraseology | Meaning | Remarks |
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Affirmative (abbreviation: affirm) | Yes | |
Negative | No | |
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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. |
Roger | I received your information | 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. |
Wilco | Will comply | This sentence should not be used in case a readback (repetition of the message you heard, for safety reasons) is required. |
Say again | Please repeat your last message | |
Standby | Please wait | Often said by a controller because (s)he's busy at the moment |
Correction | Disregard what has been said immediately before (as it's erroneous) and replace it with the words that follow. | Example: Callsign, taxi to holding point runway 22 via N – correction, via A means: Callsign, taxi to holding point runway 22 via A. |
Unable, reason | The pilot is not able to execute the instruction given by a controller for safety reasons. |
Clearance
Phraseology | Meaning | Remarks |
---|---|---|
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Used by a pilot flying under instrument flight rules to ask which SID he is going to use for departure. | This is not an authorization to take off. |
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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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The pilot asks for permission to start up the engines. |
Taxi
Phraseology | Meaning | Remarks |
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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 aeronautical chart to know taxiway names. |
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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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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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The ground controller asks the pilot to stop immediately/maintain the current position. |
Remark: the controller might ask you to follow an aircraft or to perform a maneuver after another aircraft has cleared the way (conditional clearance). In that case, (s)he will say "After the aircraft type...".
Takeoff and departure
Phraseology | Meaning | Remarks |
---|---|---|
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The tower controller instructs the aircraft to enter the runway, position itself in the center and await further clearance. |
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The controller authorizes the aircraft to take off. |
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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. |
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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. |
Climb, cruise, descent
Phraseology | Meaning | Remarks |
---|---|---|
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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 and must be read back. |
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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). |
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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 intuitive/direct way. |
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Proceed along a straight line towards fix/navaid. |
Approach and landing
Phraseology | Meaning | Remarks |
---|---|---|
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After reaching the first fix of the ILS approach, follow the altitudes and flight path specified by the approach procedure. |
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The pilot must tell ATC when (s)he has caught the localizer and glideslope. | |
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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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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. |
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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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Land on the specified runway. | This is the one and only clearance that authorizes an aircraft to land. |
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Abort the landing and fly the published missed approach. | Used when a controller deems that the landing would be unsafe. |
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The pilot aborts the landing and flies the published missed approach. | Used when the pilot deems that the landing would be unsafe. |
External links
- All Clear? Toolkit, Eurocontrol