Using ATC to Check the Status of a MOA
Is it safe to fly VFR through a MOA? It depends.
Jan 04, 2017•9 min
Radar Contact
How to communicate effectively and confidently with air traffic control. For pilots of all experiences levels, flying VFR or IFR.
Episodes
Taxi Clearance Anxiety
If you have ever felt butterflies in your stomach when faced with contacting Ground Control for taxi clearance, you have experienced something I call Taxi Clearance Anxiety. It’s a made-up term but the phenomenon has real consequences. Some pilots go out of their way to avoid controlled airports with complicated taxiway layouts. Even high-time pro … Taxi Clearance Anxiety Read More »...
Sep 30, 2016•19 min
Contacting Flight Service; Searching for IFR Traffic in an Uncontrolled Pattern
If you can get all the aviation weather data you need online, do you really need to know how to contact Flight Service on the radio? It depends on who you ask. I say yes. A Flight Service agent can save time and point you in the right direction. An agent can quickly sift through … Contacting Flight Service; Searching for IFR Traffic in an Uncontrolled Pattern Read More »...
Aug 30, 2016•32 min
Making Mistakes on the Aircraft Radio
In this episode, we’ll talk about why you make mistakes on the radio and what it says about your performance as a pilot. I think my analysis will surprise you (in a good way). Also, some pilots have asked interesting questions about the details of reporting your position in an uncontrolled airport pattern. Just when … Making Mistakes on the Aircraft Radio Read More »...
Jun 21, 2016•21 min
Aircraft Color in Place of Call Sign is a Bad Idea
“Town and Country Traffic, red and white Skyhawk, 4-mile final, Runway One Seven, Town and Country.” “Town and Country Traffic, blue and white Warrior, turning base, Runway One Seven, Town and Country.” “Town and Country Traffic, red and white Skyhawk, final, Runway One Seven, Town and Country.” Do you think saying your aircraft’s color scheme … Aircraft Color in Place of Call Sign is a Bad Idea Read More »...
Apr 24, 2016•14 min
Common Traffic Advisory Frequencies and ATC as Customer Service
This edition of the Radar Contact Show consolidates the previous 3 articles about using a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) and about ATC as customer service organization. If you would rather read about CTAF, you can find the full articles using these links. How to Select and Use the Correct Common Traffic Advisory Frequency It’s … Common Traffic Advisory Frequencies and ATC as Customer Service Read More »...
Apr 10, 2016•20 min
What ATC’s ‘Make Closed Traffic’ Clearance Means
“Cessna 9130 Delta, Pensasoda Tower, make right closed traffic. Runway 11, cleared for takeoff.” What has ATC just authorized you to do? More importantly, what has ATC not authorized you to do? The answers are not as straight-forward as you would think. You have declared an emergency with ATC. Then, it occurs to you. You … What ATC’s ‘Make Closed Traffic’ Clearance Means Read More »...
Feb 28, 2016•18 min
We’d Be Thrilled If You Simply Used Your Call Sign!
I’ve spent a lot of time at this website talking to you about how to format your call sign when transmitting on the radio. While focusing on tiny details, I failed to recognize the bigger problem. Many pilots do not even use their call sign when talking to ATC. Time to slay that dragon. There … We’d Be Thrilled If You Simply Used Your Call Sign! Read More »...
Jan 18, 2016•17 min
Air Traffic Control Tips, Goodies, and Presents
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, or if you prefer, Seasonally Adjusted Greetings. I come bearing gifts of good cheer, ATC tips, techniques, and other goodies. Normally, I’d tell you what’s in store for this edition of Radar Contact. Instead, slip off the ribbon, tear away the wrapping paper and look inside. Show Notes: Rudolf is fully … Air Traffic Control Tips, Goodies, and Presents Read More »...
Dec 23, 2015•12 min
Aviation Headsets < $400: What We Know So Far
The results of the survey about aviation headsets costing less than $400 are in. The survey asked, is there an economical headset that feels good on the head, provides good audio quality, and holds up over time? The answer in this week’s show. Questions asked in reader and listener email “Tiring of hearing “tally … Aviation Headsets Read More »...
Nov 25, 2015•12 min
When to Make Position Reports in an Uncontrolled Airport Traffic Pattern
Radar Contact is back! In the first show after a months-long break, we’ll talk about when to make position reports in an uncontrolled pattern. You may think you already know the answer, but if you look at the confusing mess in the Aeronautical Information Manual, your confidence may be shaken. No matter. I’ll give you … When to Make Position Reports in an Uncontrolled Airport Traffic Pattern Read More »...
Nov 10, 2015•29 min
NextGen Air Traffic Control and You
In this month’s edition of the Radar Contact Show we are going to look at how the FAA’s NextGen version of air traffic control will affect you. We’ll also look at what it means to be off your assigned altitude and what to do if ATC calls you out for being off altitude. I’ll tell you the real … NextGen Air Traffic Control and You Read More »
Jun 24, 2015•26 min
Caution Wake Turbulence for the Departing Boeing 757
“Cessna 9130D, caution wake turbulence for the departing Boeing 757, Runway 25, cleared for takeoff.” Gulp! Never fear, ATC is here to protect you against the hazards of wake turbulence. No kidding. ATC uses very specific rules to help you remain clear of wake turbulence. We’ll look at those rules and how to work within … Caution Wake Turbulence for the Departing Boeing 757 Read More »...
May 02, 2015•17 min
Shaky Emergencies and Cranky Air Traffic Controllers
Hey Air Traffic Control, I think I might have a big problem but I’m not declaring an emergency. Standby for further information. In today’s show we are going to discuss aircraft problems that fall into gray areas. We’ll discuss how to break through the fog of indecision and determine whether you need to declare an … Shaky Emergencies and Cranky Air Traffic Controllers Read More »...
Mar 12, 2015•33 min
Aircraft Position Reports
Reporting your position on the radio, while in an uncontrolled airport pattern, is a little bit like playing a game of Marco Polo. Other pilots in the pattern rely on your timely and accurate reports to help maintain awareness of your position. Miss a required report or state your position incorrectly and you’ve instantly become … Aircraft Position Reports Read More »...
Feb 03, 2015
How to Work with ATC Around Class B and Other Closed Airspace
If you are a pilot who hates to work with ATC because you feel doing so would restrict your flying freedom, I’ve got surprising news for you. Working with ATC can actually lighten your load and help you enjoy your flight. This is especially true when you have to fly around Class B and other airspace closed to VFR aircraft. … How to Work with ATC Around Class B and Other Closed Airspace Read More »...
Dec 14, 2014•29 min
Consequences of Declaring an Emergency with ATC
My airplane has a problem. A big problem. I think I can handle it. No, I’m sure I can handle it. Maybe I can handle it. Can I handle it? I’m not sure.I had better declare an emergency with ATC and get some help. But what if this turns out to be nothing? What if I … Consequences of Declaring an Emergency with ATC Read More »
Nov 27, 2014•29 min
Use ATC to Save Your Life
Daher-Socata TBM-850. Source: fr.wikipedia.orgEarlier this month, a single-engine turboprop aircraft crashed into the ocean near Jamaica. Early indications are the airplane’s cabin pressurization system failed and the pilot lost consciousness due to hypoxia. The plane continued flying on autopilot until fuel ran out and the engine quit. Could ATC have helped prevent this accident? The … Use ATC to Save Your Life Read More »...
Sep 22, 2014•25 min
When to Not Respond to ATC (Really!)
See no ATC. Hear No ATC. Speak no ATC. As pilots we are trained to respond to ATC each and every time ATC talks to us. Did you know there are times when you should not talk to ATC? It’s true. In this 40th edition of Radar Contact, you and I will cover those times … When to Not Respond to ATC (Really!) Read More »
Jun 01, 2014•18 min
Timing is Everything in ATC Communication
Two people speaking to each other at the same time does not communication make. It’s true in a face-to-face encounter and it’s true when trying to communicate with ATC. When 2 pilots try to transmit at the same time, the result is just a bunch of noise on the radio. In this show, we are … Timing is Everything in ATC Communication Read More »...
Apr 08, 2014•22 min
Control Tower Options
“Dice right, ice cream, alert, 654 Jose. . . Brown Richmond 96 double . . . hut hut!” What?! I’ll give you a hint: Football and air traffic control. Here’s another hint: trying to understand Tower’s instructions does not have be painful if you know what is coming next. If that still doesn’t make any … Control Tower Options Read More »
Mar 15, 2014•23 min
What Was That Tower Controller Thinking?
My article, “Walk the Talk” is in the March issue of Flight Training magazine. Pilot (calling Tower): “Cessna 9130 Delta, request left closed traffic.” Tower: “Cessna 9130 Delta, make right closed traffic. Report a midfield right downwind.” Pilot: “Cessna 9130 Delta, right closed traffic. We’ll report a midfield right downwind.” Then, talking to himself, “What’s … What Was That Tower Controller Thinking? Read More »...
Feb 20, 2014•17 min
How to Land at the Wrong Airport with ATC Help
Proximity of Clark Downtown (Taney County) Airport to Branson Airport, Missouri. Last week a listener wrote to tell me about an incident in which a general aviation aircraft landed at the wrong airport. He said this reminded him of other incidents in which airplanes ended up landing at the wrong airport. He asked me what … How to Land at the Wrong Airport with ATC Help Read More »...
Jan 15, 2014•21 min
Voice Activated Flying
Cessna 9130, move rook to King 1. I’m afraid I can’t do that Dave. Air traffic control is voice-activated flying. Don’t believe me? Consider this. You’re about to enter a tower-controlled airport pattern. Tower says, “Cessna 9130 Delta enter a right base, Runway 36.” In response, you fly towards the entry point for a right … Voice Activated Flying Read More »...
Jan 06, 2014•22 min
Sterile Cockpit Means Quiet!
“Shhh! I’m trying to use the phone radio” Borrowed from “Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure.” In this week’s show, we are going to talk about something called sterile cockpit and how it helps you communicate with ATC. No, Paul Reubens, aka Pee Wee, will not be making an appearance, but we can learn something from … Sterile Cockpit Means Quiet! Read More »
Nov 20, 2013•24 min
Radar Contact: Airport Traffic Pattern Position Reports
This photo has nothing to do with this article. A photo of an A-10 just increases the overall quality of the website. You are approaching an uncontrolled airport traffic pattern and you need to know where other pilots are in the traffic pattern. How do you get that information? Two ways. You call on the … Radar Contact: Airport Traffic Pattern Position Reports Read More »...
Oct 09, 2013•20 min
Radar Contact 32: Finding Your Way to Talk to ATC
Round dial versus glass. Boeing 767-300 (top) and Boeing 767-400 (bottom). Learning to talk to air traffic control on the radios can be tough. Learning to talk to ATC on the radios while learning to fly a new airplane is even harder. Learning to talk to ATC, while learning to fly a new airplane, in … Radar Contact 32: Finding Your Way to Talk to ATC Read More »...
Sep 13, 2013•29 min
How to Switch from Approach to Tower Control
“Chestnut 372 Victor Charlie, you’re six miles north of the airport. Contact Propinquity Tower on 119.6.” That is how the switch from Approach Control to Tower Control should sound. Does it always happen that way? We’ll rip it apart in this week’s show and see what the pieces tell us. Last time in our story, … How to Switch from Approach to Tower Control Read More »...
Jul 30, 2013•23 min
Land and Hold Short, Kimosabi
Hi-yo Silver! In this week’s show we are going to saddle up with the Lone Ranger and break out a lasso, I mean, LAHSO. I know, we should quit horsing around and get down to business. We’ve got masked heroes on horseback; we’ve got fireworks and exploding software; we’ve got your question of the week. … Land and Hold Short, Kimosabi Read More »
Jul 10, 2013•15 min
FAA to Pilots: Know the Radio Standard Phraseology
This episode discusses the FAA's proposed changes to pilot certification standards, emphasizing the importance of using standard radio phraseology. It explores the challenges of enforcing these standards among experienced pilots and provides guidance on radio procedures in Terminal Radar Service Areas (TRSAs). The episode also addresses common unprofessional radio communication habits and introduces a new workbook for improving radio skills.
Jun 23, 2013•21 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast