Radio Operations
Aviation English
Aviation English is a set of short words or phrases that communicate information quickly and efficiently.
Most words or phrases are chosen because it can be difficult for people to hear words over a radio. Also, pilots and other personnel must quickly share information in order to 'free up' radio channels.
Acknowledge: Let me know that you have received and understood this message
Acknowledged: received and understood message
Affirm or affirmative: Yes
All Stations: addresses everyone on aviation radio
Break: indicates the separation between portions of the message
Cleared: authorized to proceed under conditions specified
Confirm: Have I received the following OR did you receive the message?
Correction: an error has been made in this transmission...proper transmission follows
Disregard: consider this transmission as not sent
Go Ahead: proceed with your message
How do you read?: what is the reliability of my transmission?
I say again: an expression used in radiocommunication meaning “I repeat for clarity or emphasis”
Mayday: An expression meaning “I am in distress”. Spoken three times means imminent and grave danger.
Mayday Relay: the spoken word for the distress relay signal
Monitor: listen
Negative: no, or that is not correct, or I do not agree
Out: conversation is ended and no response is expected
Over: my transmission is ended and I expect a response from you.
Pan Pan: urgency signal. Three times indicates a condition that is a safety concern to the aircraft
Read Back: repeat all or a specified part of the message to me exactly as received.
Read you 5-by-5: reading message OK. Read you loud and clear also used.
Roger: I have received all of your last transmission.
Roger Number “x”: I have received your message number ___________
Say again: an expression used to request a repetition of the last transmission.
Standby: I must pause for a few seconds or minutes. Please wait and I will call you.
Seelonce: expression to indicate that silence has been imposed on the frequency due to a distress situation
Seelonce Feenee: indicates the distress situation has ended.
Seelonce Mayday: expression to advise that a distress situation is in progress.
Wilco: Your instructions have been received, understood, and will be complied with.
Words Twice: is used when communication between ATC and a pilot is difficult, usually due to a language barrier. Basically, it means that you want the other person to say every phrase twice.
Devices and Registration
Multiple communication devices might be used during a flight. Also, aircraft, including RPAS devices, must be registered (with the exception of microdrones).
Phone: likely way you contact air traffic control. Radio should still be monitored.
Radios: most likely used in uncontrolled airspace
Registration Letters: painted on the tail of the aircraft, starts with CF or CG for registered aircraft, and RPAS for drones
Called Station: the controlling station in two way radio communications