15 Ways to Instantly Get Better Talking to ATC

Talking with air traffic control (ATC) can be very intimidating, especially at first. It can sound like a foreign language if you aren't used to it, but once you understand the cadence and what to expect, it really doesn't have to be complicated.
I'm based at one of the busiest single runway airports in the country and have been flying in and out of Class B for quite a while now. What was at first very intimidating has now become very manageable and really fun.
In this video are 15 actionable tips you can implement today that will increase your confidence, proficiency, and skill with ATC communications.
Corresponding article at Airplane Academy (including links for products to record your ATC communications, as mentioned in the video): airplaneacademy.com/13-atc-co...
Read more aviation tips, tricks, and FAQs at airplaneacademy.com
My bio here: airplaneacademy.com/charlie-g...
Music by Joakim Karud / joakimkarud
Looking for 1:1 help? Check out airplaneacademy.com/hire-charlie and we can talk anything aviation or entrepreneurship related.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Hey guys! I wanted to let you know I just launched an "Insiders" Newsletter where once a week I'm sharing an important lesson I've learned in aviation, links to my latest content so you don't miss out, and links to any other interesting or helpful content I've found. I'm also working on a HUGE project I can't announce yet but I'm going to be sharing more behind the scenes info with Insiders first - Subscribe (it's free) at: airplaneacademy.com/insiders

[@richardsmart2923]

As a former ATC, I just want to say this is excellent. I think all new pilots should watch this video.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you that means a bunch! Glad it is helpful.

[@peyt_ace5618]

I’m watching it rn lol

[@keithhoward9238]

I will always work to improve my radio skillz! Thanks for your understanding from a Low time pilot.

[@AjaySingh.1003]

My voice test is in two days for becoming an atc please suggest anything

[@richardsmart2923]

@@AjaySingh.1003 Take a deep breath and stay as calm as possible. Good luck.

[@garysgroundschool4739]

ATC : “N550MG turn left heading 330, maintain 6,000” Me : “No”

[@agillespie3]

One of the first things I learned about talking to controllers. And the first thing I teach my students. "It's push to talk, not push to think".

[@mooseknuckle_4474]

Who is the poor soul that thumbed this video down and who hurt you? As always, excellent content my man.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much, man! Really appreciate you saying that and your support!

[@thegood9]

Meeting an ATC and watching what they do in the tower and station is a GREAT thing to do to allow you to think of them as "people", so I would recommend that highly to everyone intimidated or frustrated by them.

[@davidleg]

I have been flying jets for 28 years and I think your tips are right on the money , are you sure you are not an airline pilot under cover 😄👍. Great job

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Hey thanks so much for saying so!

[@clintgault3078]

Great video for all of us training to be pilots. Great tips, great advice, good video sir! Thank you!!

[@techdoc99]

Thank you for this. In my 20 years of flying I’ve not heard it broken down so effectively!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you I really appreciate that and am glad you found it helpful!

[@ronaustin4839]

Thank you from a 67 year old “New Student Pilot”. Excellent information!!!!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Awesome! Glad you found it helpful and pumped you are learning to fly! Don't be a stranger, keep us posted.

[@acrosby2117]

Listening to ATC Live before you go to an unfamiliar airport is a excellent tip. I flew out of North Las Vegas Airport once and they used local expressions like "Spaghetti Bowl", "Flamingo Drive" and "the golf course" which were totally foreign to me. I had to say "unfamiliar with the area" to get vectors. Now if I am going to an unfamiliar airport, I'll listen to ATC for that airport to get a few clues.

[@Ninja-qm8bp]

Dude, you should have 100k more subscribers! Quality content!!!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks for saying that. I really appreciate it! -Charlie

[@lowifrles9813]

Agree totally. This will be a successful channel. Great content.

[@JonFinnguitar]

Love this! I’m a low-time student pilot. It’s my goal to get VFR private pilot rated. I know I can do it, but it’s challenging in so many ways. You’re another great example of how the GA community is generous and helpful!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks Jon, glad it was helpful. You got this!!

[@keithhoward9238]

Jon, we are on the same path of acquiring our PPL. It is a journey like no other.

[@stevenwomack9574]

I've just discovered this channel after twenty years out of the cockpit. I'm a rusty pilot taking dual to get current again and pass a biennial. You're videos are incredibly valuable and you, sir, are a treasure.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks Steven! Really nice comment and I'm really glad you've found the content useful. Thanks for watching! Keep us posted on your progress... excited for you.

[@dvsmotions]

Recording or using ATC Live is a huge benefit to student pilots and even seasoned pilots. This has helped me many times because when you are a student, you are nervous and don't remember your screw ups. Very important to debrief your comms. It helps a lot.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Totally agree!

[@ibrokeygstrang]

Thank you for this! This is one of the most helpful discussions on this that I've yet seen. Improving radio work is one of my priorities at the moment. I'm learning to fly in class C under a class B, so intimidating!

[@Turk-tf6vp]

I've watched a few of your videos over the past couple weeks. This one is getting you the follow. Thank you so much. it almost seems like some ATC take it as a competition to see how fast they can talk. That's terrifying as a student pilot.

[@frankloy2701]

Great video! I had 34 years as a career Air Traffic Controller and have flown as a private pilot SEL/ Instrument. This is a very helpful, practical video. I feel the most important thing is ATC is part of the flying team. Most of the controllers I worked with just wanted each flight to be successful whether VFR or IFR.

[@paullthomas8064]

Just getting started....Thank You!

[@jeffreyvanhorn1996]

I haven’t even started ground school, but this is SO well done! Just excellent. You are very articulate, very well spoken (intentionally redundant so you’ll believe me), and simply gifted in how you communicate content. Again, well done, and thank you so much. For any thumbs-down you get, just toss them onto the idiot pile, because they are idiots.

[@lenflier3826]

“Being a pilot is all about continuous learning.” Thanks for that. I’m going to keep that at the heart of my identity as a pilot.

[@christianbiedenharn228]

Couldn’t have found a more perfect video... Currently finish my private at Addison after initially only flying pilot controlled airports. Total culture shock and a little intimidating, but really enjoying the process and school here at American Flyers. Going straight into my instrument afterwards. Glad to have stumbled across you page👍🏼

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Awesome! I'm based at KADS so maybe I'll see you around. American Flyers is a great school I got my private and instrument there (at KADS).

[@christianbiedenharn228]

Airplane Academy right on! I’ll be the one fuddling the comms hahaha

[@LukWynants]

Great insides, they definitly will help me to learn ATC and comprehend all that busy stuff, many thanks!

[@deandoan3672]

Such great support friend, thank you!

[@shyammohabir8283]

This is a must watch video for ALL new pilots who wants to master Radio Communication with ATC! A "Text Book" introduction to communication! Because of this video, I'm following you .. rich honest content with no BS! .. AND IT's FREE!!!! Thanks for Sharing!

[@pattieduffy4992]

Great tips. Thank you.

[@just4stringsnme]

This is amazing man, thank you. Indeed, what I'm most concerned about is rattling off taxi instructions and so on back to ATC once I get there in training.

[@taissawoods3359]

Thanks for the great video!

[@chrissugden3876]

Mindset, motivation, methodology! Thank you!

[@nickagapion1925]

Just found this channel, but I’m glad I did. This is some underrated stuff. Great tips. Keep it up!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate it!

[@fernandocastro78-NUSHS]

Hi Charlie, non pilot here. Absolutely loved your video! As an enthusiast, I follow some aviation channels. Even though I don't have too much trouble communicating in another language (I'm native Brazilian), ATC intrigued me the most as something I'd freak out if I was to get a PPL. Your video brings a whole new perspective for anyone who's intimidated with that. It runs circles on most other advice out there. Totally enjoyed the video without missing a single word. Good job, well done! Greetings from Brazil!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate the compliment and am glad that you found it helpful! ATC is daunting at first but I PROMISE it gets easier with time and repetition. Like I said, it went from being the thing I was most intimidated by to one of the things I most enjoy.

[@EmilyTienne]

Subscribed. You are a natural teacher.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate that and glad to have you as a subscriber!

[@TruthTime-bs9ni]

Agreed. You are the captain of your vessel/plane etc. U R in control. Aviate. Navigate Communicate. Great analysis.

[@knoxflier5171]

The best video for ATC communications advice I have seen, and I’ve seen a lot. Great job! I have subscribed, keep up the great work!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much, that means a lot! Glad to have you with us.

[@maritestaylor8458]

Back again one of my favorite video.

[@mattwatling8042]

Great vid!! Thanks for the useful tips! Subscribed!!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Nice!! Glad to have you as a subscriber!

[@subsoar5734]

4:17 is one of my favorite tips - i use a network called PilotEdge that allows you to simulate on a live network with real trained ATC, and all transmissions are recorded and posted. this is such a cool resource i really love.

[@RaymondCore]

I flew in and out of Addison Airport a couple of dozen times in 2018 and, though it can get hectic, ATC was very proficient and helpful. My hat is off to them. Really good, well put together, informative video, thank you.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Sure thing! Glad you enjoyed.

[@alandonn8031]

Very helpful!

[@michaelwilliamsd.o.5006]

Excellent job thx

[@joeellis5766]

Student pilot here. Thanks so much for your videos. As of today I have a grand total of 30 hours and your videos perfectly supplement what instructor has been teaching me. Shout out to Christina at Leopard Aviation in Arizona.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

I'm so glad!! Keep me posted on your progress!

[@mauricecayon8529]

Great video and great tips keep up the great work!!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you!!

[@mypasswordistommy]

Great video. I liked tip one. The section he is referring to is FAR/AIM 4-2-1 through 4-2-14. Or find the page by looking in the index for exactly what he said: "radio communications phraseology and techniques"

[@tolgatuncay]

Thank you for this! 🙏✈️

[@zerohero6602]

Excellent video! Thanks for this

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Sure thing! Glad you enjoyed!

[@povyouarefunnyvalentine5802]

Love that he is talking through the headset mic so student pilots can get more use to the sound of it. When I first put on the headset it was a bit hard to understand, It would have been very useful if I had listened to something like this in the beginning to get more use to it.

[@michepriest]

Excellent information and examples. I’ve recently started pursuing my PPL. I can already see coming back to this video multiple times. Thanks for sharing

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Congratulations!! So glad the video is helpful.

[@MrAdamNTProtester]

Thanks that was an excellent video- really informative, well presented & covered pretty much everything- subscribed!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed!

[@reltney20]

Pilots, remember. ATC is there because of you. You actually control them. They are there to help you around their area. You can fly without ATC, ATC can’t operate without you so there is no reason to be intimidated by ATC. They are at your service so keep that in mind and it will help you talk with them. Good job with this vid.

[@AthreyaDynasty]

By far , THIS is the best! Thank you.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

So glad you think so! Thank you!

[@jamieb8046]

Another very useful video - you explain things very well giving examples. Thank you!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

I'm so glad to hear! Thank you so much.

[@Know-Way]

Brilliant! Well Done.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! :)

[@fabricationhintstipsmisc6192]

Helpful video.... Flight training is going to have me doing take offs and landings at a controlled airport this coming week.... You are easy to listen to! Thanks!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you and I'm glad you found it helpful! When you do your practice this week, consider announcing to the tower that you're a student pilot. They are on your team, don't worry!

[@AB-dm8nt]

Just over 700 hours over the last 25 years, and continuing to learn every time I go. This vid is straight money, Charlie. Thank you. I’ll be sending this to all my other pilot friends to help them either get more comfortable or teach their students. Thanks for taking the time and effort to put all this together in a digestible format.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Wow! Thanks for the compliment and glad you found the video helpful!

[@lowifrles9813]

Charlie, your channel WILL be successful, because the content is excellent. I am a Commercial, Multi, Instrument Pilot with 1200 hrs, and took a hiatus for 8 years. It has been a beat down to get proficient again. This is great info for mid time pilots too. I have an Aztec. Would fly with you anytime. At 16X

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Congratulations on getting back into it, and I'm sure that can be a lot of work to regain the proficiency. It will come! I'll keep my ears open for any Aztecs on ATC since you're just right up the road from KADS :)

[@jamesflies4428]

Like the tips, lots of help there for folks who struggle with radio communications. I'd like to throw a couple of suggestions out there: 15 tips may be a little too much for one video. Might be worth breaking into controlled/uncontrolled or maybe make the tips a little shorter to explain? I did find my mind wandering a little bit during the video and had to kind of re-familiarize myself with the topic you were talking about. Also, don't know if I missed it or not, but doing a tower visit is part of the private curriculum with my instructor. We hit one of the class D spots nearby on a busy day and call them up. Definitely helps students realize they're just people and not the voice of god. Nothing take the anxiety out of talking to someone on the radio when you've met them and they're hanging out in shorts and a t-shirt! Keep up the good work and keep fine-tuning your videos!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks for the comment! A tower visit is a great idea. I should have added that... I took a tour of the Addison tower (KADS) and it was really eye-opening to look at their radar so I can understand what they are seeing when I'm talking to them. Great advice.

[@kimheran]

You made it sound soooo EASYYY!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Thank u for this

[@AndrewWiester]

Fantastic content, thank you so much!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks, man! I really appreciate that.

[@JBAutomotive794]

Charlie, i can't thank you enough for making the content you do.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! I really appreciate it and am glad you enjoy the channel.

[@denniswoods7412]

Thank You, New student Pilot this information helps.

[@benelkins2510]

You are so helpful.

[@willlewis9194]

Again, so great Charlie! Another lesson under my belt. Mumbai --> Queretaro Mexico in 2 weeks, PPL begins, so excited!

[@jackliebenow4414]

I have not flown in about 25 years and want to fly again. Listening to this is so awesome and informative. Thank you.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks Jack, I'm glad it is helpful! Hope you can get back into it soon!

[@maureencook4146]

Student pilot here training at a non-towered airport. This is, hands down, THE BEST video on learning how to talk to ATC. Thank you SO much. ✈

[@bradleyworch6742]

I wish you luck, enjoy your check ride.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks Maureen! Glad it was helpful!

[@theshawnlee1]

Great advice, thanks!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nickpatel7880]

Great video for beginner. Thanks for making videos

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Sure thing! Glad you found it helpful!

[@johnraymond7189]

Brilliant Charlie. Thanks.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed!

[@joshuaems1848]

Fantastic video. Thank you for this.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@pushing2throttles]

All good tips. As a CFI, I endorse this video. I hope the student pilots in your audience learned and had some good takeaways. I liked, especially liked that is, that safety was the underlying message in all 15 tips. I'll cosign this and I'll tell you something else... Student pilots ought to understand that it's not a competition between the pilots and controllers. ATC cares about safety. Pilots should care about safety and we're not in competition with anyone. Relax and learn. A good pilot is compelled to evaluate what's happened so he can apply what he's learned (viper from top gun, but it's the best line in the movie and such a poignant message that it's worth quoting). Blue up, brown down and be kind. Good job on the video!!!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Hi Gibran - thanks for your comment and endorsement! Means a lot. I agree with all of your points here. Remembering that pilots and ATC are on the same team is a great point. It's easy to forget that point if you're operating out of fear of messing up, or fear of getting called out by a controller, etc.. Safety of flight is (and should be) everyone's first priority!

[@jogowing5993]

Thanks, Charlie! I've been struggling with my calls, and this is some really good advice. A bigger part of my trouble, though, is figuring out how to change my radio frequencies while I'm flying. It's easy enough when I'm on the ground, so I try to get everything preset before I take off. But there are so many buttons and knobs that's it's really confusing when I have to dial in new frequencies while I'm trying to fly. I wish they were color coded or marked less vaguely.

[@geeflat]

All good stuff. All great advice. Thanks.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! Glad you think so. :)

[@AhmedAdel-ub8yy]

I think I just found my instructor. 😊. Well done sir.

[@JonMulveyGuitar]

Excellent tips! I recently stumbled over my first departure call to tower at KLGB. And realized it is a lot to think about all at once! haha! Pilot Edge!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks and hope it helps! It can be a lot at first. It gets a lot easier with time and practice.

[@jdjd256]

Charlie, Thank you for 15 tips and putting this video. Simply Awesome tips and inputs. Thank you for giving confidence and boost! - Student Pilot

[@martiansonmaui1749]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Sure thing! Glad you enjoyed!

[@EmberHarrington]

Thank you so much for this.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Sure thing, glad you enjoyed!

[@royd7984]

Thank you for an honest and practical video. Excellent

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Sure thing! Glad it was helpful!

[@airforcedad7398]

This was well presented. I like your thoughtful organization and direct delivery. Extremely helpful. Great job. - Student Pilot at a towered airport - very relatable.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@AFmedic]

We all know the importance of "maintaining situational awareness" and Tip #3 is an aspect of that. Taking a few seconds to listen right after turning on the radio brings you "up to speed" as to what's happening around you.

[@JohnSmith-bc1pe]

Genuine video instructional at its best! -student pilot. Subscribed.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Glad to have you as a subscriber!!

[@Interstellr]

this helped me a lot talking to atc thank you and i subbed

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Awesome! I'm so glad to hear that. Pumped to have you as a subscriber.

[@philipmessedger481]

Discovered your channel a few days ago, through your near-miss steep mountain landing debrief. I’m « just » a simmer, ok, so far. I just want to do things as seriously as I would irl, and as I would be expected to. Your videos are a bliss.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Hi Philip - good to hear from you in the comments again. Glad you're finding the content useful! Thanks for chiming in.

[@tconsing]

Excellent tips! Thank you very much!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Glad they were helpful! Thank you so much.

[@wagnercorrea8609]

thanks a lot!

[@KyleD237]

Finishing my IFR rating now. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who got intimidated by the approach. Thanks for being honest.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Awesome and congrats. Thanks for saying so... yes that approach clearance always threw me for a loop until I realized it was the same cadence each time! Still a lot to read back but it kind of clicked for me conceptually at what they were communicating.

[@treylem3]

👍

[@royd7984]

Excellent and practical advice. Thanks

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Sure thing! Glad you found it helpful.

[@razorsharpbt124]

This is a very helpful video. Thank you!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Sure thing! Glad you enjoyed.

[@treylem3]

Great advice/tips, thank you. Ultralight pilot planning to transition to LSA

[@robertstrauss5117]

Great tips, thank you!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Glad they were helpful!

[@gabyroberts9601]

Thanks i love the app very good

[@letoleroi9471]

Cool explanation! Thank you for it!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Sure thing! Glad you enjoyed.

[@mmcalifornia8600]

Thank you, this video is excellent!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much - glad it was helpful!

[@ricp]

great video!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!

[@pirica2800]

Subbed because of this! Great great content! 💯

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Awesome! Excited to have you as a subscriber. Thank you!

[@josephsener420]

Some really great work in your videos.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you!!

[@taissawoods3359]

Thanks so much for the ATC live app share. I'm finding very helpful resources on Playstore.

[@sabrinahikesaz9348]

Thank you as a current student pilot at a very busy class d airport the ATC controller(s) speaks really fast , due to regional flights and multiple flight schools out of that airport. making and the speed of communication that is happening really intimidating. So I’m watching videos to better my communication skills and you really helped a lot with some very insightful tips! Thank you Charlie! During the morning listen to KIWA tower so much is happening here!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you found it helpful! I actually have a friend who used to flight instruct out in that area and he said it was NUTS! So I believe you!

[@danieltaylor4819]

Listening before you talk is good advice, even if you're NOT flying a plane.

[@AviatingAround]

Hey thanks for the video man! I’m a new student pilot (7 flights in) and so far gotta ask my instructor what to say for every call, this helped a ton!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Hi Elliott - glad you found it useful! Don't worry, I had to do the same thing (I distinctly remember my instructor in the super cub telling me to call a 45 entry to left downwind when I was 14 years old in my first lessons and that blew my mind and I could never remember what to say). It gets so much easier over time with patience and practice! Stick with it!

[@snowgoose52]

Thanks!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks a bunch!

[@chrisjavier1767]

Thank you so much for this!!!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Sure thing!