90% of Private Pilot Air Traffic Control in One Flight | ATC Basics

Talking to Air Traffic Control (ATC) can be an intimidating part of becoming a pilot, but it doesn't have to be scary if you know what to expect. In this one flight I wanted to demonstrate the vast majority of what kinds of ATC encounters you'll have as a VFR private pilot. Really it comes down to knowing what to expect and communicating clearly, and most transmissions just involve saying who you are, where you are, and what you would like to do. I hope this flight helps boost your confidence level talking to ATC and also shows you that if you mess up (like I did), it's still going to be okay!
I hope this video encourages you in your aviation journey!
Video chapters:
0:00 - Air Traffic Control is Easier Than You Think
0:30 - Our Demonstration Flight
0:45 - ATIS Weather
1:38 - VFR Flight Following (From the Ground)
2:20 - Taxi Instructions
3:15 - VFR Flight Following Instructions
3:52 - Towered Airport Departure
4:44 - Regional Departure + Class B
7:15 - Approaching Non-Towered Airport
8:30 - Landing & Taxi Back Non-Towered Airport
9:16 - Departing Non-Towered Airport
10:06 - En Route
10:56 - Preparing for Arrival
11:34 - Crossing Over Non-Towered Airport
11:58 - Contacting Regional Approach
12:49 - My Mistake
13:28 - Handing Off to Tower
14:03 - Landing Towered Airport
15:00 - Ground Control
15:10 - Tips from an Air Traffic Controller
I want to help you become a pilot and own your own airplane. Learn more at airplaneacademy.com
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

[@Shacklelord_]

I just passed my Private Pilot check-ride today! Your videos have done a lot for me while learning, and played a big part in inspiring me to get started. Thanks for all your hard work, I wouldn’t be here without you!

[@mfkp]

Congrats!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

So awesome... CONGRATS! Thanks for the kind words and I'm glad I could help in a tiny way!

[@pilotguy8685]

Congrats!

[@kelly16williams17]

Congrats, I am working on mine now

[@nea273]

The problems isn't talking to tower. The problem is repeating what tower said.

[@TimAyro]

What I tell my students is don't make it complicated. Say the exact same thing back, know the things you can drop like wind and altimeter. Read back the important part, and then end it in your call sign. Some students will respond starting with their callsign, and just that little delay in readback makes them forget everything. When you respond, callsign last.

[@Clipper_EBS]

Now, think about of a foreigner arriving in the US for 1st time. Even if you speak a good English, you'll suffer.

[@terrylynnbayon24]

I wish Foreflight would have an option that we could connect our earphones thru our iPads running Foreflight and that every atc communication would come up “closed captioned” so we could read it back and mistakes would be minimal!

[@breadave]

I’m a rusty returning pilot. I have always found ATC communications to be just about the most challenging aspect of flying. Thank you for your very insightful video. Found it extremely helpful!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks David I'm glad! Don't worry, it gets easier with time, practice, and exposure. I promise everyone (including me) has felt the way you do. It gets better. Hang in there!

[@patriciagriffin3142]

I used to practice to controllers by pretending at home and practicing various scenarios.

[@CirrusSR20Pilot]

Da-yu-m Charlie. I fly around the SFRA and Class B of Washington DC (Potomac Tracon) and I thought our area was busy. I was sweating watching this video!! Great job and Fantastic Video!! Thanks!

[@omnibuildersnz]

this is my next lesson with cross countries 😀 starting to get the hang of it and confidence is rising 😅 so close now to ppl!!!

[@MozNugz]

just had my discovery flight and I'm hooked! signing up for my PPL! ATC chatter seems difficult but you make it look easy! thanks for the awesome content

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Congratulations and welcome to the world of aviation!!

[@AirSafetyInstitute]

Great video, Charlie! Thanks for taking us along for the ride. One quick tip: at 9:10 you say that you're "clear of the active". At non-towered airports, all runways are potentially active. Cheers!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks for the suggestion - old habits die hard!

[@AirSafetyInstitute]

@@AirplaneAcademy Ha we get you!

[@First_Emperor]

I am planning for flying lessons, your video helps a lot. Thank you.

[@jameshoward2997]

Great video! Very helpful.

[@jakew9887]

Great video. Thanks

[@Shaneepe1]

Enjoyed every minute! Nice landing ;)

[@kentd4762]

Thanks, Charlie! From my experience instructing, your humility and honest mistakes are great for students (and all pilots). Fly safe.

[@stevenburris969]

This is great. It's all about confidence. The way you handle the communications and anticipate what's coming is something I aspire to.

[@LawrenceBroussard]

I did part of my IFR in Fort Worth just to get comfortable with having to talk to someone all the time. I got to admit I never got comfortable writing all the information down, but that was a few years ago. I sure miss flying. Thanks for making this vlog.

[@jamieb8046]

Great Video!

[@donady341]

Charlie. Great info that I’m go8ng to make notes from and practice. Laid a bunch of stress to rest. Appreciate everything that you share. I’m a new PP.

[@alexandrnavumenka6049]

Thank you, great job

[@dwighttaylor5107]

Awesome video thanks.

[@moonman4670]

Good work buddy

[@Huber01]

Addison controllers are awesome. I had the pleasure of visiting their tower just the other day with some students and we had a blast. They're super understanding of the student traffic, and they were even asking us if they could do anything to improve their communication with the pilots. Great video!

[@PilotTeacher]

Great video Charlie!!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks Rick!

[@mfkp]

Amazing editing work on this one. Great video! 👏

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you!

[@RoscoeMcGillicuddy]

This video is super helpful, thanks!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Awesome, I'm glad!

[@timjustindodd]

Been watching a few of your videos and I’ve been learning a ton. GREATLY appreciate the production value and putting up so much stuff on screen to help keep up with what the towers saying. You got me to subscribe when I saw you after effect’s tracked words over the airport to show where it is… that’s what I’m talking about! The extra effort is appreciated and your knowledge and clear information is top notch! Keep up the great work!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank so much. Tons of work behind the scenes from graphics to reworking voiceovers to make them more clear, etc. etc. so I appreciate your nice words and am glad you've found it helpful!

[@jimmc2990]

Great video! Your explanations and relaxed demeanor is very instructive and helpful.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Appreciate the feedback and glad you enjoyed!

[@BradSeiler]

That ATIS was so slow and clear! I feel like my tower controllers have a contest to see who can talk the fastest! 😅

[@dr.jamesmunro]

Thanks so much for this and all of your other videos. You’re kind, encouraging, and inspirational in addition to being extremely informative. I have about 10 hours in the plane so far and so much more to learn. You’re helping me a ton. Thank you!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Hi Dr. Munro - thanks for that. So glad the videos could encourage you in some way. Rooting for you!

[@mad85123]

Subscribed! Thank you for this. Just started my PPL

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Awesome! Glad to have you as a subscriber! You've got this!

[@six_twentythree]

Great video. Handling the curveballs is kinda like improvising in jazz haha.

[@cactusforever7198]

You are great keep up your vlogs

[@Sven_protector]

Charlie, this is without doubt my favorite video of yours. It was easily the most practically helpful; I loved the style and pace; and I appreciated how honest you are with how the flight and radio calls go. Thank you sir.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks Ethan! Glad it was encouraging!

[@mikev1822]

Charlie, another great video!! You touched on many great points. Don’t worry about the wrong atis - I get it 20 times a day and more often times from airline pilots :) keep up the great work

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much, really appreciate it!

[@ohmygod1j]

Absolutely love watching your videos when you fly out of Addison since I’ve been training at Thrust. Hopefully I can bump into you or spot your Cessna one day!! Hoping to make KADS my home airport 😊

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Nice! If you see me there come say hello next time. KADS is a great place to learn

[@gregworthington7001]

Another great video Charlie. I’m a member of a flying club in a suburb of Cincinnati. We had a controller from Columbus ATC come in for a talk awhile back. He said they (ATC) would always prefer to be talking to us, even on a short flight. That way they know what we are doing and not just a blip on their radar screens. And, they can call out traffic.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks Greg! Good advice, and I think that's awesome you had him come talk to your group. We need more of that!

[@michaeldomanski2472]

First time I've seen your videos, what a great job you do in the production, professional speaking is above all, coupled with your teaching skills, knowledge and approachable attitude, you are at the top of my favorites. (huge help with pilotedge)

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks Michael! I really appreciate that and am glad you found the video helpful!

[@kolinwesthoff531]

Your video quality has increased by a ton….great work!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! Working on improving where I can

[@lhblack]

Great video Charlie! THANK YOU!! As a current student pilot, your videos are highly encouraging.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks Luke, glad you're finding the content helpful! Rooting for you.

[@patriciagriffin3142]

That was a perfect landing! I can’t fly anymore due to a severe skiing injury and so LOVE living vicariously through you as I watch you up there. You bring back wonderful memories (I tried to be a compulsively safe pilot too) I love that you are having fun. Thank you!

[@michaelmcmillan8877]

Microsoft flight simulator with VR. Close to the real thing.

[@JamieHigdon]

So happy I found your channel! I'm a student pilot in TN and about to do my solo to Class D airport so these are so freakin helpful! You explain everything perfectly, great instructor! I fly out of a non towered airport so ATC is still a bit intimidating for this old brain to catch everything, but I'm getting it! Thanks! God bless!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks Jamie, I'm glad it was helpful! You're not alone, don't worry. ATC is always intimidating at first. Good luck on your solo!

[@rlhay2]

I'm local to you and can't thank you enough for this one. About to embark on flight training and have been trying to get a grasp on the radio etiquette. This was most helpful!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Nice! Glad it was helpful! Excited for you to jump in.

[@hl6859]

Nice content and presentation! Student Pilot. Subbed!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoy the channel!

[@michaeljohndennis2231]

Flying into EIDW, EINN or any other major Irish airport would have the added complication of bad weather, especially if when flying VFR one ran into IMC and this is especially the case in the West of Ireland with EIKN or EIKY

[@glennwatson]

Phraseology suggestion incoming. "Departing the pattern to the north east" should be "departing to the north east". Two less words and just as precise since they know you are in the pattern. On busy CTAF very helpful to be precise

[@joelneuman2332]

Excellent teaching video. I will have my students watch your technique. Very clean, clear and succinct!! Bravo or should I say Classy Bravo.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks Joel! Glad you found it helpful!

[@JC-yb1fw]

Love it

[@davidrumbelow]

A former client of mine, an air traffic controller in Belgium started an English school for foreign pilots as some foreign pilots didn't speak or understand English too good. They had difficulty repeating back instructions.

[@cyberpilot717]

Got a question for you. If you're on flight following, does that allow you to fly thru a POTUS TFR or any other TFR? Just a bit curious. Found the answer at Pilot Mall. This might be a really good video topic for you. Can you fly through a TFR? Just because a TFR is in place for a given area, that does not always mean that the airspace within the TPR boundary is completely off-limits. In some cases, aircraft will be allowed to enter the TFR airspace if they abide by the designated restrictions and meet the specified requirements laid out in the NOTAM. The TFR airspace may have an inner and outer area with different restrictions. It is important for pilots to read the relevant NOTAM for the TFR airspace and comply with the operating restrictions and requirements. The NOTAM for the TFR will list the reason that the restriction is being implemented, for example “to provide a safe environment for fire fighting.” It will designate the type, in this case “Hazards,” and the operating restrictions and requirements “No pilots may operate an aircraft in the areas covered by this NOTAM (except as described).” If nothing else follows this restriction, then a pilot can safely understand that there are no exceptions and that they cannot fly through the TFR. Some TFRs specify that aircraft may fly in the TFR airspace provided that they meet certain requirements like being on an active flight plan, maintaining a discrete squawk code, and staying in two-way radio communications with ATC at all times while within the TFR airspace. This is more common with TFRs that designate an inner and outer ring of restricted airspace. Pilots may be able to transit the other ring providing they meet the requirements (usually “talking and squawking”) while the inner ring is completely restricted to participating aircraft along with law enforcement and military. In other cases, the NOTAM may leave the restrictions slightly more open by adding “unless authorized by ATC” to the restrictions and requirements information. In this case, if a pilot has a specific valid reason for needing to enter the TFR airspace, they can contact ATC and request permission to enter the airspace. This can get confusing, but a conversation with your FSS should help sort things out. If your VFR flight plan takes you near a TFR area, requesting flight following is another strategy that can help you to stay out of trouble and out of restricted air space.

[@zappatx]

Love your video making style!! Keep it up. Subscribed... And by the way - I "heard" class Bravo (Chicago) which has a ceiling of 10,000, I heard you can cross it at that altitude all day anytime w/o any notification.. Is that true?? (note: not a pilot yet but that just doesnt seem accurate to me)

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Awesome, glad to have you as a subscriber!

[@apivovarov2]

@12:18 I noticed that you holding your left hand on the yoke during the flight. In solo flight we should set the course and the desired altitude and let the autopilot to fly in order to unload the pilot from at least steering task.

[@kodyamos]

Addison Texas? I'm in Paris, just getting started!

[@motoguzzi7592]

I always have to think twice about back taxi and taxi back.

[@easybullet3]

Do large commercial fights identify themselves as their Flight Number? or Registration Number? or do they give something else?

[@favbal2450]

Just watching your video. I noticed you said one twenty four point three. Is that ok or were you supposed to say one two four point three?

[@yurimig253]

👏👏👏👏👏👏 Oscar of aviation lol. Yup training at a G space field no Oscar here 😂 that's alright you get an Oscar from tuber's....

[@NitronF117]

If you’re going to put up a link to another video at the end, it would be helpful if there was extra time in the video after the content to give people time to react. If you end the video abruptly, KZbin removes the video link and then I have to rewind to get it back.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks for the feedback, Liam! I'll remember that in the future

[@tinman8972]

In advance of the inevitable advancement to digital read-outs for ATC communications, how about we try to render radio communications less hurried and clearer? Many ATC clearances resemble an auctioneer's rant.

[@nurafya24]

Dumb question. What frequency for the traffic?

[@johnnunez17]

👍✈️🇺🇸

[@user-yb4vm1mw5u]

I hope technology make a great and clear mic or headset😢

[@TharunVignessh]

Foxtrat?? Whats that ?

[@MabrysDad]

My wife is a 100hr PP working on her IFR. Is there any chance I can buy her a flight with you and a $100 hamburger?

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Hi - thanks for the kind offer. I don't currently offer training but would like to once I get my CFI. Otherwise I've considered doing some group $100 hamburgers and see if anyone shows up. Stay tuned for more.

[@brandtbecker1810]

Personally, I got more out of the video by seeing the mistake - it just goes to show that the sun will still come up tomorrow (-:

[@mrdrivebytrucker]

I found this pretty confusing.

[@rackum44]

You call it a rookie move for saying Oscar instead of golf but hey we're all human and a mistake is a mistake she mistakenly said the wrong runway at first The main concern is everybody is safe

[@toddrichert2749]

If only any ATC, anywhere in the world spoke this speed and clearly .. they dont', anywhere, ever .. :(

[@powshredder3716]

this wasn't basic enough for me lol