11 Ways to Instantly Get Better Talking to ATC

[@AirplaneAcademy]

1) Aeronautical Information Manual** (Not "Airmen's" lol... I heard it). 2) I recently launched my Insiders Newsletter where once a week I send out an important aviation lesson I've learned, links to my latest content so you don't miss anything, and behind the scenes info. You can sign up (free) at AirplaneAcademy.com/insiders

[@johnopalko5223]

Another very useful phrase is, "Speak slower." It's very handy when you get a controller who was a tobacco auctioneer in a previous life.

[@shockwavegaming1376]

Lol, they should ban auctioneers from becoming ATC. Especially for us up and coming pilots.

[@kazflight]

Listening to LiveATC as a student is super helpful, it doesn't take much time. For myself, I started writing down everything I heard in short form (listening to my training airport) and then rewound to see what I got correct. About an hour or so of that everything started clicking in. Try not to be passive about it, writing as you listen really cements it. You'll notice a difference on your next flight.

[@shockwavegaming1376]

Good idea Kaz. I'll have to do that a time or two before I start my flight training in a couple weeks.

[@GitaBrown]

Great tip! thanks!

[@RoscoeMcGillicuddy]

Currently at work, so I haven't watched the entire video yet. So if you cover the following in this video, just ignore me. But one thing I do to brush up on ATC communications while I'm at work is I have ADS-BExchange up on my side monitor, centered around the local Class C airport. Then on my phone I pull up Live-ATC and tune into the Approach/Departure frequencies for that airport. I'm able to listen to ATC interact with pilots, and watch their progress. The map tells me roughly when I should be expecting to hear certain messages from ATC. It's even better on IMC days when I can listen to the approach and IFR clearances. Now, when I go up in IMC to do currency approaches, talking to ATC is not even a thought in my mind.

[@GT-ATC]

As a controller at a Core 30 airport... listen to everything this man has said.

[@alienmanfc6]

I used Plane English because the radios were the scariest part of learning to fly for me. I found it extremely helpful. They have well structures lessons and force you to speak out loud which really helps.

[@jaimeastin]

I just started a 6th month subscription. This for TNT feedback

[@luke.thedrifter2281]

My first time at a towered airport I let them know I was a student after a funky read back and the controllers were great about it.

[@shockwavegaming1376]

I'll remember CRAFT and RAFT. One thing I definitely want to master early on is being proficient on the radio. Keep up the good work.

[@stewsir]

You have a great way of communicating. It goes out well.

[@mikev1822]

Another awesome video!! Lots of great points covered! Just did some pilot/controller outreach this weekend and discussed comms in great detail. Speaking as a controller - we want to talk to you. Better talking to you knowing what your intentions are than guessing and trying to miss you.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Awesome!!

[@agarubberduck1165]

Thanks, Charlie. The PTAC tip finally made that radio call click for me.

[@andrewmaclean9810]

I’m training (just hit 30hrs) in a Class D directly under a class B shelf, within the Washington DC SFRA. It’s absolutely brutal sometimes. I’m in awe of ATC and how they’re able to somehow keep us all separated. Super helpful video, as always!

[@Steve-kj9tx]

what airport? I'm training out of KGAI, also under Class B and in the SFRA, but no tower. Flew to KFDK last week with CFI and that was my first towered experience. I REALLY need to work on my comms....

[@andrewmaclean9810]

@@Steve-kj9tx ahhh you're up near Germantown, I'm at KHEF, right next to KIAD. It's been a sturggle since day 1 to say the least haha

[@Steve-kj9tx]

@@andrewmaclean9810 Ah yeah, you're down south. I just figure if we can fly SFRA, we can probably fly anywhere! I'd rather train here and fly easier places than train in the middle of nowhere mid-west and be underprepared for more complex airspace

[@andrewmaclean9810]

@@Steve-kj9tx 100000%. Training here means there is literally not a single airspace we won't be ready for. I'm gonna be flying into Dulles w my instructor soon to test my metal so to speak! If given the opportunity I highly recommend challenging yourself to do it also!

[@Steve-kj9tx]

@@andrewmaclean9810 Definitely! My CFI mentioned flying into BWI, so that will be fun! I definitely need to work on my comms before then though

[@TomHoffmanJr]

Thanks!

[@ewamontoya6896]

Literally the BEST aviation KZbinr, thank you Charlie!!!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you, really appreciate that!

[@phillp7777]

yes yes... "Student Pilot" helps ya alot w ATC... used it too

[@jakew9887]

Excellent advice. Thanks

[@brentsheldon8667]

I definitely have enjoyed your content. Working on a purchase a 2007 cessna 182.

[@elbola-yl9ds]

Man, thanks for all your help. I just started training, and this has helped me a lot!

[@GaryV74DV]

Thanks for the helpful refresher ! "Student Pilot" really helped me back when I was first learning......."Rusty Pilot" may not be in the AIM but it's been well received by ATC especially when asking for a progressive taxi at larger airports.

[@corythomas3925]

Plane English is really good. I highly recommend it.

[@bethm3152]

Thank you for this video 💜

[@berniebrown9115]

You are my favorite teacher. Thanks for your help

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! Really appreciate that and glad you enjoy the channel.

[@vincentb627]

This guy is excellent !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@utuberagain18]

I suggest listening to the “Opposing Bases” podcast too. It’s hosted by two guys who are both active ATC’s and pilots. It’s very, very informative and helpful.

[@michaelgarrow3239]

I learned to fly in San Diego airspace. My first solo cross country was down the coast over LAX. 😳

[@glennwatson]

For recent PPLs an alternative to student pilot is 'unfamilar', Nice thing about PTAC is its international, eg if you get a ILS clearance in Australia in controlled airspace it'll be in PTAC format.

[@xrey83]

My issue is terminologies I’m not familiar with. Recently learned “square your base after crossing a highway”. As a student at a non-towered airport, I’d hear terminologies used by instrument students and without a CFI, I’d be lost. So sure the basics make sense but as a newbie or a student, it’s still intimidating.

[@harvyk5003]

LiveATC is great. I'll listen to LiveATC for a good 15 to 20 minutes before driving to the airport on fly days. Whilst I'm still a student pilot, it still gives me an idea what to expect in way of air traffic, and who I may be sharing the circuit with. Side note, my local airport is an international airport. I routinely share the airspace with B737 / A320's, had a B767 the other week, and A330's / B777's / B747's are not common, but not uncommon either. Makes me feel very small in my C172 when flying around the big boys.

[@1shARyn3]

Talking is #4 on the ANICS priority list

[@WingAndAPrayer-RedBird]

Super helpful. Thank youl

[@OG-Productions]

I play MSfs on vatsim so this video is extremely helpful.

[@sircrapalot9954]

If you want to get more serious with ATC I recommend PilotEdge. It isn’t free, but the experience is much more realistic. I use it to keep up proficient on my instrument flying skills.

[@LoganEakins]

I'm struggling with PTAC right now. Didn't know it was PTAC...it was long and intimidating and I always screwed it up. My IFR x-country is tonight and I'll be a little more prepared...

[@AshishBalajiR]

Good luck!

[@LRobichauxIV]

Best of luck!

[@phillp7777]

How many hrs TT u have now ? Yur a comm pilot? Are you a CFI ? Good vids channel thxx do more pls

[@jeffchapman8992]

Learned in Dallas class B airspace?! Wow. My boys' godfather is the one-and-only Eddie The Eagle Belfour, who, if you don't know won the Stanley Cup in 1999 with the Dallas Stars. I was down in Dallas ~9 months ago, with Ed, when he was inducted into the Dallas Stars Hall of Fame. Ed is also a passionate pilot as well. One day, ill introduce you. In fact, if you wish to do a special guest appearance episode to share others' stories of learning to fly, i imagine Ed would be more than happy to be on your roster. He's also the President of Belfour Spirits. Pretty unique success story. Your audience may find his story inspiring.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Wow, very cool!!

[@corvettedoc1]

This has be very helpful and perfect timing, I am about to do my towered solo and I just can't wrap my head around it all yet. 3 full-stop landings and pattern work. What the heck does "on the go" mean when the tower says cleared for takeoff runway 26 "on the go" make left closed traffic.........

[@Spiritbomber28]

On the go means what they want you to do after you take off

[@azcharlie2009]

I was going to say PTAC if you didn't. When I first heard an ATC guy talk about it, a little light went on in my head. It really structures what you need to repeat to them. Position does really matter to you, so you can throw that out. Just "Turn" to the heading he/she tells you, Maintain a certain "Altitude", and your "Clerance". That's it!

[@generaldvw]

Brilliant!

[@ericsr]

What tool do you use to overlay the iPad writing on your vids?

[@stephenherendeen2703]

I was terrified of ATC communications when i started a few months ago. I actually picked it up really quick. I still get mixed up when they talk really fast, say s9mething i havent heard before, or when the squelch is way off.

[@toddalligood5891]

I was hoping I wasn’t the only one that’s still saying “student pilot “ even after already having my ppl.

[@PapaRick68]

Great vid Charlie, Big mistake I made, my thumb missed the red button when I read back ATC instructions, I was severely chastised by the controller when they didn’t hear me, Dumb me…..

[@sebastiensimon1599]

Great tutorial video, thank you for everything you do for the community.

[@fredmcculley9501]

😊😅 I'm here in Kansas and then route to go see Lena Garner

[@VworksArt]

I've watched a bunch of atc videos and my brain can never keep up with what im hearing to repeat it back. I'm just starting out and things already look this bleak.

[@evilmorty4101]

Pov me in an airliner saying student pilot😂

[@bethm3152]

Don’t tempt me with a good time

[@Brave_Eagle368]

STUDENT PILOT - Margarida

[@mrmisterno1]

Why not recommending VATSIM? It's the absolute best way to practice and getting comfortable with ATC.

[@pisymbol]

That would be PilotEdge. The absolute best platform to practice and learn phraseology.

[@phillp7777]

hi

[@pschneider1968]

I think that "Good morning", "please" and "thanks" might also be useful phrases. No?

[@fredmcculley9501]

I would touring Lena Garner if I can fly

[@phillp7777]

lot of grreat good tips... Do u get at yur Add field ? ATC tell ga ac alot to do a 360° when up in pattern like on dw bc they can't deal w u a slow ga w other jets mostly corp jets also mixed in. ? that happened to you down Dallas way? they do it all time up here Kbed class D under Boston class B think it too so dangerous...esp trng students ga pilots alot alot here.. ATC flipping lil ga ac making circles at 1000' agl.. so stupid stupid.. risky think bc ATC so lazzy or incompetent can't plan better or manage diff mix traffic. ATC pretty pathetic nowadays .. omg smfh