Writing down ATC instructions - Pilot's Shorthand

[@yvad541]

When I started getting into instrument flying, I started watching youtube videos and wrote down the clearances along with the videos. It really helped be able to replay things, In a non stressful environment. It one of the reason I enjoy your videos, you keep a large amount of the ATC instruction in your videos. Keep up the good content.

[@Novadean1]

Well in helicopter 🚁 was not this much talking at all I was flying with " Ray Asgar " airport in Texas Hill Country first in a Hughes 300, R 22 and Jet Ranger red one startet 1992 over the years.

[@stephenstead7270]

It a good start to learn to write it down then trying remember it but some pilots just stop at they trying to speak that normal for all pilots. This video a great video but it only a start to get pilots into the radio

[@themilkman8554]

@@stephenstead7270 your comment gave me a stroke...

[@jtlos]

Just passed my checkride and wanted to come here and say thank you for all the great videos. They really helped me along the way and kept me motivated. Keep up the great work.

[@andyhawaii2819]

I get stressed when I get approach clearance. Controllers seem to talk faster and I’m busy setting up.

[@luclanglois9086]

I have a problem reading back info because i get nervous and forget but as my instructor says, "you just gotta power through"

[@NinjaPilot2194]

This is good info as a controller as well! And I like that PTAC is used on the pilot side as well. Exactly what is used for atc training

[@benmartz3405]

I love this channel because im not a pilot! I learn so much just watching it! Thank you for your time and hope you you have a great holiday!

[@FriPilot]

Same with me, Ben. I find Josh's videos very interesting and informative.

[@ajomaneeh]

same

[@alexalexandrakis8205]

This is really useful stuff for any IFR pilot. I went through all my instrument training at a really expensive top of the range flying school (think of a university town starting with Ox) and nobody ever bother to even suggest any method apart from “good pilots memorise everything instantly” kind of approach.

[@lostinasia25]

I'm a paper guy type too. Just bring extra pens & batteries because they do fail at the worst time. I also suggest for learning radio communications, buy a handheld radio and listen to approach, tower, ground and other frequencies to learn and visualize the clearance. Back in the day we had King radios without dual flip frequencies we had to copy new frequency in case of no reply. Great video and good instructions.

[@flyer16612]

Or get the FREE phone app called LiveATC

[@dmaeroflyer9279]

I’m also an A&P/IA. I am always listening to the tower etc....especially here in America. Although I am American, I lived over 31 years in Germany and learned to fly in Luxembourg. Things are said and read back a little different sometimes.

[@MabrysDad]

Just gave my wife her notepad (late Cmas present) and we watched the vid again. This will be so helpful when she flies again and starts making radio calls. Thanks for this awesome flying tool.

[@fuckup5555]

I'm an airline pilot who retired 8 years ago. I've started flying my X-Plane 11 simulator to get back into "flying" and appreciate this comms revision. Very good tutorial.

[@seemore1539]

I transferred flight schools from KDWH to KVGT. Better wx, I’m flying a jet A- fueled piston powered 172 with FADEC and a G500. Busy a/s with LAS as the Bravo. I had to up my game as the next training a/c are Diamonds with G1000. Anyways,I’m glad I made the move I don’t get weathered nearly as often. Just ordered your notepads, I write things down in my own way from the sheet I made up. Excellent video and will be using your shorthand, thanks for this!!👍

[@chrisjavier1767]

As a fellow pilot, and a CFI, this video rocks I learned a lot of new things here too, thank you so much The video, the cadence, the editing, the quality, and usefulness of everything on here, well done man, this is one of the best videos I've ever seen!!!

[@Newberntrains]

One of the best helpful videos I think I've seen on this channel cause if there is 2 things that new students don't like touching while flying it's the mixture (oops killed the engine) And the push to talk for the radio

[@nicolasb.2291]

That would be a good video to do on how to properly manage the mixture.

[@Newberntrains]

@@nicolasb.2291 Or videos working or cleaning the plane Id pay money to see a 3 hour long video of 80991 going thru annual and interview with the A&P who works on it basically a what is involved with owning a plane

[@joedavis6522]

A lot of good advice. My approach was similar. I always wrote down the entire expected clearance in the standard format on a simple small yellow pad, with the entire as-filed route . I would also draw a box around each part of the expected clearance. The actual clearance instructions from ATC where written outside of the boxes. This really helped me understand exactly what to do when I got to the "then as filed" part. Another thing I found helpful, especially in the beginning, was to rehearse the entire expected clearance using my best ATC voice. This is best done in private.

[@flyer16612]

Joe I really like the box idea. Thanks for sharing that. I will use it on my next flight

[@Ronbob59]

Josh... Flew to Houston from Abilene on Saturday and used your method. Six ATC’s in 300 miles and not a single repeat request. Thanks for a great video.

[@adrienpage1524]

I haven’t even started my lessons yet for my PPL, but I can hardly wait to implement this! Great job!

[@vivekgr3001]

same here

[@carlsonlemos9927]

This video is awesome and I bought the IFR notepad ( the updated version). Thanks for all you do for the aviation community.

[@Jeffrey-Flys]

If they clear your Skyhawks to 27000 feet, I’m jumping out...

[@willsmith1430]

That'd be a story for sure!

[@JonGreen_UK]

@@flightdeckpilot678 With some crazy kinda lump of iron up front!

[@tyrjohanson5658]

😂

[@devilfear5112]

🤣

[@fobypawz418]

hehe that would be awesome to have a turboprop version of the 172 complete with pressurized cabin!

[@jac4549]

Thanks for posting this video and others. I'm well along into IFR training here in Texas in mostly actual conditions for every lesson (by choice). Working on really establishing consistent safe and efficient IFR techniques as a lifestyle and not just to pass the checkride. Your videos are an inspiration and confidence builder. Bought all items from your e-store. Will be a frequent customer of the note pads especially.

[@jhr07]

Josh, Thank you for this video! I've been flying sims for years but never have wanted to learn the ATC side, but this video is a great start for me! I've also recently learned the phanetic alphabet, so there's hope yet! 😀👍🏻

[@markdristy]

Nice work. Would like to see a video like this (and notepad) for VFR flying. ATIS/Clearance Delivery/Ground/Tower/Departure/Enroute/ATIS/Approach/Tower/Ground. :)

[@marknovak9310]

Appreciate the time you took to show your method of recording what you hear on the radio. Thanks so much!

[@ashsundar2473]

Good job I love the flight note pad. Awesome idea mate. Definitely an integral part of the six P's

[@ryanisflying]

Thanks for posting this video! I am preparing a long VFR XC flight from Toronto to Florida and this type of info will help me even as an VFR pilot. I fly with ForeFlight but prefer to write ATC clearances and ATIS info on paper. I like the layout of your notepad with the enroute section having lots of room to write. I plan on picking up a couple pads from your site if you will ship to Canada. Keep up the good work!

[@benburns5995]

Josh, great idea to write things down for flight as it is a lot of information to remember. Helps keep everything straight.

[@titanicdanny4656]

I'm an aspiring pilot and have always found the radio side of things worrying. However this really helps, thanks sm dude

[@shamshuddinvirani4541]

Amazing!!! I just got into instruments and this was superb!!!! I have seen you in real IFR conditions and you are always so far ahead of the plane and relaxed: I hope to do the same…

[@bendav]

Good info, but I can't write that small in the aircraft - tough with the plane running sitting on the ramp, but especially tough when flying. I have a pad of paper to scribble on, but not nearly as organized... I'm going to evaluate using your methods and shortcuts and see how it goes in the plane. Writing things down is good discipline - remembering all instructions while trying to hold course/altitude on a gusty day can be a bit challenging!

[@Nghilifa]

Autopilot ;-)

[@bendav]

@@Nghilifa I wish! Eventually I'll fly an aircraft with AP, but not at this time! I'm always jealous watching vids on YT with people shooting approaches on AP.... Looks like it would be much easier!

[@Nghilifa]

@@bendav I feel ya. I´m doing my PPL right now, but once that´s done, I´m going to get my CPL/IR+ME & ATPL. Here in Norway, the rumour is that during your IR training, you don´t get to use the autopilot, regardless if the aircraft (DA40/DA42) has it or not. It´s probably meant to make sure that you´re not task saturated if the autopilot fails, which very well can happen.

[@bendav]

@@Nghilifa Good luck on the PPL - I'm sure you'll do well. I'm working on my IR now - with no autopilot. I think it's better that way so I can learn how to handle the workload. I'm still early in working on the rating so it's pretty overwhelming. Josh seems to make it easy, but I haven't found it easy yet!

[@Nghilifa]

@@bendav Thanks, and I´m sure you´ll get it in no time!

[@ralphwoodard609]

I wish I would’ve had this kind of information way back in the early 80s when I was trying to learn to fly. I hated getting on the radio most of the time.

[@czdaniel1]

I always appreciate the irony of moments like with these videos with the realization that we are learning how to learn

[@JamesDevoy]

Nice video Josh, heading down to Florida tomorrow to start my EASA IR (R) . Been a PPL for 2 years and wish someone had shown me such simple notation a long time ago. A line above a height to signify 'not above' simple genius. Thanks buddy.

[@NicolasMedtner]

Great video! Learned a couple of useful shorthands here! Regarding the IFR clearances there is quite a bit of work that can be done before calling up on the radio. How about writing the airport (or fix/VOR) that you will be cleared for? You won't get cleared to someplace else. Also, departure shouldn't be a surprise - I usually write down the freq beforehand, and exchange it if neccessary. This will free up time and focus for the departure instructions and lessen the workload. This is very useful if one gets an amended route. It's also good to have scanned a couple of other possible routes in the area to be familiar with other fixes and VORs - and, yes, to be familiar with other SIDs than the expected one - or indeed any ODP. A quick tip for altimeters. Not useful to read back the first two numbers. With even rudimentary SA one knows if it is indeed 29.29 or 30:29. It's also two numbers fewer to write down. Saves a handful of seconds during cruise. :-)

[@brickviking667]

I'm a flight simulator pilot, but I must respectfully disagree with you about shortening your altimeter's setting. If you're in a weather depression, you can really easily get down to 2929 (or 991 hPa where I come from) and quite easily get up to 30.29 (1025 hPa). We've had weather go down as far as 972 hPa or as high as 1034 hPa, though that's fairly rare. By the way, what does SA mean in this context? Is it a pilot's abbreviation?

[@keithtyndall]

brickviking SA means Situational Awareness

[@jd88x89]

Somewhat similar style. I do mine in a descending order on folded computer paper with a horizontal line separating each phase of flight (ie taxi, takeoff, cruise, etc.). If it expands to the bottom of the page and I need more room, I draw a line vertically and continue in the new column.

[@bradhornick8667]

Great job explaining something that all student pilots seem to struggle with... THANK YOU!

[@jwdonal]

I've never written down a single flight note in my life but found this very informative and interesting to watch. :)

[@mathewrowe5301]

I’ll tell you what this was a great video. I’m a citation pilot and even though I’m a professional this was a very helpful video for me. Doesn’t matter the skill level we all have our weaknesses. Thanks Aviation 101

[@robertthrailkill1368]

Your emphasis on vertical and horizontal instructions is excellent. I always think of my IFR is just a series of altitudes and headings that eventually get you to the destination.

[@planesense7390]

Excellent Video! When I took flying lessons that was one of the things that I loved to do unlike most people, when I was a kid I would listen to ATC on my radio shack scanner for hours so I got very familiar with the lingo, so when I was ready to take lessons I was eager to try it out...Its a matter of familiarity

[@itildude]

Very informative. I’m a glider pilot so I never get to fly IFR but this is still right up my alley of interest!

[@bravo.juliet]

16:43 Pressurized C172 :)

[@Jet-Pack]

or put on your space suit

[@mytech6779]

An O2 bottle would be more practical. Would need the supercharged engine though.

[@willsmith1430]

Cleared fl 270 unrestricted climb aproved ;)

[@TheFlyingZulu]

C172 rocket engine modification. FAA approved I promise.

[@marvinkigame2838]

I feel like I can give you a hug Bro... You helped me on my instruments. Thank you so much for this... I salute you ✋

[@markthibault8579]

Great video. Even though I'm a VFR pilot, the shorthand is very handy when receiving clearances from ATC in controlled airspace.

[@gabrielayres8708]

Great video. Very helpful. Thanks a lot.. He went full Eminem at 11:15 though... haha...

[@Jaksur_Trucker]

Haha

[@hasonmall]

Appreciate the video, very helpful. Also cool to see a fellow Bobcat who’s very successful flying out of the same airports I fly out of.

[@vidmikevid]

Good topic and good video Josh. I seem to have no standardized system in my head so I’ve watched this twice already(and took notes ) and I’m going to give it a shot your way. Thanks for the insight! Keep up the good work

[@Youtuber-o]

Very helpful video. I am trying to go back to flying after a long time and this video is helping me refresh a lot of things.

[@VentShop]

Very interesting, I have not even started flying yet but the more I watch of different video's the more I learn. I understand the need for some shorthand when trying to get things done fast and will probably do something similar when I get started and tailor it to fit me. Thanks for the vids though.

[@psaunier10]

A handy acronym to remember when getting IFR clearance is “CRAFT” Clearance Route Altitude Frequency Transponder

[@lawrencestark8983]

I'm learning from all your videos and im going to get PPL soon thanks to you. I'm 63 and im a retired truck driver 45 yrs want a change but also I want to work. I know no airline will accept me but possibly flying organ diner transportation or flying cancer people from point a to b. I was a rescue swimmer in the Coast Guard in Kodiak Alaska late 70's and 80's

[@experimental_av]

i find it makes it a bit more readable when you circle waypoint. that way you can read stuff like RH = runway heading and you know (RH) is waypoint Robin Hood

[@juanignacioelias6499]

Great vid Josh. Have you considered adding the CRAFT acronym to capture the IFR clearance in the proposer section of your notepad template?

[@stephenstead7270]

It a great way to wright in down and so easy to grasp. and great way to learn radio

[@dmaeroflyer9279]

Again, what an awesome video! I’m not IFR yet, but this will certainly help me flying here in Clearwater area. I have flown mostly in Germany and Luxembourg. Yes, we say FL, Flight Level 50 for 5,000ft. Ex. LOl

[@gylanunderhill]

Great video could really use more video's like this really useful advise that I didn't get from my instructors, really simple explanation, this will help so many learner pilots I have always struggled with trying to follow and write stuff down being dyslexic doesn't help. If you could do a video at some point on radio's how to set them up for com 1 and com 2 and how navigation radios work this could be a great series that you can help student pilots with all over the world, I think what would be a great video would be seeing everything from you planning a flight from using flight computer and charts down to landing and shutting down filling in log book's. one thing I struggle with is listening out for the call sign on the aircraft when people are talking is this something that you get better picking up over time?.

[@Steve-zr3lo]

Agree

[@turmat01]

awesome little pad! If I can give a suggestion: top right, add 2 more fields: T/O time and landing time. With that, you would have all the info you need to fill your logbook :)

[@bobbyvee8941]

Oh my! I have avoided IFR training because it is so intimidating. Watching these videos doesn't make it simple, but it does condition me to better understand the instruction. Radio communication with ATC is so much more complicated than I think it should be. I guess it come down to "training the ear".

[@markdristy]

On the pads you sent me the "CLEARANCE" is before the "TAXI." (Ref: 1:47)

[@trinipilot2246]

Awesome awesome video!!!! I can't tell you how helpful this was. I will be implementing some of your shorthand tips. It enables you to create good cockpit habits. Thanks Josh

[@jamesdoerr4318]

I have watched a few of your vids and enjoyed them. This IS ONE I am very glad you did. Thanks

[@patrickunderwood5662]

Just bought a couple pads to show appreciation for a really helpful video.

[@robertcornoyer5668]

16:44 I want to see a Cessna fly at FL270

[@DJPenguino51]

Indeed. Maybe with a turbine conversion and of course, on board oxygen or pressurized cabin mods (if that's possible!).

[@thomasabramson100]

Hey Cessna does make a jet

[@jeffchristie9561]

Thermal-updrafts will do it for you.

[@AkPacerPilot]

I’m prepping for my ifr, this is very helpful. Thank you very much!

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Loved your Shortcuts. Super helpful video. Thank you!

[@bharathsingh606]

Trust me ....as for me an students of aviation these tips help a lot 💯

[@1956diver]

Very informative. When I got my instrument rating in early 1970s, we didn't go through things like this. I guess it was "learn as we went". Contrats on what you do.Randy

[@tinman8972]

We have the voice recognition technology to switch from garbled, stepped-on, often incomplete radio transmissions of varying quality to printed communications with either panel or heads-up displays in the aircraft. This would reduce misunderstandings, afford an accurate record of ATC clearances that could be readily referenced in the cockpit, and save lives.

[@earlandersonarchitects2153]

Already ordered your pads! Enjoyed your shorthand. Very helpful.

[@boeingpilot7373]

nice one josh, been watching your vids since day 1 all your training and every flight you do, keep up the good work, over and out!

[@Cessna_182]

Enjoyed watching this video, it was very clear and precise. I am going to start my instrument training in the very near future. Videos like this are helpful! if you do more instruction videos, one suggestion would be to show an IFR map maybe on split screen drawing a line between each point or fix you are referring to. To me, that just helps tie it all together. I know you were more into just how you would write it down on the pad but for me, this video was more than just that. Its a start in putting the pieces of the puzzle together to see the whole instrument picture. I would love to see more instructional videos from you! Thanks....

[@philipmandel]

Well done, sir. Your snappy editing kept me on my toes. I have shared the video with my primary and instrument students. Thanks a heap, Philip Mandel CFI-I (Portland OR area).

[@SuperTexasBlues]

that looks a LOT like a UTx class ring... HOWDY! from a new student pilot! SUBSCRIBED!

[@andrewnolte962]

Really great video love the channel man I’m currently a high school student about to begin my career in aviation. One of my biggest concerns are radio comms and this helped ease the nerves a little

[@lucabuckley5643]

As a brand new pilot, this was more than helpful

[@glennprivette3364]

Great video. I am getting my private pilot's license, hopefully in a couple of months. I would like to be proficient in taking the departure notes by the time I get to my instrument rating.

[@nascarjeffgordon2424]

Outstanding video Josh! I would love to see more flight training videos like this in the future.

[@paulodestefani8223]

congrats my friend, a very good lesson for pilots, thank you, have a nice flight!

[@joaocavalcanti7721]

Excellent video ... well done ! I am teaching your system here in Brazil

[@dlouque]

Great video Josh, I developed my own shorthand many years ago, but yours seems simpler. I did learn how to set my watch face to a better look like yours though.

[@rgousse1]

How do I make my apple watch show zulu time?

[@Extrememarksman]

Very informative! Thank you for sharing this. It seems as though there isn’t a lot of this kind of content out there right now to help new pilots build their own system.

[@stevethul1]

Great video, keep up the great work. The majors will want you soon.

[@joshuamarius]

Great video and thanks for Tips. For the notepad I have one recommendation: a spot for your Alternate in case you file one.

[@theSaxman5]

Thanks, Pal, we all need continual help that's ongoing, day by day. Again, many thanks!!!!!

[@chesterstewart9098]

Great video Josh! I should be taking my private pilot oral and practical in a couple of weeks and I will use this info in the future!

[@lennytropianoatx]

Your videos are great and informative. Started picking up my PPL again after 27 years (last time I flew) out of KGTU. Glad to be a Patreon supporter. Hope to meet you someday down at KHYI / KAUS or elsewhere.

[@TheB787heavy]

I was looking for this for the past few days. I think I saw this video before. I'll use it for FSX. Ground school & lessons cost more $$ than I have. Lol.

[@asarangan]

Great videos! I commend your effort on being thorough.

[@terryrutherford2114]

I have been a PPL since 2002. I am still low time. I am attempting to get my 3rd class medical in order and start flying again. I love your videos and your demeanor. Wish you could come out to CA and get me current.

[@Intreegd]

Consider BasicMed instead of 3rd class

[@blaster-zy7xx]

If you have access to renting a light sport, you can get some time in even before getting medical.

[@vaillajo]

@@Intreegd You have to have a medical after 2006 for Basic.

[@theartofaviation]

When will the Flight Note pads be available again in your store? I really like the layout and your detailed explanation of how to use them. I want to incorporate them into my upcoming flight training and beyond.

[@givemespace841]

Tip: But a velcro patch on your kneeboard and one on your pen. Much easier to just stick it on instead of fussing with the cheap little pen clip that break every time you fly.

[@petersalkeld]

Excellent video, sir. Very clean and extremely informative.

[@kwarner04]

Great video and super informative. Way better than anything Brandon ever taught me. ;) Keep up the good work and great content, buddy!

[@TheWolfReport]

@Aviation101 Thanks for another super helpful video! This is the stuff that should be included in the training packages! As usual, I love your video work and appreciate your willingness to teach us n00bs.

[@elitemossy7990]

Really like this.. just started ifr training. Thank you!

[@dmaeroflyer9279]

Wow! I found this video just after asking you about this in a previous video! Thanks! Great video.

[@theSaxman5]

And being an old Southern boy, I must remember as I write. Just can't speak that fast if my life depended on it. I've told controllers that at times and it's appreciated by them, sometimes with a little laugh and they actually slow down for me. Sometimes I'll say" drop the attitude fool not the altitude?" They respond with a few clicks, meaning" Gotyeah". Respect flows evenly!!!

[@preetclinic9414]

Thanks a ton for a wonderful lesson on a difficult subject for a beginner.

[@nascarjeffgordon2424]

Josh please do more instructional videos. This video improved my class C radio communications greatly!

[@hanksnow5470]

I was wondering how pilots can remember all those ATC instructions, and I did not realize that many write them down. Great idea! By the time the ATC finishes a line of instructions, I have forgotten half of the beginning...Of course I only fly FSX (without ATC). Maybe I willl try with note-taking.

[@meloxtommey8720]

Hi I directly bought the notepad even if i just had my first solo 2 days ago. :)

[@elmerleefuddpucker7747]

Josh, thanks for such informative videos you do an amazing job. I have always wanted to pilot my own aircraft and because of your and other's videos I now have the "want to's and plan to's". Still in research phase and prepping to try for a scholarship or Vet financial support. I am really interested in purchasing a KitFox aircraft as I would totally enjoy country flying. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@shanesdiy]

Excellent video, thanks for taking the time to do this. One question popped up in your clearance section example. You use "RH" for runway heading. What do you use to abbreviate for left hand or right hand departure to not mix up Right Hand with Runway Heading?

[@nathangerwig6637]

Totally instructional and helpful. Insight is always useful and this was informative. Thank you.