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Radio Communication and ATC Light Signals

Runway incursion and Visual Scanning

Radio Communication and ATC Light Signals
Radio Communication and ATC Light Signals

Objective: To familiarize the student with radio communications procedures. Also, to familiarize the student with ATC light-gun signals and their meanings. Review communications requirements for different airspace areas

Completion Standards: The student will be able to complete phrases of radio communication as well as know the light gun signals.

References: PHAK ch12, radio supplement, AIM ch4, ForeFlight ligh gun signals

Equipment: White Board and markers, iPad/ computer 

IP’s Actions:

  • Assess student

  • State the objective and completion standards

  • Writes down references

  • Provide attention getter

  • Present content

  • Assessment

  • Assign Homework

SP’s Actions:

  • Take notes

  • Ask Questions

Introduction: 

(Attention Getter) : Live ATC

Motivation: (Discuss purpose for lesson and relate to Attention getter)

Overview:

  1. Using Correct Frequencies

  2. Procedure and Phraseology for Radio Communications

  3. Radio Technique

  4. Radio calls can be broken down 

  5. ATC Clearances and Instructions

  6. ATC Light Signals

  7. Arriving Aircraft

  8. Departing Aircraft


Content:

Using Correct Frequencies

  1. Selection and Use of Appropriate Frequencies

  2. Preflight Planning

    1. Always plan ahead as to frequencies needed

    2. Look up the frequencies of all the facilities you might use and/or need during the flight

      1. This information can be found in the AFD, Sectional Charts, etc.

      2. Ground is always 121 point something

  3. Put all this information in your Nav Log, preferably in the order you will use it to make things easy

  4. During Flight frequencies may need to be found - keep organized and find them before they’re needed

    1. Know who you are calling

  5. The AFD contains all pertinent frequencies within/around the airport(s) you are operating in

    1. Weather, Tower/CTAF, Clearance Del, Ground, Unicom, Navaids, FSS, Approach/Departure

  6. Charts provide frequencies as you navigate

    1. Communications Boxes (FSS)

    2. Airport data lists tower/CTAF, Unicom, weather frequencies

    3. VOR frequencies are shown in blue outlined boxes

      1. HIWAS, TWEB, ASOS/AWOS available on some VORs

    4. Class B, C, TRSA, and some radar approach frequencies are provided below Tower frequencies/info

  7. After in contact with controllers, frequencies will be provided to reach further controllers



💥🔥 Common Errors - Use of improper frequencies 💥🔥

⚠️Caused by inadequate planning, misreading frequencies, or mistuning the radioDouble check and read out loud frequencies also repeat frequencies when advised to changeFailure to repeat frequencies when instructed to changeFailure to monitor the frequency before transmitting


Procedure and Phraseology for Radio Communications

Understanding is the single most important thought in pilot-controller communications

  1. Brevity is important, but if necessary use whatever words will get your message across

  2. Good phraseology enhances safety and is the mark of a professional pilot

    1. Pilot/Controller Glossary is very helpful in learning what certain words/phrases mean (AIM)

Radio Technique

  1. LISTEN before you transmit

  2. THINK before transmitting - Know what you want to say before you say it (write it down if needed)

  3. After transmitting, wait a few seconds before calling again (The controller may be busy)

  4. Be alert to the sound/lack of sounds in the receiver

    1. Note: Tell personal story of missing radio calls for departure, or embarassing example of how teacher messed up radios early on

    2. Check your volume, frequency, and make sure the microphone isn’t stuck on transmit

  5. Be sure you are within the performance range of your equipment and the ground station equipment

    1. Remember higher altitudes increase the range of VHF “line of sight” communications


Radio calls can be broken down 

  • Whom you are calling

  • Who you are

  • Where you are

  • What you want to do

💥🔥CE - Improper procedure and phraseology for radio communications💥🔥

⚠️Think before you transmit and understand the controller may be busyTailor your calls to match the controller’s workload


ATC Clearances and Instructions

  1. Acknowledge all ATC clearances by repeating key points followed by your call sign

  2. You must read back all hold short instructions

  3. Always repeat altitudes and headings

  4. When advised to change frequencies acknowledge the instruction and change ASAP

    1. If a clearance is blocked or not understood, do not guess/ignore, ask the controller to “Say Again”

    2. Once you, the PIC, obtain an ATC clearance you cannot deviate from it unless in an emergency (91.123)

  5. If you cannot accept a clearance from ATC advise them of the reason and obtain a new clearance

    1. The PIC is directly responsible for, and the final authority to the operation of the airplane

  6. Obtain proper clarification on any clearance not understood or that would create a bad situation

    1. 🔥CE — Failure to acknowledge or properly comply with, ATC clearances and instructions

  7. Ask the controller to repeat if you did not understand the message

  8. Learn to divide attention in order to properly hear and comply with all messages


ATC Light Signals

Arriving Aircraft

  1. Transmitter Failure - Receive no response to calls, and receive calls but none directed to you

    1. Determine the direction and flow of aircraft, enter the pattern and look for light signals

    2. Acknowledge light signals by rocking wings during the day and flashing lights at night

    3. Squack 7600

    4. After landing, call the tower to advise them of the situation

  2. Receiver Failure - Receiving no calls on tower/ATIS frequencies

    1. Transmit to the tower your position, situation, intention to land

    2. Use the same procedures as above

Departing Aircraft

  • Attempt to fix any radio failure before leaving, if it can’t be fixed call tower by phone and request to depart without two way communications

  • If authorized, you will get departure info and requested to monitor tower/watch for light signals

  • During daylight, acknowledge transmissions/ signals by promptly executing the action requested

    • Rock wings/blink lights as well

  • If the radio fails after departing the ramp, watch for light signals/monitor ground and return



💥🔥Common Errors - Light Signals💥🔥

⚠️Failure to understand or properly comply with ATC light signalsKnow the light signals and their meaningsPractice light signals if possible




Conclusion

  1. Using Correct Frequencies

  2. Procedure and Phraseology for Radio Communications

  3. Radio Technique

  4. Radio calls can be broken down 

  5. ATC Clearances and Instructions

  6. ATC Light Signals

  7. Arriving Aircraft

  8. Departing Aircraft


(Questions to assess student)

What are the light signals while on the ground and in the air?

Why is communication important?

What is your response to Riddle *** cleared for takeoff  runway 7L turn heading 100?


HW: 

Look through the aim and listen to live ATC


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