Tripping up on the radio

[WGP guy]

Well, I'm a student pilot and today got to do some radio work. I was at a non-towered airport and my instructor decided it was time for me to work the radio, he tells me somewhat of what to say. I kept tripping up though, like I would forget to announce who I was talking to, I would forget to announce the turn to base or clear of runway, also I kept forgetting that saying "november" was not needed. What are some ways I can better better prepare myself for radio work?

 

[Eagleflip]

I had the same problem! Here are a few tips that helped me..

1. Buy a cheap aviation frequency scanner---start with the local CTAF freq and just listen to the calls. That'll prep you for what you will be expected to say. Then take Mr. Scanner to the airport, and watch as the local aircraft run their patterns. Figure out what you would say if you were flying the aircraft--then see if they say it that way.

2. (Maybe first?) Go re-read the communication sections of the AIM...if you can stay awake, you'll get a great indoctrination into the proper format and timing of your calls.

3. Progressively increase your capacity by moving to a tower frequency and listening to the comm--my recommendation would be to start with a "less busy" field, as more complicated airports (e.g. most fields with significant airline traffic) may be overwhelming and more difficult to understand at first.

4. Don't forget to listen to approach control, but their transmissions are a bit more difficult to receive, given the distance to their transmission antennas.

You could also receive all of these transmissions over the internet; I'm sure someone will pipe up with the "how" to make that work.

 

[Salukipilot4590]

Oh man, I remember having the same feelings man! I was scared to death of the radios when I was doing my primary training back in California. It also didnt help that I learned to fly at Long Beach airport! Anyway, I think the best way to improve your radio 'skillz' would be to talk out the procedures when you arent flying, i.e. in the car on the way to denny's. The only way to get better is to practice!

Good luck with your flying man!

 

[Joshrk22]

Do you have Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, 2002, 2000, 98, Fly I, or II? If you do, there is a organization that is like a "virtual environment." It's called VATSIM, there is real pilots, real ATC, real procedures; it's the most realistic thing out there when it comes to working with ATC. If you need help setting up, PM, all of its free too! Also check out the book "Say Again, Please" its a guide to radio communications, very helpful. It will put you in every scenario, it's mostly for VFR though, but has a chapter on IFR procedures. The book also talks about the radio, how it works, tuning properly, basic stuff like that. You could also buy ATC-Radio Communications simulators, but the price tag is very large. Your best bet is go through VATSIM, it's the best out there, and I guarantee you will be hooked! Just remember 4 W's.
Who you are
What you are
Where you are
What you want
so it would be something like this...

"Flint Ground, Cessna 727PL, Cessna 172 at the GA ramp, VFR to Alpena with information Alpha"

or

"Dalton Traffic, Cessna 727PL departing runway 36, crosswind departure, Dalton"

Hope this helps.

 

[Joshrk22]

I had the same problem! Here are a few tips that helped me..

You could also receive all of these transmissions over the internet; I'm sure someone will pipe up with the "how" to make that work.

LiveATC

 

[WGP guy]

I've tried VATSIM but I can't seem to get everything working, plus I like free stuff .

 

[CaptainPablo]

use of november

also I kept forgetting that saying "november" was not needed.


just a note on use of "november"...down here in South Florida with all the international air traffic november is almost always used.....

my 2 cents

 

[Joshrk22]

I've tried VATSIM but I can't seem to get everything working, plus I like free stuff .

Catch me on AIM sometime at 'Joshrk22' (I'm on now). Or send me a PM, I will help ya get set-up. It's not too hard now with the new pilot clients they have out now.

 

[WGP guy]

Catch me on AIM sometime at 'Joshrk22' (I'm on now). Or send me a PM, I will help ya get set-up. It's not too hard now with the new pilot clients they have out now.

Will do later tonight, maybe you'll be on.

 

[Joshrk22]

I'm gonna be gone till about 10 EST tonight, will be home after that.