| Communications - A Vital Link!
Notice Number: NOTC2337 Pilot deviations and incidents based on improper communications are growing at an alarming rate! Are you doing your part? Or, are you part of the problem? Proper communication technique is expected of every pilot and controller. Non-standard communications and deviation from standard phraseology causes misunderstandings and confusion. These are causal or contributing factors in a large number of incidents and accidents. Radio communications are a critical link in the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system. The link can be a strong bond between pilot and controller or it can be broken with surprising speed and disastrous results. Good phraseology enhances safety and is the mark of a professional pilot. Jargon, chatter, and "CB" slang have no place in ATC communications. Remember, read-back of a clearance must be complete and clear to ensure correct understanding by the controller. The action of reading back a clearance gives the controller an opportunity to confirm that the message has been correctly received, and if necessary, to correct any errors. If a pilot is unsure or questions anything about a clearance they should ask the controller to clarify. Simply reading the instructions back may not be enough to focus the controller’s attention on the accuracy of the clearance. Read-back of a clearance should never be replaced by the use of terms such as “Roger”, "Wilco" or “Copied”. Pilots should also be aware of how their expectations may affect what they hear. Errors often occur when pilots act on instructions given to other aircraft because the pilot was expecting similar instructions. Or, when pilots act on instructions they expected from the controller, which are different from the controller’s actual instructions. To avoid this, pilots must remain vigilant and focus on the controller’s complete communication. All pilots will find the Pilot/Controller Glossary helpful in learning what certain words or phrases mean. The Pilot/Controller Glossary is the same glossary used in FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control. It is recommended that pilots review the glossary from time to time to sharpen their communication skills.
For more information on Radio Communications Phraseology?and Techniques please see the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) at this link: http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim/Chap4/aim0402.html Very interesting examples of how communication errors have caused problems can be found starting on page 11 of the FAA Pamphlet found at: https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2010/Jun/Communications_A_Key_Component_brochure.pdf The risks of improper communications are too great to tolerate! This notice is being sent to you because you selected "General Information" in your preferences on FAASafety.gov. If you wish to adjust your selections, log into https://www.faasafety.gov/Users/pub/preferences.aspx where you can update your preferences. | 
