Tips on communicating with ATC?

Question

i froze when i did it the first time... any tips on how to do it right?

Answer 1

1. Buy a copy of Bob Gardner's "Say Again, Please," which is an excellent text on how to communicate with ATC, written for people who are already VFR pilots and just need to know what to say.

2. If you have a PC with a flight simulator program such as X-Plane or Microsoft Flight Simulator, join one of the free online flight simulation networks, such as VATSIM or IVAO, where you can practice simulated, realistic ATC in an environment that includes real human beings as other pilots and controllers.

Answer 2

As John B said "who you are, where you are and what you want to do" Is great advice. If you are near a controlled airport that isn't over-run with traffic, go to the tower and ask questions and listen. I don't know about now, but it worked for me over 20 years ago.

Answer 3

As  both a controller and private pilot, I understand your issue.  There's a few things I recommend (I was a pilot first, so I learned a lot AFTER).

1.  If you have a scanner or transceiver, LISTEN to ATC as much as you can.  That really does help.  If you're near an ATC facility, you should be able to hear both the aircraft and controllers, if not, you will mostly hear just the aircraft.

2.  Sporty's Pilot Shop has some good videos and even a simulator on VFR communication.  I had them on tape (yup, that long ago) but they were good, and helped a lot too!  I played them in my car as I drove to flight lessons, especially before X-C flights!!!

3.  Read the AIM section.  Don't focus too much on approved phraseology just yet, but read through the comms section one or twice a month, every month.

4.  Lastly, rehearse what you will say before you key the mic.  Sometimes if you have to respond, you can't do it too long, but think before you key.  NEVER be afraid to as them to SAY AGAIN if you don't understand an instruction!  ASK!  

It will come in time, but the more you expose yourself to ATC comms, the better.

Answer 4

Write down what you are going to say, so you can just read it.

Answer 5

The contoroller wants to know three simple things. Who you are, where you are and what you want to do.

Answer 6

Welcome to the club!  Anybody who tries to tell you that he or she rattled off their first transmissions with the aplomb and elan  of a 20,000 hour heavy captain is lying.  :o)

One way to learn to "do it right" is to pay attention to all the others on the frequency and plan what you're going to say before you key the mic.  Several rounds of role-playing with your CFI will help a lot, too.

Don't worry, the controllers are used to working with low time pilots.  We all started at square one and they don't bite...usually.