"Ask ATC" Blog
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First Contact
"Where do I begin?" The most difficult words to get out in any language are always the first ones. Once we begin however, the natural flow of conversation takes over and the right words just seem to come more naturally. Initial contact with an air traffic control facility is no different.
Often, making the first call to a tower to enter the control zone, or to an area control centre for flight following can be intimidating for a new pilot. Here are some suggestions that may make the experience a little easier:
Identify the station you are calling, Identify yourself, Stop. Often we hear pilots check in on frequency with a prolonged story attached to their transmission. Controllers are often speaking with other controllers on hotlines or even to another aircraft on another freqeuncy and may not hear an aircraft's first call. With this is mind, make a simple transmission to get the controllers attention, then wait for a response. The controller will get back to you when he or she has time or they may ask you to "say again" if they did not hear you clearly the first time.
" Seattle Center, Piper Seneca N345TY." "
Seneca N345TY, Seattle Center, go ahead."
State who you are, where you are and what you want to do. There are the three critical elements of any initial contact. It gives the controller all of the information he or she needs to provide the service you are looking for. It also lets the controller know they are dealing with a competent pilot who knows what they are doing. If a controller believes you understand the system, they are far more likely to approve your requests, especially in complex airspace!
"Center, 5TY is 10 miles north of Boeing Field, 1,800 VFR, request flight following to Vancouver International."
Remember to always follow these basic steps and you will never have trouble making initial contact on ATC frequencies no matter how busy or complex the airspace may be. Here is a quick summary:
- Identify the station you are calling
- Identify yourself
- Stop
- State who you are
- State where you are
- State what you want to do
For more detailed practice, log on to Module 3 in the ATCreadback online training program where we have assembled an extensive library of audio transmission dealing with VFR radio procedures. We look forward to helping you speak the language of aviation.