"Ask ATC" Blog
ATCreadback.com regularly blogs about relevant topics in air traffic control, Aviation English and flight safety. We will strive to respond to any questions and post the best online so that everyone can benefit. Topic suggestions can be sent to us here.
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Another Set of Eyes
It is inherent in human nature, especially in pilots it seems, not to want to ask for help. Pilots by nature are optimistic individuals with a high commitment to task completion. After all, it has been said that pessimists don't get in to airplanes!
Sometimes, poor weather can creep up on a pilot flying VFR, even though he or she checked the weather forecasts and only clear skies were predicted. At times, when mountain flying, a pilot could take a wrong turn down a valley, or follow the wrong river. Suddenly the surroundings aren't so familiar and the pilot must admit to themselves that they are lost.
No one flies for very long before they are faced with uncomfortable situations. Whether it be deteriorating weather, unfamiliar airspace or losing awareness of one's position, these things happen. It is how we learn. What compounds the initial event however; and the truly fatal error, is a pilot's reluctance to ask for help. This is when a very solvable situation can get out of hand rapidly.
Many new pilots view air traffic control as a traffic cop, rather than the guides we are here to be. I have yet to meet or speak to a controller who would not do everything in his or her capability to help out a pilot who just needs a little help. We aren't here to punish your mistakes, we are here to help. Don't ever hesitate to ask.
This is why getting comfortable over the radio is so important. Whether you are new to flying, or need help with learning Aviation English, extra practice is the only way to gain the confidence required to make the call when it needs to be made.