Whether you are a student pilot, a new pilot, or even an experienced pilot, radio work can be intimidating. Am I using the right words? Am I doing it at the right time? What do the controllers want to hear? How do I get what I want? Below you’ll find some advice and radio call examples. Of course, keep in mind that you’ll need to replace the relevant information (airports, tail numbers, altitudes, etc.) with your actual information.
Is there a radio call not listed here that you’d like to see added? Just drop us a note.
Some basic advice
Almost all radio calls contain these elements, in this order:
- Who you are calling
- Who you are
- Where you are
- What you want
If the controller you are talking with is busy (and especially if you are making contact with them for the first time) they may not be ready to take your full request. In that case, it is best to save the what you want part for after they acknowledge you. They will often say something like, “Cessna 459TJ, state intentions” when they are ready for your request.
While it is important to use standard phraseology, it is most important to be understood. Don’t be afraid to use plain language if that’s what it takes to communicate! If you’d like to take a look at the official list of standard phraseology, you can find it in the Pilot Controller Glossary.
Another great resource is Live ATC. If you take some time to listen to actual ATC communications at this site or using their app you will quickly begin to understand what good (and sometimes bad!) radio work sounds like.
Some simple examples are below.
Click here for instrument clearance radio call examples.
Click here for instrument approach radio call examples.
Taxi at an uncontrolled field
Council Bluffs traffic, Cessna 459JT at the ramp taxiing to runway 14 via alpha, Council Bluffs.
Takeoff at an uncontrolled field
Council Bluffs traffic, Cessna 459JT entering runway 14 for departure to the southeast, Council Bluffs.
Approaching an uncontrolled field
Council Bluffs traffic, Cessna 459JT, 8 miles east of the field, will cross midfield to enter downwind for runway 36, Council Bluffs.
Council Bluffs traffic, Cessna 459JT, 8 miles east of the field, will enter downwind for runway 18, Council Bluffs.
Pattern at an uncontrolled field
Council Bluffs traffic, Cessna 459JT, entering downwind for runway 14, Council Bluffs.
Council Bluffs traffic, Cessna 459JT, turning base for runway 14, Council Bluffs.
Council Bluffs traffic, Cessna 459JT, turning final for runway 14, Council Bluffs.
Council Bluffs traffic, Cessna 459JT, turning final for touch-and-go runway 14, Council Bluffs.
Initial contact with approach control
Pilot: Omaha Approach, Cessna 459JT, 23 miles southeast at 4,500 landing with Whiskey.
Approach: Cessna 459JT, Omaha Approach, squawk 0426 and ident.
Pilot: Squawk 0426, Cessna 459JT.
Approach: Cessna 459JT, radar contact 22 miles southeast of Omaha, fly heading 310, descend and maintain 3,000.
Pilot: Heading 310, descend and maintain 3,000, 459JT.
Request flight following from approach control after takeoff from nearby pilot controlled field
Pilot: Omaha Approach, Cessna 459JT, one mile northeast of Council Bluffs climbing through 1,800. Request flight following to Albion, Bravo-Victor-November.
Approach: Cessna 459JT, Omaha Approach, squawk 0426 and ident.
Pilot: Squawk 0426, Cessna 459JT.
Approach: Cessna 459JT, radar contact 2 miles northeast of Council Bluffs. Altimeter 29.98. Turn left heading 290, cross midfield at or above 3,500.
Pilot: Heading 290, cross midfield at or above 3,500, Cessna 459JT.