Flight Training - December 2011 - 33

INFORMATION.
On the first call use the complete call sign of the aircraft, not an abbreviated format. So, on initial call, “Cessna Three-Two-FourThree-Two,” and after initial call, “Cessna Four-Three-Two.” On initial call to a radar facility (not departing from a towered airport or handoff from another facility), provide enough information to inform the controller of your request. The controller will answer and on the second transmission you would provide position, altitude, and destination. When departing from a towered airport, know this information prior to calling the controller: location on the airport, ATIS code, type of flight (VFR), and destination. For example, “Manassas Tower, Cessna ThreeTwo-Four-Three-Two, student pilot at Dulles Aviation with information Charlie, VFR to Richmond.” When contacting a controller via transfer of control from another controller, the transmission should be (from tower to departure), “Potomac Approach, Cessna Three-Two-Four-ThreeTwo, student pilot departed Manassas, VFR leaving 500 climbing to 2,500.” The departure controller will use this information to verify the aircraft’s Mode C (altitude reporting). If the tower has assigned you a heading or a fix, this needs to be included in the initial call. From approach controller to tower controller, “Richmond Tower, Cessna ThreeTwo-Four-Three-Two, six-mile final, Runway 34.”
Dale Wright Director, Safety and Technology, National Air Traffic Controllers Association

CORRECT

IF YOU DON’T KNOW, DON’T UNDERSTAND, OR MISSED AN INSTRUCTION, PLEASE ASK FOR CLARIFICATION. MANY TIMES I HAVE BEEN ON THE RECEIVING END OF PILOTS ATTEMPTING TO FAKE IT AND PLAY THE COOL PILOT. FOR EXAMPLE, “CESSNA ONETWO-THREE, CROSS THE MORMON TEMPLE AT 2,500, MAKE RIGHT TRAFFIC RUNWAY 27 RIGHT.” MINUTES LATER, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE PILOT MISSED THE TEMPLE AND WHEN ASKED: “CESSNA ONE-TWO-THREE, ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE MORMON TEMPLE?” “NORCAL, CESSNA ONETWO-THREE, AHH, NEGATIVE. SUGGEST A HEADING PLEASE.”
DERRICK AUBUCHON NORTHERN CALIFORNIA TRACON

Any time you are flying solo as a student pilot, it’s a safe practice to tell ATC, “student pilot, flying solo.”

ASK FOR HELP.

As pilots traverse "the system,” either during their initial training or while flying professionally, there may be times that things just may not go according to plan. As such, pilots should never be timid to ask for assistance from ATC if needed. It may be equipment, weather, or another situation requiring a helping hand from the individual on the other side of the mic. We’re there for you. Whatever the reason, state your concern sooner rather than later, so that assistance can be initiated before your situation gets out of hand. Additionally, if something happens that causes you concern about how your flight was handled, remain professional, and if it warrants, ask for the facility phone number and discuss it on the ground. Airborne is no place to discuss and try to resolve the issue.
Bill G. Northern California TRACON

State your concern sooner rather than later.
DECEMBER 2011 FLIGHT TRAINING / 33

Flight Training - December 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Flight Training - December 2011