Table of Contents
How do you memorize ATC?
Some instructions are really simple and with a little practice, are very easy to remember. Runway 27 right, line-up and wait Turn left heading 250, descend flight level 120. Other ones will be so common, they are just remembered: Taxi to Gate 1 via Alpha, Alpha 1, Lima 3, cross runway 24, hold short Delta.
What does a pilot say before takeoff?
There is an announcement like: “Flight attendants, prepare for take-off please.” “Cabin crew, please take your seats for take-off.” Within a minute after take-off, an announcement might be made reminding passengers to keep their seat belts fastened.
Do pilots take notes?
Much of the work pilots do is strategic. While one pilot is monitoring all the systems, the other is doing all the paperwork. The pilots are given a written flight plan before departure, and this pilot is responsible for making notes on the paper of any changes to that plan throughout the duration of the flight.
Do pilots write?
Skywriting is done by one plane that can generally write up to six characters, with a skilled pilot at times maneuvering upside down as they decide when smoke is needed for the letters. A computer generates the master plan and electronic signals control the smoke output.
How do I request an ATC repeat?
When a pilot needs to ask ATC to repeat something, the proper way is to use the phrase “say again.” That obligates ATC to reply. This, however, does not necessarily clarify information that the pilot may not have understood or may not recognize.
Can you say no to ATC?
Say no to a crossing restriction you can’t make. Often this is a simple clearance to comply with, but sometimes ATC asks for the impossible. If you do the math (hint: your GPS’s VNAV function saves a lot of time) and find out you’ll need to maintain 2000 ft/min down, you probably need to let ATC know it’s not possible.
Do you write down what ATC just told you?
If you write down what ATC just told you, you can’t forget it and you will always get it right. It will slow down your pace but especially if you announce “student pilot” (as mentioned above) they will give you grace for taking a second to respond to them while you jot down some (quick) notes.
Who is in charge of ATC in aviation?
That being said, ATC exists solely for YOU as the pilot, and as pilot in command YOU are in charge of the safety of the flight. A routine example of this is if ATC clears you for takeoff and says “no delay, Learjet on 2 mile final”. You don’t have to accept this takeoff clearance.
Can a recreational pilot fly without ATC communication?
Recreational pilots cannot fly in airspace requiring ATC communication, but it’s a good idea to learn to use the right words. This knowledge can help them in an emergency, and it helps prepare a recreational pilot for a private pilot certificate, if he decides to continue his training.
Do you write down the flight plan instructions assigned to you?
That being said, I ALWAYS write down the flight plan instructions assigned to me by ATC, whether VFR flight following or an IFR flight plan. A helpful acronym that can help in both situations is CRAFT (technically it will be “CRAFT” for IFR and “RAFT” for VFR).