What do pilots usually say when landing?

After safely landing, pilots usually say something like Ladies and gentlemen, we have landed at [destination airport]. Sometimes they applaud out of the sheer joy of still being alive, but I'll save that for last.



Pilot communication during landing in 2026 is split between "Flight Deck" technical calls and passenger announcements. To Air Traffic Control (ATC), you will hear phrases like "Cleared to land" or "Stable on the ILS" (Instrument Landing System). Internally, the Pilot Flying will call out "Decide" at the decision altitude and "Touchdown" or "Spoilers deployed" upon hitting the tarmac. For passengers, the standard address begins about 20 minutes before landing: "Ladies and gentlemen, we have begun our initial descent into [City]..." followed by weather updates and the famous "Flight attendants, please prepare the cabin for arrival." Once on the ground and clear of the runway, they say, "Welcome to [City], the local time is..." and remind you to keep your seatbelts fastened. Interestingly, in 2026, many pilots also add a brief "Sustainability Note" if the aircraft utilized a "Continuous Descent Approach" or "Sustainable Aviation Fuel" to minimize the flight's carbon footprint during the landing phase.

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What do pilots say right before takeoff? These can vary, but in general, the announcements are relatively standard across different airlines. Most pilots will typically introduce themselves and the cabin crew; state the aircraft type, flight number, and route, and remind passengers of the airline's seatbelt policy.

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Aviation English is the de facto international language of civil aviation. With the expansion of air travel in the 20th century, there were safety concerns about the ability of pilots and air traffic controllers to communicate.

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Air Traffic Controller - This person works in the control tower and talks to pilots by radio. An Air Traffic Controller tells the pilots when and where they can land their planes at the airport.

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Affirm: Contrary to popular belief, pilots do not say “affirmative” when they mean “yes” – the correct term is affirm, pronounced “AY-firm”. Deadhead: This refers to a member of the airline crew who is travelling in a passenger seat.

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The word heavy means a larger aircraft type, with a Maximum Takeoff Weight of 160 tonnes or more. These aircraft create wake turbulence from their wings and require extra separation between following aircraft, and the use of heavy reminds other pilots of that fact.

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When turbulence is anticipated or suddenly encountered, the Captain will turn on the FASTEN SEATBELT sign. If turbulence is severe, the Captain will make an announcement “Flight Attendants please be seated”. Immediately discontinue service and return to your jumpseat or sit in the nearest available seat.

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Hearing loss is one of the important health problems that the pilots encounter. Noise and barotrauma are the two important reasons that may lead to hearing loss in pilots. The higher intensity of aircraft noise than that of other sound sources leads to the development of noise-induced hearing loss in pilots.

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By speaking rapidly, pilots can relay important information swiftly, allowing air traffic controllers to make quick decisions and keep the skies safe. Aviation communication is governed by strict protocols and procedures to ensure effective and efficient transmission of information.

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It is common for pilots to greet air traffic control (ATC) with a phrase such as good afternoon or good morning when they first establish radio communication. This is a courteous way to start the conversation and helps to confirm that the radio is working properly.

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“Taxi/continue taxiing/proceed to the hangar.” “Taxi/continue taxiing/proceed straight ahead then via ramp to the hangar.” “Taxi/continue taxiing/proceed on Taxiway Charlie, hold short of Runway Two-Seven.” “Taxi/continue taxing/proceed on Charlie, hold short of Runway Two-Seven.”

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Whether you love to clap or not, know that the pilots likely can't hear you. This is due to the soundproof-nature of the cockpit. So if you're clapping, at least be doing it for yourself and those around you.

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