What to do if you don't understand ATC instructions?
What to do if you don't understand ATC instructions? If you don't understand an ATC instruction, ask the controller to “say again,” slowly, if necessary, in language you understand. Tell ATC as much about the situation as possible, keeping in mind that not all controllers are pilots. Don't worry about “official phraseology.”
Are ATC instructions mandatory?
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.
Is ATC harder than pilot?
Piloting, especially on large, complex aircraft, is largely a matter of training and practice. Talent is required, of course, but mostly you just have to put your hours in. In that sense, training and qualifying to be an airline pilot is more rigorous than becoming an ATC at a busy facility.
Why do pilots say affirmative instead of yes?
There is no interpretation. Affirmative and Negative come from the radio procedure words that went into the aviation world. As a comment above it also adds on more complexity and length to the statement so that the receiver can understand even if the transmission got garbled up or cut off in some parts.
How many people fail ATC training?
3,177 newly hired controller candidates received training at the FAA Academy. Of these, only 98 candidates (3.1 percent) failed Academy training.
What is the 90 day rule in aviation?
The 90-day rule applies when carrying passengers. The licence holder must have completed within the previous 90 days, three take-offs and landings as sole manipulator of the controls in the same type or class to be used on the flight.
Can a pilot overrule ATC?
(a) The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft. (b) In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot in command may deviate from any rule of this part to the extent required to meet that emergency.
What is the 500ft rule in aviation?
An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.
What do pilots say before takeoff?
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.