VI.A.

Radio Communications and ATC Light Signals_________________________________

References:
1. FAA-H-3083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook)
2. AC 61-23 (Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
3. AIM

Objective To develop the students understanding of Radio Communications and ATC Light Signals.

Elements 1. Selection and use of appropriate radio frequencies.

2. Recommended procedure and phraseology for radio communications.
3. Receipt, acknowledgment of, and compliance with, ATC clearances and other instructions.
4. Interpretation of, and compliance with ATC light signals.

Schedule 1. Discuss Objectives 03

2. Review Material 02
3. Development 20
4. Conclusion 05

Equipment 1. White Board / Markers

2. Airplane Flying Handbook
3. Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
4. AIM

IP’s Actions 1. Discuss lesson objectives

2. Present Lecture
3. Ask and Answer Questions

SP’s Actions 1. Participate in discussion

2. Take notes
3. Ask and respond to questions

Completion This lesson will be complete when SP demonstrates an understanding of the elements related to
Standards Radio Communications and ATC Light Signals

VI.A. Radio Communications and ATC Light Signals

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Instructor’s Notes: Radio Communications and ATC Light Signals______________________
INTRODUCTION:

WHAT? – To gain knowledge of the elements related to radio communications and ATC light signals.

WHY ? – Correct use of and compliance with radio communications and ATC light signals is crucial for safe
flight.

OVERVIEW - This lesson will cover the basic elements pertaining to Radio Communications and ATC Light
Signals, including:
1. Selection and use of appropriate radio frequencies.
2. Recommended procedure and phraseology for radio communications.
3. Receipt, acknowledgment of, and compliance with, ATC clearances and other instructions.
4. Interpretation of, and compliance with ATC light signals.

DEVELOPMENT:

HOW ?
1.) SELECTION AND USE OF APPROPRIATE RADIO FREQUENCIES:
A.) During preflight planning look up and note all the frequencies required for that flight.
B.) Plan ahead. Listen to other plane’s hand-offs.
2.) RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES AND PHRASEOLOGY FOR RADIO VOICE
COMMUNICATIONS:
A.) Using standard phraseology enhances safety.
B.) In most radio broadcasts, include:
1. Whom you are calling.
2. Who you are.
3. Where you are.
4. What you want to do.
3.) RECEIPT, ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF, AND COMPLIANCE WITH ATC CLEARANCES AND
OTHER INSTRUCTIONS:
A.) Acknowledge all ATC clearances by repeating key points.
1. Read back all runway assignments
2. Repeat back altitudes and headings.
3. When in doubt, ask for clarification or repeat instructions.
B.) Far 91.123 states that pilot in command may not deviate from ATC clearance, except in emergency. Let
ATC know if you cannot comply with instructions, and why.

VI.A. Radio Communications and ATC Light Signals

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 INTERPRETATION OF AND COMPLIANCE WITH ATC LIGHT SIGNALS.

SIGNAL ON THE GROUND IN THE AIR

STEADY CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF CLEARED TO LAND
GREEN
FLASHING CLEARED TO TAXI RETURN FOR LANDING
GREEN
STEADY RED STOP GIVE WAY/CONTINUE
CIRCLING
FLASHING TAXI CLEAR OF LANDING AIRPORT UNSAFE--DO NOT
RED AREA LAND
FLASHING RETURN TO STARTING NOT APPLICABLE
WHITE POINT ON AIRPORT
ALTERNATING EXERCISE EXTREME EXERCISE EXTREME
RED/GREEN CAUTION CAUTION

C.) If you receive no response to transmissions, or if you hear transmissions but none are directed to your
plane--suspect radio failure.
1. determine direction and flow of traffic.
2. enter pattern and look for light signals.
3. acknowledge signals, and transmit on radio.
4. after landing, telephone tower.
D.) If you receive no transmissions on tower or ATIS frequencies-- suspect receiver failure.
1. transmit position, situation, and intention to land on tower frequency.
2. determine flow of traffic, enter pattern, and look for light signals.
3. acknowledge signals, transmit on radio.
4. after landing, telephone tower.
E.) If experience radio failure prior to takeoff.
1. have radio repaired before flight.
2. call tower to request authorization to depart without communications.
3. if radio malfunctions after departing ramp area--watch tower for light signals.
4. BE PREPARED TO RETURN TO RAMP.

COMMON ERRORS:
1.) USE OF IMPROPER FREQUENCIES
A.) Caused by inadequate planning, misreading chart or flight log, mis-tuning.
B.) Prevent by double-checking and reading aloud frequency numbers.
C.) Monitor frequency before transmitting - listen to other transmissions.
2.) IMPROPER PROCEDURE AND PHRASEOLOGY WHEN USING RADIO VOICE COMMUNICATIONS
A.) Think about what to say before speaking.
B.) Be sensitive to controller’s workload and tailor broadcasts to match - use abbreviations if appropriate.
3.) FAILURE TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR PROPERLYCOMPLY WITH ATC CLEARANCES AND OTHER
INSTRUCTIONS
A.) Occurs when pilot does not hear or understand message.
B.) Practice dividing attention so as not to miss transmissions.
C.) When in doubt ask ATC to repeat message.
4.) FAILURE TO UNDERSTAND OR TO PROPERLY COMPLY WITH ATC LIGHT SIGNALS
A.) Review signals and their meanings.
B.) If possible, request practice signals from ground controller.

VI.A. Radio Communications and ATC Light Signals

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CONCLUSION

OVERVIEW
Discuss Elements, to include:
1. Selection and use of appropriate radio frequencies.
2. Recommended procedure and phraseology for radio communications.
3. Receipt, acknowledgment of, and compliance with, ATC clearances and other instructions.
4. Interpretation of, and compliance with ATC light signals.

PRIVATE PTS
As Stated

COMMERCIAL PTS
As Stated

COMPLETION STANDARDS:
Pilot has demonstrated knowledge of Radio Communication and ATC Light Signals through discussion with and
oral quizzing from the CFI.

VI.A. Radio Communications and ATC Light Signals

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