Your first radio call does not have to be perfect, it just has to follow a pattern. Once you can answer four simple questions in order, you can build almost any routine transmission, from announcing yourself at a quiet airport to calling a busy tower. Here is the format, two worked examples, and the habits that make it easy.
Part of our Radio Communications guide. Practice the spelling and numbers in phraseology and alphabet.
The four Ws
Nearly every radio call answers the same four questions, in this order:
- Who you are calling (the facility or airport).
- Who you are (your aircraft, by tail number).
- Where you are (your position or location).
- What you want (your request or intention).
If you can fill in those four blanks, you can make the call. Everything else is just learning the standard words, which we cover in the phraseology guide.
Using your tail number
Your aircraft is identified by its registration, called the N-number or tail number, because U.S. registrations begin with the letter N. On first contact you say the make or type plus the full number, for example “Cessna 12345.” After the controller or the frequency has used a shortened version of your number, you may use that shorter form. Spell the number using the phonetic alphabet for any letters, such as “Cessna 4-5-Romeo.”
Listen before you transmit
The most common rookie mistake is keying the microphone the instant you think of something to say. Instead, listen for several seconds first. You will hear the rhythm of the frequency, learn what other traffic is doing, and avoid transmitting on top of someone else, which blocks both calls. When there is a pause, then you speak.
ATIS first at a towered field
At an airport with a control tower, listen to the ATIS before you call anyone. ATIS is a recorded loop of current weather, the active runway, and other airport information, each version labeled with a phonetic letter such as “Information Bravo.” When you make your first call, you tell the controller you have it, so they know you already have the weather and runway in use. This single habit makes your first call shorter and smoother.
Worked example: self-announce at a non-towered airport
At an airport without a tower, you announce on the common frequency (CTAF) so other pilots know where you are. There is no one to answer; you simply broadcast. A self-announce inbound might be:
- “Springfield traffic, Cessna 12345, ten miles south, inbound for landing, Springfield.”
Notice the four Ws: who you are calling (Springfield traffic), who you are (Cessna 12345), where you are (ten miles south), what you want (inbound for landing). Saying the airport name again at the end helps anyone who tuned in late. More on this in non-towered airport communications.
Worked example: a tower call
At a towered airport, you are talking to a real controller who will answer. An inbound call after listening to ATIS “Information Bravo” might be:
- “Springfield Tower, Cessna 12345, ten miles south, inbound for landing with Bravo.”
The tower will reply with instructions, which you read back. Full towered-airport sequences, including ground and approach, are covered in towered airport communications.
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What you'll need
The radio gear and references student pilots actually use, all from PilotMall.com.
Frequently asked questions
What are the four Ws of a radio call?
Who you are calling, who you are, where you are, and what you want. Answering those four in order builds almost any routine transmission.
What is a tail number?
It is your aircraft’s registration number, called an N-number in the United States because U.S. registrations start with the letter N. You use it to identify yourself on the radio.
Why listen before transmitting?
Listening first lets you learn what traffic is doing and avoid keying the microphone at the same time as someone else, which blocks both transmissions.
Why do I listen to ATIS before calling the tower?
ATIS gives you the current weather and active runway in a recorded loop, so when you tell the controller you have it your first call is shorter and they know you are already briefed.