Helicopter IFR Technique: Communications Introduction and Rule #1
My first air station was in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Our area of responsibility extended from the Canadian border to New York City, and we regularly worked with Boston and New York Center, as well as Boston and New York Approach.
My flight training had not prepared me to communicate effectively in these fast-paced IFR environments. I had to work hard to improve my radio communication skills.
My second tour was in San Diego, California. Surprisingly, Los Angeles Center and SOCAL Approach operated at a different level—even compared with the busiest East Coast facilities. The pace and complexity required me to continue refining my communication skills.
Southern California also has a large Navy and Marine Corps aviation presence. I regularly heard pilots using the same communication “scripts” taught during naval flight training—scripts I had already learned were not always effective in the civil portion of the National Airspace System.
Later in my career, I flew IFR in more remote locations. Those environments presented a different set of challenges and taught me to optimize IFR clearances from non-towered airports, relay communications through other aircraft, and become more efficient when picking up IFR clearances in the air.
In this series, I will share some of the lessons I learned in each of these environments. I will also offer options for avoiding a few common pitfalls encountered by helicopter pilots who may not routinely operate IFR in busy—or remote—airspace.
But first, any introduction to radio communications must address Rule #1:
The message sent must match the message received.
ATC professionals want to communicate efficiently, but effective communication supersedes efficiency.
When necessary, you will hear a controller slow down, use plain language, or restate an instruction in a different way. The controller may then ask the pilot to acknowledge or repeat the instruction to ensure the communication loop has been effectively closed.
Before we explore the nuances of IFR communication, the opening of Chapter 4, Section 2 of the Aeronautical Information Manual—Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques—is worth a quick review:
4-2-1. General
- Radio communications are a critical link in the ATC system. The link can be a strong bond between pilot and controller or it can be broken with surprising speed and disastrous results. Discussion herein provides basic procedures for new pilots and also highlights safe operating concepts for all pilots.
- The single, most important thought in pilot‐controller communications is understanding. It is essential, therefore, that pilots acknowledge each radio communication with ATC by using the appropriate aircraft call sign. Brevity is important, and contacts should be kept as brief as possible, but controllers must know what you want to do before they can properly carry out their control duties. And you, the pilot, must know exactly what the controller wants you to do. Since concise phraseology may not always be adequate, use whatever words are necessary to get your message across. Pilots are to maintain vigilance in monitoring air traffic control radio communications frequencies for potential traffic conflicts with their aircraft especially when operating on an active runway and/or when conducting a final approach to landing.
- All pilots will find the Pilot/Controller Glossary very helpful in learning what certain words or phrases mean. Good phraseology enhances safety and is the mark of a professional pilot. Jargon, chatter, and “CB” slang have no place in ATC communications. The Pilot/Controller Glossary is the same glossary used in FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control. We recommend that it be studied and reviewed from time to time to sharpen your communication skills.