A flight, start to finish
- 1
Get the weather first
Listen to the ATIS if the field broadcasts one, or ask the station for airfield information. Note the information letter, the runway in use and the QNH.
- 2
Set up
Set your altimeter to that QNH and note the active runway.
- 3
Initial call & taxi
Tune the aerodrome frequency. Make your first call with your FULL callsign and request a radio check + taxi (ATC: “request taxi”; AGCS: “request taxi information”).
- 4
Read back
Read back the taxi instructions, runway and QNH.
- 5
Departure
At the holding point, when cleared, read back the line-up / take-off clearance (and any conditional clearance, ending with “behind”).
- 6
Leaving the zone
Request a frequency change to your next service.
- 7
New frequency
Make your initial call; when told “pass your message”, give your details using CARPAI.
- 8
En route
Give position reports using CPTANE when asked or at reporting points.
- 9
Arrival
Nearing your destination, free-call the approach/radar unit “inbound”, pass your details, and get joining instructions.
- 10
Join & land
Change to Tower, report as instructed, join the circuit and land — reading back the landing clearance.
- 11
If it goes wrong
Use PAN-PAN (urgency) or MAYDAY (distress), each spoken three times, then the message content.