TowerTalkPPL radio exam
Prepare for the PPL radio practical
Most UK PPL students take the FRTOL practical alongside their licence. TowerTalk lets you rehearse the radio calls it covers — with a live AI controller, graded readbacks and full mock exams — so the format is second nature before your test.
Mock practical exams
Sit a full FRTOL-style practical under exam conditions and get a pass/fail report with the calls you missed.
Live AI air traffic control
Make your calls by voice to an AI controller that reacts like a real station — not a fixed script.
Readback practice
Drill the mandatory readbacks (clearances, QNH, squawk, runway, frequency) until they're automatic.
CAP 413-aligned feedback
Every transmission is graded against standard UK CAP 413 phraseology, with specific notes on what to fix.
How it works
- 1
Learn
Revise the call formats, services and emergency phraseology.
- 2
Practise
Make live calls to the AI controller across realistic scenarios.
- 3
Mock exam
Sit the full practical under exam conditions.
- 4
Improve
Repeat your weak areas until you're consistent.
Frequently asked
What is the PPL radio exam?
UK PPL students typically obtain the Flight Radiotelephony Operator's Licence (FRTOL), which includes a practical radio test assessing standard calls, readbacks and handling of normal and emergency situations on the frequency. TowerTalk is designed to support that preparation.
Is TowerTalk an official exam?
No. TowerTalk is a practice and study tool, not an official exam or a replacement for instruction. Sit the real test with a CAA-authorised examiner.
What do I practise?
Departures and joins, position and circuit calls, zone transits, MATZ penetration, services, readbacks, and PAN-PAN / MAYDAY emergency calls — to UK CAP 413 (ICAO and US also available).
Do I need equipment?
Just a browser and a microphone. It runs on desktop, tablet and mobile.
Walk into your radio test prepared
Free to start — practise the calls until they're automatic.
Start practising free