Prepare for the PPL radio practical

The radio licence a UK PPL student needs is the FRTOL, and the CAA lets you apply for it alongside your pilot licence. TowerTalk lets you rehearse the radio calls it covers — with an AI controller that talks back, graded readbacks and full mock exams — so the format is second nature before your test.

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Mock practical exams

Sit a full FRTOL-style practical under exam conditions and get a pass/fail report with the calls you missed.

AI ATC on real-world data

Make your calls by voice to an AI controller briefed on the current weather and runway in use — it 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?

The radio licence for UK pilots is the Flight Radiotelephony Operator's Licence (FRTOL). It needs the PPL Communications theory exam and 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 (US/FAA 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.

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