Aviation communication resources

Essential references and tools for mastering ATC communications

Quick access tools

Interactive references available in the ATC One app

NATO phonetic alphabet

Master the international radiotelephony spelling alphabet used in aviation communications worldwide.

Standard phraseology

Complete reference of ICAO standard phrases for all phases of flight and ATC communications.

ATC codes & abbreviations

Comprehensive guide to aviation codes, abbreviations, and contractions used in radio communications.

Common frequencies

Reference guide for standard ATC frequencies, including tower, ground, approach, and emergency.

Learning guides

Comprehensive resources to build your knowledge

Essential

Airspace classes

Detailed guide to Class A through G airspace, requirements, and communication procedures for each class.

Practice

Common clearances

Examples of typical ATC clearances with proper readback format and explanation of each element.

Critical

Emergency procedures

Step-by-step guide to declaring emergencies, lost communications, and priority handling procedures.

Fundamental

Traffic pattern procedures

Standard pattern entry and exit procedures, position reports, and pattern communications.

Advanced

IFR vs VFR communications

Key differences in communication requirements and phraseology between IFR and VFR operations.

Essential

Readback requirements

What must be read back, what should be read back, and proper readback format for all clearances.

NATO phonetic alphabet

International radiotelephony spelling alphabet

Used worldwide for clear communication of letters in aviation and other critical communications.

A
Alpha
B
Bravo
C
Charlie
D
Delta
E
Echo
F
Foxtrot
G
Golf
H
Hotel
I
India
J
Juliett
K
Kilo
L
Lima
M
Mike
N
November
O
Oscar
P
Papa
Q
Quebec
R
Romeo
S
Sierra
T
Tango
U
Uniform
V
Victor
W
Whiskey
X
X-ray
Y
Yankee
Z
Zulu

Airspace classification

Class B

Altitude
Surface to 10,000 ft MSL (varies)
Requirements
ATC clearance required
VFR minimums
3 SM visibility, clear of clouds
Equipment
Mode C transponder, ADS-B Out, two-way radio

Emergency procedures

MAYDAY (Distress)

When to use
Use when aircraft or persons are in grave and imminent danger
Format
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, [callsign], [nature of emergency], [intentions], [position], [altitude], [souls on board], [fuel remaining]
Example
"MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, Cessna 12345, engine failure, attempting forced landing, 5 miles north of Smallville Airport, 3,000 feet, 2 souls on board, fuel not a factor"

PAN-PAN (Urgency)

When to use
Use for urgent situations that don't pose immediate danger to life
Format
PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, [callsign], [nature of problem], [intentions], [assistance required]
Example
"PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, Piper 67890, rough running engine, request priority landing, runway 27"

Lost communications

VFR: Squawk 7600, remain VFR, land as soon as practicable
IFR: Squawk 7600, follow route: Assigned → Vectored → Expected → Filed. Altitude: MEA, Expected, Assigned (highest)
Note: Watch for light gun signals from tower

Emergency transponder codes

1200VFR (US)
7500Hijack
7600Lost communications
7700Emergency

Reference materials

Official aviation resources and documentation

FAA resources

  • • Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
  • • ATC Order 7110.65 (Controller's Handbook)
  • • Pilot/Controller Glossary
  • • Digital aeronautical charts

ICAO resources

  • • Doc 4444 (PANS-ATM)
  • • Doc 9432 (Manual of Radiotelephony)
  • • Annex 10 (Aeronautical Telecommunications)
  • • Doc 8400 (ICAO Abbreviations and Codes)

Training resources

  • • Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
  • • Airplane Flying Handbook
  • • Instrument Flying Handbook
  • • Instrument Procedures Handbook

Practice with real scenarios

Access all these resources and more in the ATC One app. Practice with AI-powered training scenarios.

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