Radio Communications and ATC Light Gun Signals

OBJECTIVE
  • To develop the pilot’s understanding of and skill in using aeronautical charts, talking to and using air traffic control services.
ELEMENTS
  • Latitude and Longitude 
  • Projections 
  • Sectionals 
  • WACs 
  • TACs 
  • Chart Symbols 

COMPLETION STANDARDS
  • This lesson is complete when the pilot demonstrates a basic understanding of aeronautical charts during oral quizzing. 

COMMON ERRORS
  • Not asking questions. 
  • Failure to keep charts up to date 
THINGS TO REMEMBER
  • Know the charts well, know regulations, can do’s, can’t do’s, terrain, and emergency features 
  • Play the “what’s this” game 
  • Use charts to understand airspace, from IFR point-of-view (airspace solely to protect IFR flights) 
  • How charts are updated and updates announced 
  • Using IFR charts for intersections is acceptable 

STUDY
  • VFR & IFR Charts 
  • “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge” Ch. 15 
  • “Aeronautical Information Manual” Ch. 1 & 9 
Recommended Study 
ATC Communications is one of the most requested and sought lessons for most students. Our instructors have tried most of the communication softwares out there and most leave much to be desired. One of the best ways to learn ATC Communications is simply to listen to a live ATC feed online. Try to understand what they are saying... you can listen to Class D Airports to learn class D communications, class B Airports for class B communications and so on... Once you understand the basics and the theory behind communications, practice will make perfect. Remember, even the worlds most experienced pilot and controller had to start somewhere. As always, please contact your instructor if you have any additional questions. 

Some great websites for listening to ATC.
http://www.liveatc.net
http://www.airtrafficatlanta.com/index.php