Radio Technique at Non-towered Airports

Based on what I’m hearing lately, the winter and extended lousy spring flying weather may’ve left a lot of us a bit rusty in the communication area. I’m fairly certain that “okey-dokey” is not a standard radio call, nor is “no problem.” I checked the AIM and the Pilot/Controller Glossary and couldn’t find ‘em anywhere. Don’t forget to use your call sign any time you reply to anyone. And what is with the pilots who begin every call they make with “…and….?” Did they key their mics halfway though their call and we’ve missed something important like, say, the fact that they’re breathing down our tailpipes?

Listen first, before you key that mic and ‘step on’ another pilot. Start your calls 10 miles out. Be brief, yet complete; unhurried, but don’t take a day and a half either – remember, you’re talking on a party line. If you need to have an extended conversation with another aircraft (about anything other than flying), switch over to the air-to-air frequency, 122.750. Your aircraft call sign needs to be mentioned right after the name of the airport traffic to which you’re self-announcing. Using your aircraft model name will provide a better visual than the aircraft manufacturer’s name. You can call yourself a Cessna all you want, but there’s a world of difference between a Citation and a Skyhawk! Mention the airport name again, at the end of your call, in case another pilot didn’t catch the beginning of your transmission.

“Indy Exec traffic, Skyhawk 5-2 echo foxtrot, 10 miles northeast at 4000, inbound, landing, 1-8, Executive.”

“Kokomo traffic, Skylane 4-6 echo foxtrot, 10 miles northeast at 2900 on a practice ILS 23 approach, low approach only, Kokomo.”

“Boone County traffic, Premier 1-2-3-4 alpha, turning final, 3-6, Boone County.” [Kidding. Just checking to see if you’re all still awake.]

See AIM 4-1-9-g and h for more recommended self-announce phraseologies.

A final reminder: even though you’ve probably heard pilots who should know better stating “traffic in the area, please advise,” that is not a recognized Self-Announce Position or Intention phrase and should not be used, ever.

Blue skies, tailwinds, and safe flying!