Engineer413

I am now attending school and switched my flying over to down here. I went solo before and have progressed a lot and am really learning a ton down here! Love the newer 172's compared to my old 152.... . But anyhow, one of my biggest issues right now is talking to ATC. It is a towered airport, but my old instructor never taught me how to talk to a tower controlled airport. I'm starting to get used to it little by little, but just not sure how to communicate properly or what so say and when to say it. Wondering if anyone has any good advice and steps in which I can look at a basic conversation... I have listened to atc live... and they just talk so fast its hard sometimes. But it is the only thing really keeping me from soloing down here! Help Please!

For instance, call tower and say New Bedford Tower Skyhawk.... is at the ramp with information Romeo and would like? Just getting confusing!

jumpseat2024

It's all about the W's:
Who you're calling
Who you are
Where you are
Weather you have
What you want to do

Other than that it's just about following and repeating your instructions

MikeF16

#1: never key the mic unless you know what you plan to say
#2: anticipate, but don't assume, what you will be told in return

Figure this out and life on the radio will be much easier.

N9373M

If you're close to the airport, get an aviation scanner, or listen to ATC on the interwebs.

EvilMonkey

Maybe an interactive training program like this...

http://www.comm1radio.com/explore/vfr.html

No personal experience using it for myself or students, but I'm aware of its existence. Some of the other chaps on here might be able to tell you if it's worthwhile or not.

Hawker445

You'll get better. When i was first learning ot fly i was terrified of speaking on the radio. But if you already had your private you should have at least been speaking to approach or center controllers at some point.

magnus0322

If your school offers it/allows it you should ride along and observe other students during their dual lessons. It will allow you to focus on the radios instead of flying. It will also get you familiar with ops at your particular airport. I used to do that with my foreign students and it really helped them. Also what someone else said about the W's is spot on.

Engineer413

I don't have my private yet and yes ill give that website a try! Uncontrolled airports weren't bad at all. Its just getting use to having it second nature.

ToastAir

See if you and your instructor can go for a visit to the tower. I'm sure they would be happy to have you. They can best tell you how they like it done, advise you of any local problem areas, and give you a better picture of what is going on. It is in their best interest as well because you will be easier to work with.

FlyBoyd

Listen to Live ATC (Air Traffic Control) Communications | LiveATC.net