How Do You Communicate With An Air Traffic Control Tower?
The main job of the air traffic control (ATC) system is to make sure that aircraft in and around a tower are safe and separated from each other. One of your most important tasks as a pilot is to properly communicate with ATC. You can gain an understanding of good radio communication by correctly following procedures. Prepare a flight plan. Include your planned route, alternative airports you can use, and the amount of weight and fuel on board your plane. Private aircraft aren’t always required to file a flight plan. Having one is a part of good piloting and helps you communicate with ATC throughout your flight. Set your radio to the VHF frequency given by your air traffic controller. ATC and pilots use frequencies between 118 and 136 megahertz. When your controller hands you off to another controller, he should give you a new frequency. Determine your position before you contact ATC. If you’re on the ground, you should make your first call after you’ve prepared the flight plan, done a