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Questions tagged [phraseology]

For questions about standard words, phrases, and abbreviations used by pilots and ATC in aviation radio communications. (More general questions about aviation-specific words, phrases, or definitions used outside of radio communications should usually be tagged [terminology] instead.)

In aviation, standard radio (formally, radiotelephony) phraseology is used to ensure pilots worldwide are able to communicate in an unambiguous manner with Air Traffic Control.

The most well-known part of standard aviation radio phraseology is the use of the 'phonetic alphabet' for letters and numbers: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie etc. This alphabet is not unique to aviation and is used for other activities where it's important to be able to communicate letters or spell words clearly.

ICAO document 9432 (apparently not available online) describes the standard phraseology which forms the basis of aviation radio communications worldwide. The ICAO phraseology is not exhaustive and at local level additional phraseologies can be in use. For example, the FAA issues a Pilot/Controller Glossary that lists all standard words and phrases to be used by pilots and ATC in the US and is broadly aligned with ICAO standards.

Use this tag for questions about standard words, phrases, and abbreviations used by pilots and ATC in aviation radio communications. (More general questions about aviation-specific words, phrases, or definitions used outside of radio communications should usually be tagged instead.)

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Why is the total count of people on a plane given as the number of 'souls' on board?

Why don't they just say 'people' on board, why souls? What is the origin of this term? I'm thinking it comes from sailing as I think I've heard that term in reference to crews out at sea, but I'm not a sailor so I don't know.
MDMoore313
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When using the phonetic alphabet, for airways, should we say Uniform or Upper?

Listening some RTs, I heard ATCos reporting airways, for example: UL65, UPPER LIMA 65. But the phonetic alphabet says UNIFORM. Why do they say like this, please? Is there any manual in which we can study these differences?
eduardoguilherme
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Why do pilots say "clear of the active" at non-towered airports?

At the non-towered airport I fly at, pilots when clear of the runway always say "X Traffic, Skyhawk N123 clear of the active." Why not say the runway number? At a one-runway airport, I understand that this could be redundant, but wouldn't it be…
flyinghigh
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What does ATC mean when they say "no longer a factor"?

During radar vectors, the ATCo informed to the pilot, "no longer a factor." Please, can you clarify to me what this radio transmission means?
eduardoguilherme
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When should I use "cross" and "pass" on radio telephony?

Talking about "vertical" plan (altitudes, flight level) and "horizontal" plan (positions, way points), according to the standard phraseology FAA/ICAO, is there any difference, in the usage of, between TO CROSS and TO PASS?
eduardoguilherme
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What's the correct ATC phraseology to enter a nonpublished hold?

Before entering on a hold (stack), the ATC should instruct the turns and headings to be accomplished by the crew. If it is not printed on the charts, as on STARs, what is the correct phraseology to be used by ATC?
eduardoguilherme
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What's the difference between Holding Point and Hold Short?

I heard some ATCos requesting pilots to report, on holding point, and also hold short. Is there any difference on them?
eduardoguilherme
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What's the difference between 'Go Around' and 'Pull Up'?

We use on the standard RT (radio telephony) Go Around. But what's the difference between Go Around and Pull Up?
eduardoguilherme
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Where can I get an list of ATC phraseology terms in Spanish?

I'm considering flying in a Spanish-speaking country and would like to have a passing familiarity with how to communicate with ATC in Spanish. Is there an ATC English-to-Spanish dictionary?
Mike
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What does "2-2-4-niner" mean?

In Avatar (2009), a man speaks to a pilot in a jet via radio: MAN :Valkyrie 1-6, copy...Valkyrie 1-6, you are clear for de-orbit burn at 2-2-4-niner. Pilot: Copy, Venture Star. Go for de-orbit burn at 2-2-4-niner. What does "2-2-4-niner" mean?
Austin May
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The ATC is unable to provide radar service to pilots, what's the standard way to inform this?

Nowadays, ATC provides radar services to pilots, such as: vectors and surveillance, however, depending on the radar status, it can be out of service; on initial call the controller will inform the pilots about this issue, please, what's the right…
eduardoguilherme
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What is the correct phraseology to request a climb?

If you'd like to request a climb to a higher flight level while cruising, which do you think is a more proper way to request it: Request to climb FL350 Request climb FL350 I know they have zero difference in meaning between them, but I'm curious…
lemonincider
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Is there any technical word to be used on Radio Telephony, to say that there is a "body air-shipped"?

A great number of dead bodies are transported by airplanes everyday. How will pilots report to ATC they are transporting it/them?
eduardoguilherme
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On radio telephony, is there any difference when using ALTERNATE and DIVERT, to change my destination airport?

If my destination airport is closed, or if I decided to land on a different airport I have requested on my FPL, should I use: Request to DIVERT to or ALTERNATE to?
eduardoguilherme
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