Never transmit on the radio without practicing what to say
while holding the microphone to your lips. It does no good to
practice without the microphone. Take a deep breath and get all
the words out smoothly without pause or punctuation. Don't broadcast
until you have mastered what and how to say everything. The order
of words is often as important as the words themselves. For our
convenience all practice will use the ATIS as "Alpha".
Concord Ground Who you are talking to...
Cessna 6185 Kilo Who you are...
East ramp taxi with Alpha Where you are...
request three two right What you want...
This should come out an a smooth series of words without punctuation
or pauses, as....
Concord Ground Cessna 6185 Kilo East ramp with Alpha request three-two
right (32R is the runway, Alpha is the ATIS)
Practice, with the unkeyed microphone, until you get it right.
Then say it with the keyed mike. We usually ask for the closest
runway that wind conditions make usable. If ATC is unable or unwilling
they will make a runway assignment. You will find the radio much
easier to understand if you know what to expect ATC (Air Traffic
Control) to say. The usual ATC response will be...
85 Kilo taxi to 32R
Almost every ATC communication needs to be acknowledged and sometimes
repeated back for verification. Your response would be...
"85 Kilo to 32R
All runway assignments are to be readback whether on the ground
or in the air. A clearance to taxi lets you taxi anywhere on the
airport as long as you do not intrude on the runways in use. The
usual expectation is that you will proceed be the shortest route
but it is not required. Let ATC know if you plan to wander.
Have clearly in mind where you are, where you are going, and
the route to get you there. If ever in a situation where you are
unfamiliar as to where you are or how to get where you are going
on the ground advise the controller. If ever in doubt, ask for
help. Just say,
85k is unfamiliar request progressive taxi assistance
This tells the controller that you expect him to advise you
where to go and turn as you proceed. It is a sign of professional
competence to admit when you require help. It is just as important
to know how to get help as it is to know the way. You are going
to be landing at many strange airports where the ability to get
timely assistance is important.
Last Modified December 17, ©2025 TAGE.COM
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