“Skyraider Two. Going cover. Press!”
Writing about the good old days. Trying to make an impression. Hopefully getting through. Moving on now.
Okay, take a breath. Here’s what I’m trying to say. When you flying and talking on the radio, please realize you aren’t starring in Top Gun, Baa Baa Black Sheep, or, (I’ll try not to vomit after saying this,) Iron Eagle. (Lou Gossett Jr.: I realize you have to pay the bills, but come on!)
This is civil aviation, with an emphasis on civil. That means you not only have permission to use pronouns in your radio conversation, pronouns are highly encouraged. And, as a bonus, you may speak in full sentences. Here’s an example:
“Piper 569 Whiskey Papa, New York Approach, say your intentions.”
USAF Fighter Weapons School version: “Piper 569 Whiskey Papa, touch-and-goes Islip.”
Civil aviation version: “Piper 569 Whiskey Papa. I’d like to do touch-and-goes at Islip.”
Both answers are acceptable and understandable. You can even make an argument that the FWS* version is preferable to the civil version because it’s shorter.
Here’s why I don’t like pilots trying to sound like John Wayne on the radio. It’s not natural. It’s unexpected. Both problems are a setup for error.
Here’s an example of how incomplete, choppy communication can create an error:
“Hey John, you want me to make a left turn at the next intersection?”
“Right.”
The other problem with talking like Chuck Yeager on the radio is it takes extra attention to build sentences like a fighter pilot. You don’t need the extra workload. The person at the other end of the radio frequency can’t afford to waste time trying to fill in the missing parts of your communication.
The short answer? Of course, use standard phrases for aviation, but use those phrases in complete and natural sentences that anyone could understand. You’ll improve the safety of your own flight and keep the rest of us from shaking our heads.
*Apologies to the “Patch Wearers” of the USAF Fighter Weapons School. You guys are alright . . . as far as you know. Check six. JK