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Show Notes:
- Most pilots use non-standard phraseology at one time or another. Many pilots use non-standard phrases as a habit.
- Non-standard radio phraseology is a radio call that does not meet the standards set in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and the Air Traffic Controller’s manual.
- For example, when Tower clears you for takeoff, the AIM’s standard readback is: “Cleared for takeoff.” A non-standard readback might be: “Cleared to go.”
- We fall into the trap of using non-standard phrases because we generally get away with using them.
- Air traffic controllers are very flexible, and will usually accept a readback of “Climbing to fourteen,” as a substitute for the standard phrase: “Climb and maintain one-four thousand.”
- This acceptance of non-standard phraseology indicates, incorrectly, that it is okay to talk this way.
- Some day, you are going to find yourself in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and the use of non-standard phraseology is going to get you, and perhaps other people, in deep serious trouble.
- The air disaster at Tenerife is an eye-opening example of how dangerous it is to use non-standard phraseology.
Your Turn:
Have you ever been corrected by an air traffic controller because you used non-standard phraseology? Has an air traffic controller ever used non-standard phraseology with you? Tell me a good story.