DOCUMENT NUMBER

GSM-E-ATP.091_92

DOCUMENT TITLE

EASA COMMUNICATIONS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND STANDARD

PHRASEOLOGY

Version 2.3
June 2019

This is a controlled document. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission, in
writing, from the Chief Executive Officer of Flight Training Adelaide.
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNICATIONS
STANDARD PHRASEOLOGY

CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 3
1.1 STANDARD PHRASEOLOGY ............................................................................ 3
2. OBJECTIVES IN DETAIL CHAPTER 1 .......................................................... 5

3. STANDARD WORDS AND PHRASES ........................................................... 6

4. WORKSHEET: STANDARD WORDS AND PHRASES .................................. 8

5. EXERCISE TWO - ROGER, WILCO OR AFFIRM EXERCISE ....................... 9

6. PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS: ................................................................... 10

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RADIOTELEPHONY
1. INTRODUCTION
RT provides the means by which P & C communicate with each other. To ensure
comms are clear and fully understood it is of vital importance that transmissions
comply with internationally agreed procedures and phraseology.
RT comms between P & C will comprise one or more of the following elements in any
transmitted message:
• CLEARANCES requiring strict compliance and the clearance issued is to be
readback verbatim.
• INSTRUCTIONS to be complied with and in most cases should be readback to
reduce the chance of ambiguity or misunderstanding.
• INFORMATION is provided to assist the safe conduct of the flight and should not
be readback.
Correct radiotelephone discipline is vital to ensure the accurate transfer of instructions
and information between pilots and ATC for the safe and expeditious operation of
aircraft to and from the terminal.
The correct use of RT also assists pilots to achieve an air picture of where other
aircraft are - particularly in poor visibility conditions.
RT discipline is a critical flight safety factor - there have been many occasions where
misunderstanding caused by the use of non standard phraseology and not
understanding the important elements of the message of controllers or flight crew has
been a significant contributing factor to accidents and incidents.

1.1 STANDARD PHRASEOLOGY

Standard phraseology (in the English language) should be used whenever possible.
ICAO phraseologies have been developed to provide efficient, clear, concise, and
unambiguous communications.
The importance of using the correct and precise communication technique and
standard phraseology cannot be overstated.
Pilots should be aware of the elements of each transmission to ensure only
those elements that are required to be readback are transmitted.
Only when standard phraseology cannot serve the intended transmission, plain
language shall be used. When using plain language it should be clear, concise, and
unambiguous.
Care shall be taken to ensure that there is no possibility of confusion or
misunderstanding to the basic meaning of the message.
It must always be remembered that there are many levels of English language
proficiency amongst operators. An awareness of the special difficulties faced by

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second language learners contributes to safer communications. The use by all of the
standard phraseology and the correct message format will help avoid
misunderstandings.
Any doubt or confusion on the Flight Deck will also be avoided by the use of standard
calls and phraseology.

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2. OBJECTIVES IN DETAIL CHAPTER 1

Define the meaning of standard words and phrases

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3. STANDARD WORDS AND PHRASES

Word Or Phrase Meaning
Acknowledge Let me know that you have received and understood this message.
Affirm Yes
Approved Permission for proposed action granted.
Break I hear by indicate the separation between portions of the message. (To be
used when there is no clear distinction between the text and other portions of
the message.)
Break Break I hear by indicate the separation between messages transmitted to different
aircraft in a very busy environment.
Cancel Annul the previously transmitted clearance.
Check Examine a system or procedure. (Not to be used in any other context).
No answer is normally required.
Cleared Authorised to proceed under the conditions specified.
Confirm I request verification of: (clearance, instruction, action, information).
Contact Establish communications with ... (your details have been passed)
Correct True or accurate
Correction An error has been made in this transmission (or message indicated). The
correct version is …
Disregard Ignore
Go ahead “Proceed with your message.”
Note:- Not used whenever the possibility exists of misconstruing “GO AHEAD”
as an authorization for an aircraft to proceed. The phrase “GO AHEAD” may
be omitted and, in its place, a response made by using the calling aeronautical
station’s call sign followed by the answering aeronautical station’s call sign.
How do you What is the readability of my transmission?
read?
I say again I repeat for clarity or emphasis.
Maintain Continue in accordance with the condition(s) specified or in its literal sense,
e.g. Maintain VFR.
Monitor Listen out on (frequency).
Negative No; or Permission not granted; or That is not correct; or Not capable.
Negative I say May be used if repeated incorrect read backs are given by the pilot and
again additional emphasis is required.
Over My transmission has ended and I expect a response from you. ( Not normally
used in VHF communications)
Out This exchange or transmission has ended and no response is expected. ( Not
normally used in VHF communications)
Read back Repeat all, or the specified part, of this message back to me exactly as
received.
Re-cleared A change has been made to your last clearance and this new clearance
supersedes your previous clearance.
Report Pass me the following information.

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Request I should like to know…. or I wish to obtain…..

Roger I have received all of your last transmission.
Say again Repeat all, or the following part of your transmission.
Speak slower Reduce your rate of speech.
Standby Wait and I will call you. ( The caller would normally re-establish contact if the
delay is lengthy)
Unable I cannot comply with your request, instruction or clearance. Unable is normally
followed by a reason.
Wilco I understand all of your message and will comply with it.
Words Twice As a request: Communication is difficult. Please send every word, or group of
words, twice.
As information: Since communication is difficult, every word or group of words,
in this message will be sent twice.

The words Roger, Over and Out may be omitted from transmissions provided no
confusion or ambiguity may result.

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4. WORKSHEET: STANDARD WORDS AND PHRASES

Exercise One - Which word or phrase would apply in the following situations?
Situation Word or phrase
Example: You need some information. request

1. Permission is given for you to make an early right turn after a go around.
2. The controller wants to know that you have received and understood his message.
3. You need to know if your undercarriage is correctly extended.
4. You did not hear the whole transmission.
5. You are asked if you have an instructor on board. You have!
6. The controller is not sure that you have heard the direction of turn correctly.
7. The controller answers ‘No’.
8. You are allowed to backtrack.
9. The controller wants you to look and see that you are flying at the cleared altitude.
10. The controller wants you to listen out on another frequency.
11. ATC need to stop talking to you, while they give instructions to another pilot.
12. The controller wants you to ignore his last instruction.
13. You gave some incorrect information in your transmission.
14. The controller wants to know when you have reached the Zone boundary.
15. You were approved to taxi across a runway, but now the controller does not want you
to do so.
16. The controller is speaking too fast for you to understand.
17. You are asked to report abeam the Strobe. What do you say?
18. The radar controller says the return from your transponder shows you are actually
flying 300 feet higher than you should be!
19. You are experiencing an emergency. You really need to make sure that ATC has heard
your information correctly.
20. You want the controller to know that you understood his message and that you intend
to follow his instruction.
21. Communication is difficult. You intend repeating every word of your transmission.
22. You have not repeated your designated altitude back to ATC.
23. ATC wants you to call another station on a new frequency.
24. The controller is presently too busy to talk to you.
25. You received all of the last transmission.
26. The controller wants to let you know that you have read back your clearance correctly.
27. You need the controller to repeat an instruction.
28. You are a VFR pilot and have received an instruction to climb but this will take you into
cloud.
29. A controller is passing instructions to you in parts.
30. The controller is asking how well you can hear him.
31. You are now ready to write down your clearance.
32. The Controller is issuing a new clearance.

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5. EXERCISE TWO - ROGER, WILCO OR AFFIRM EXERCISE

Read the following radio calls and choose the correct read back.

1. ATC: B-DV, report ready to commence the approach.

Pilot:
a. Wilco B-DV
b. B-DV, roger
c. B-DV, affirm
d. B-DV

2. ATC: G-BF, expect further descent in 10 track miles

Pilot:
a. G-BF, wilco
b. G-BF, roger
c. G-BF, affirm
d. G-BF

3. ATC: G-CD, can you accept descent to FL50.

Pilot:
a. G-CD, wilco
b. G-CD, roger
c. G-CD, affirm
d. G-CD

4. ATC: QANTAS 46 I will be vectoring you left of track for 5 miles to avoid opposite
direction traffic.
Pilot:
a. QANTAS 46, wilco
b. QANTAS 46, roger
c. QANTAS 46, affirm
d. QANTAS 46

5. ATC: N-0146735 are you visual with Frankfurt?

Pilot:
a. N-0146735, affirmative
b. N-0146735, roger
c. N-0146735, affirm
d. N-0146735

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6. PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS:

1. The term ‘RECLEARED’ means
a. Your last clearance is confirmed
b. Your last clearance has been cancelled
c. A change has been made to your last clearance and this new clearance
supersedes your previous clearance
d. You may proceed without clearance

2. What does the word ‘Roger’ means?

a. Yes
b. I have received all of your last transmission.
c. I have understood all of your last message.
d. I have received all of your last transmission and I will comply.

3. If you wish ATC to consider that your last transmission as not sent you would use the
word:
a. CANCEL
b. DISREGARD
c. NEGATIVE
d. CORRECT

4. The term MONITOR is used when ATC requires the pilot to:
a. Confirm that a message has been received and understood
b. Acknowledge that the aircraft is proceeding in accordance with a clearance
c. Listen out on a particular frequency
d. Repeat all, or the specified part, of an ATC message

5. If you are given an instruction which you are not able to follow, you should say:
a. Unable
b. Negative
c. Standby
d. Disregard

6. If you wish to say ‘yes’ to a question from ATC, then the correct reply should be:
a. Yes
b. Correct
c. Affirm
d. Affirmative

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7. Why should standard phraseology be used?

a. It sounds professional
b. So non-pilots won't understand what you are saying
c. To minimise confusion and misunderstanding
d. To keep your transmissions short

8. You call ATC for clearance during a very busy period and they reply with 'standby'.
How should you respond?
a. Give up and go somewhere else
b. Wait till the current transmission is finished and call again
c. Wait until ATC calls you back
d. Wait until ATC calls you back, but if there is prolonged quiet period, call them
again.

9. ACKNOWLEDGE' means...
a. The transmitter station is asking you to advise your location
b. The transmitter is asking you to confirm that you have received and understood
his message
c. The transmitter is saying he has understood your message
d. A third party asks you to repeat your message

10. ‘WILCO' means...

a. I have received your message
b. Get back to me as soon as possible
c. I have received your message and will comply
d. I will come to your assistance

11. 'OVER' means...

a. I have received a message and will comply
b. I have finished my transmission and await your reply
c. I have finished my transmission
d. Is not used

12. 'STANDBY' means...

a. Wait and I will call you
b. Go to an alternative frequency and I will call you
c. Switch to your alternative power supply system
d. Hold your position

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13. You are on final in ABC, the Tower calls 'Alpha Bravo Charlie cleared to land, BREAK
BREAK, X-ray Yankee Zulu go around'. What does this mean?
a. The tower is breaking into a radio transmission from another aircraft
b. The tower is identifying the separation between messages to two different
aircraft
c. The tower is trying to attract the attention of X-ray Yankee Zulu

14. You are given advice of other traffic from the Tower followed by 'acknowledge'. How
should you respond?
a. Say nothing, but watch out for the traffic
b. Reply with either 'looking for traffic' or 'traffic in sight'.
c. Wait for the other traffic to acknowledge the transmission

15. I SAY AGAIN' means...

a. You repeat your transmission for emphasis to the receiver
b. The receiver asks you to repeat your message
c. That you want a transmission repeated
d. A third party asks you to repeat your message

16. If the rate of speech from the ground station is too high you should say…
a. ‘Words twice’
b. ‘Speak slower’
c. ‘Say again slowly’
d. ‘Standby’

17. What does the phrase "Read back" mean?

a. Did you correctly receive this message?
b. Check and confirm with originator
c. Repeat all, or the specified part, of this message back to me exactly as received
d. Let me know that you have received and understood this message

18. Which phrase shall be used if you want to say: "I should like to know..." or "I wish to
obtain..."?
a. Request
b. Report
c. Acknowledge
d. Confirm

19. What does the word "approved" mean?

a. Permission for proposed action granted.
b. That is correct.
c. Authorized to proceed under the conditions specified.
d. I repeat for clarity or emphasis.

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20. Which word or phrase shall be used to indicate a separation between portions of a
message?
a. Break.
b. Stop.
c. I say again.
d. Over.

21. What does the word "cancel" mean?

a. Annul the previously transmitted clearance.
b. A change has been made to your last clearance.
c. Wait and I will call you.
d. Consider that transmission as not sent.

22. What does the word "check" mean?

a. Confirm your last transmission.
b. Read back my last instruction.
c. I understand your message.
d. Examine a system or procedure.

23. Which word or phrase shall be used when giving authorization to proceed under
specified conditions?
a. Approved.
b. I say again: proceed.
c. Cleared.
d. Go ahead.

24. Which word shall be used to ask a station whether you have correctly received a
message, clearance, instruction, etc?
a. Verify.
b. Confirm.
c. Correct.
d. Acknowledge.

25. What does the word "contact" mean?

a. That is correct.
b. Establish radio contact with ...
c. Radar contact established.
d. Listen out on (frequency).

26. Which word or phrase shall be used in order to repeat for clarity or emphasis?
a. I say again.
b. Confirm.
c. Read back.
d. Verify.

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27. What does the word "correct" mean?

a. An error has been made in this transmission. The correct version is....
b. Permission for proposed action not granted.
c. Negative, the correct version is ....
d. That is correct.

28. Which word shall be used to indicate that an error has been made in a transmission or
message?
a. Correction.
b. Correct.
c. Negative.
d. Disregard.

29. What phrase shall be used when asking for the readability of a transmission?
a. How do you read?
b. Read back.
c. Report readability.
d. Read you loud and clear.

30. What does the word "negative" mean?

a. Consider that transmission as not sent.
b. Annul the previously transmitted clearance.
c. I say again.
d. That is not correct.

31. Which word or phrase shall be used to indicate that a change has been made to your
last clearance and this new clearance supersedes your previous clearance or part
thereof?
a. Cleared.
b. Approved.
c. Break Break.
d. Re-cleared.

32. What does the word "report" mean?

a. Examine a system or procedure.
b. Pass me the following information.
c. Repeat all of this message back to me exactly as received.
d. Say again.

33. Which word or phrase shall be used if you want to say: "Reduce your rate of speech”?
a. Speak slower
b. Words twice
c. Repeat
d. Say again

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34. The word “ACKNOWLEDGE” means:

a. Yes
b. Let me know that you have received and understood this message
c. Permission for proposed action granted
d. Did you correctly receive this message?

35. The phrase “HOW DO YOU READ?” could correctly be answered by:
a. “Loud and clear”
b. A figure or phrase from the readability scale
c. “Five by five”
d. “Left to right, top to bottom”

36. If a pilot has received a clearance or instruction which cannot be complied with, the
pilot should use the phrase …….. to advise the controller.
a. No can do
b. Negative
c. Cannot comply
d. Unable

37. The word “APPROVED” means:

a. Yes
b. Let me know that you have received and understood this message
c. Permission for proposed action granted
d. Did you correctly receive this message?

38. How shall a pilot ask for a QFE?

a. Request Quebec Foxtrot Easy
b. Request Quebec Foxtrot Echo
c. Request QFE
d. Request height pressure setting

39. If a controller would like to say to you: “Pass me the following information”, he/she
would use the expression:
a. Report
b. Request
c. Readback
d. Say again

40. When asking for a repeat of a message, you should say..

a. Words twice
b. Say again
c. Repeat message
d. Speak slower

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41. Which word or phrase should be used if you want to say ‘An error has been made in
this transmission?
a. negative
b. correction
c. I say again
d. negative, I say again

42. What is the meaning of the phrase BREAK BREAK?

a. The exchange of transmissions has ended and no response is expected
b. It indicates the separation between portions of a message transmitted to an
aircraft station
c. My transmission has ended and I expect a response from you
d. It indicates the separation between messages transmitted to different aircraft in a
very busy environment

43. What does MAINTAIN mean?

a. Continue in accordance with….
b. Remain on this frequency
c. Hold your position
d. Listen out on….

44. “CONFIRM” means:

a. Let me know that you have understood this message
b. Say again
c. Request verification of….
d. Permission for proposed action granted

45. WILCO means:

a. I have received all of your last transmission
b. Permission for proposed action granted
c. My transmission is ended and I expect a response from you
d. I understand your message and will comply with it

46. ROGER means:

a. Permission for proposed action granted
b. Check and confirm with originator
c. I have received all of your last transmission
d. I understand your message and will comply with it

47. DISREGARD according to the ICAO definition means:

a. Consider that transmission not sent
b. Ignore
c. Check and confirm with originator
d. An error has been made in this transmission

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48. CHECK means:

a. Did you correctly receive this message?
b. I repeat for clarity or emphasis
c. Examine a system or procedure
d. Confirm with originator

49. The definition of ‘MONITOR’ is:

a. Establish communications on frequency ….
b. Listen out on frequency …..
c. Watch out for visual signals on frequency….
d. You are being watched!

50. What kind of language and phraseology is commonly used in radio communication?
a. English only, ICAO phraseology
b. English, ICAO phraseology
c. English only, ICAO phraseology or plain language
d. English, ICAO phraseology or plain language

51. You are flying at your cruising level with a reduced Mach number of 0.79 but you are
able to fly Mach 0.85. If ATC asks you “Are you able to increase to Mach 0.85". What
will you reply?
a. Affirm
b. Negative
c. Roger
d. Wilco

52. Messages accepted for transmission should be transmitted …….. without altering the
sense of the message in any way.
a. By using abbreviations with phonetic spelling and thereby expediting
communication
b. Only in English language
c. By using corresponding subsidiary phraseologies in preference to ICAO
phraseology whenever it is possible
d. In plain language or ICAO phraseologies

53. If you are flying an aircraft with a maximum rate of climb of 1500 ft. per minute and
ATC asks you to climb at 2000 ft. per minute or greater, you response will be:
a. ….unable
b. ….no
c. ….affirm
d. ….wilco

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54. You are approaching an airfield and ATS calls you “Standby for Mupark Precision
same frequency”. You should …
a. Change the frequency and wait
b. Change the frequency and contact the new unit
c. Acknowledge the message and stay and wait on the frequency
d. Say nothing and stay and wait on the frequency

55. If ATC asks D-ENRW to standby, what is the pilot expected to reply. If any?
a. Nil ( No reply)
b. Standing by D-ENRW
c. Standing by
d. Standby D-ENRW

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