ATC Communication English
English practice for air traffic control communication, readbacks and abnormal situations.
ATC communication needs short, clear and standard language. Pilots and controllers must exchange information quickly, confirm instructions and avoid misunderstanding. This page practises common ATC phrases, readbacks, clarification and emergency communication.
Basic ATC Communication Phrases
These phrases are used in routine pilot-controller communication.
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cleared for take-off | You have permission to take off. | Cleared for take-off runway two seven. |
| Line up and wait | Enter the runway and wait for take-off clearance. | Line up and wait runway zero nine. |
| Hold short | Stop before entering a runway or taxiway. | Hold short runway two seven. |
| Contact tower | Change frequency and speak to tower control. | Contact tower on one one eight decimal seven. |
| Squawk | Set a transponder code. | Squawk four two zero one. |
| Report established | Tell ATC when you are established on an approach or track. | Report established localizer runway two seven. |
ATC Readback Practice
Important instructions must be read back clearly and accurately.
1Altitude Instruction
ATC: Climb flight level three five zero.
Pilot readback: Climb flight level three five zero.
- Focus: Say the level clearly: tree fife zero.
2Heading Instruction
ATC: Turn left heading two seven zero.
Pilot readback: Left heading two seven zero.
- Focus: Left and right must be very clear.
3Frequency Change
ATC: Contact approach on one two four decimal six.
Pilot readback: Contact approach one two four decimal six.
- Focus: Use decimal, not point.
4Runway Clearance
ATC: Cleared to land runway zero nine.
Pilot readback: Cleared to land runway zero nine.
- Focus: Always read back runway and clearance.
Clarification and Confirmation
If a message is unclear, ask for repetition or confirmation. Do not guess.
1When You Did Not Hear the Message
- Phrase: Say again, please.
- Phrase: Say again heading.
- Phrase: Say again frequency.
- Phrase: Transmission unreadable.
2When You Need Confirmation
- Phrase: Confirm cleared to land runway two seven.
- Phrase: Confirm climb flight level three five zero.
- Phrase: Confirm turn left heading one eight zero.
- Phrase: Confirm squawk four two zero one.
3When You Cannot Accept an Instruction
- Phrase: Unable due to weather.
- Phrase: Unable due to traffic.
- Phrase: Unable to maintain altitude.
- Phrase: Request alternative clearance.
ATC Emergency Communication
Emergency communication should be short, clear and structured.
1Engine Failure
Pilot: Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. We have engine failure. Request immediate return to the airport.
ATC: Roger Mayday. Turn left heading one eight zero. Cleared direct to final runway two seven.
2Medical Emergency
Pilot: We have a medical emergency on board. Request priority landing and medical assistance on arrival.
ATC: Roger. You are number one for landing. Ambulance will be standing by.
3Low Fuel
Pilot: Minimum fuel. Unable to accept further delay.
ATC: Roger minimum fuel. Expect approach runway zero nine.
4Smoke in Cockpit
Pilot: Mayday. Smoke in cockpit. Request immediate descent and priority landing.
ATC: Roger Mayday. Descend immediately altitude four thousand feet. Turn right heading two two zero.
ATC Communication Quiz
Check your understanding of ATC communication phrases.
1. What does "Hold short runway two seven" mean?
2. What should you say if you did not understand a frequency?
3. Which instruction must be read back clearly?
4. What is a good phrase if you cannot accept an instruction?
5. What should emergency communication be?
ATC English is short, exact and safety-focused.
Read back important instructions, ask for clarification and use standard phraseology. Do not guess when communication is unclear.
Listen. Read back. Confirm. Comply.
Practise readbacks again
