There are many factors involved in communication, of these phraseology is fundamental because it enables us to communicate efficiently and effectively and greatly reduces the opportunity for misunderstanding.

Standard phraseology aids the readback / hear-back process such that errors are promptly detected and resolved. Ambiguous or non-standard phraseology is a frequent causal or contributory factor in aircraft accidents and incidents.

International standards of phraseology are laid down in ICAO Annex 10 Volume II Chapter 5, ICAO Doc 4444 Chapter 12 and in ICAO Doc 9432 - Manual of Radiotelephony and in Amendment 4 to the Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material to Regulation (EU) No 923/2012. Many national authorities also publish radiotelephony manuals which amplify ICAO provisions, and in some cases modify them to suit local conditions.

Non-standard phraseology is sometimes adopted by national or local air traffic services in an attempt to alleviate problems; however, standard phraseology minimizes the potential for misunderstanding.

SID/STAR Phraseology

The dedicated SID/STAR phraseology allows ATC and aircrew to communicate and understand detailed clearance information that would otherwise require long and potentially complex transmissions. Over time, these benefits have been eroded through the development of non-harmonized practices and different meanings being attached to certain elements of the SID/STAR phraseology. Consequently, a mismatch between ATC and aircrew understanding of SID/STAR phraseology presents a safety risk

In June 2016 ICAO published Amendment 7-A to PANS-ATM, applicable as from 10 November 2016, which includes harmonized phraseologies for issuing standard clearances to arriving and departing aircraft, including clearances to aircraft on a SID or STAR.

Radiotelephony (RT) Phraseology

The introduction of radiotelephony (RT) phraseologies is necessary to ensure unambiguous air–ground voice communication between air traffic services (ATS) units and pilots, improving safety.

In November 2021 EASA adopted an amendment to the Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM) to Commission Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 on Standardised European Rules of the Air the (SERA IR) introducing:

1. a comprehensive set of RT phraseologies for air–ground voice com between pilots and ATC;

2. some additional RT phraseologies to address specific operational situations; and

3. structural amendments to clearly indicate which RT phraseologies are applicable when different ATC service are provided, thus supporting their harmonized use in a safe manner.

Jet Safety International

During your type rating or recurrent pilot training, the instructors at Jet Safety International will assist you in improving your ATC communications procedures.

Posted 7/30/24