11/08/2026
Trying to understand what ATC is saying, even when you know what’s coming, can be overwhelming at first. Practice is the key, along with learning the standard phraseology.
One of the biggest tips is to anticipate what is coming next. Before you make a call, think about what ATC is likely to say back to you. A runway, altitude, heading, squawk, frequency or clearance. When the information comes in the order you expect, it is much easier to process and retain.
Be ready to write it down. You know the format, so you don’t need to write everything out in full. Develop some simple shorthand that works for you and have your pen ready before you make the call.
Learn to pick out the important information rather than trying to remember every word. Runways, altitudes, headings, frequencies, restrictions and clearances are the things you need to catch.
Listen to the aircraft ahead of you as well. Rather than switching off when ATC isn’t talking to you, listen to what other pilots are being told and try to predict what ATC will say next. It’s a great way to build familiarity without the pressure of having to respond.
Practice your calls out loud. Chair fly a departure or arrival at home. Make the radio call, imagine the response, write it down and practise the readback.
And if you don’t understand something, say so.
There is nothing wrong with “say again”.
Radio work is a skill. The more you practise, the less mental capacity it takes up and the more capacity you have left to actually fly the aeroplane!!
