Structure
Every call has four parts: who you are calling, who you are, where you are, and what you want. 'Zurich Tower, Swiss 123, holding short runway 16, ready for departure.'
Phraseology
Standard words remove ambiguity: WILCO, ROGER, AFFIRM, NEGATIVE, STANDBY. 'Takeoff' is used only for an actual takeoff clearance — otherwise the word is 'departure'. This rule came directly from the Tenerife accident.
Emergencies
MAYDAY three times for distress, PAN PAN three times for urgency. Then aircraft identity, nature of trouble, intentions, position and persons on board.
Key points
- Who you are calling, who you are, where you are, what you want.
- 'Takeoff' is reserved for actual takeoff clearances.
- MAYDAY = distress; PAN PAN = urgency without immediate danger.
Knowledge check