#Simulated atc communications software

Some instructors make it a priority for students to spend some flight time at a towered field to practice ATC communications during flight, or to view first-hand operations inside the tower.īut that’s not your only option these days. When you first start learning to fly, you learn the phonetic alphabet, phraseology, and then you train and practice radio communications with your instructor. The longer you practice hearing and speaking your new aviation language, the more fluent you will become, and the more confident you will be when speaking on the radio. You’ll be hesitant at first, but the best way to overcome your hesitation is through knowledge, training, practice, and still more practice. Learning the language of aviation is not unlike learning a foreign language, or any other new skill. So how do you learn to “speak ATC” and overcome your fear? Controllers would much rather have you request a repeat transmission to clarify the instructions than have you act on the basis of what you think you heard.

Remember that ATC is working to maintain aircraft separation and keep everyone safe. If you’re not familiar with how ATC communicates, it can be very intimidating and downright nerve-wracking to thumb the mic switch and utter those two humbling words, “Say again?”ĭo not be shy about making that request! It is critical for safety. That’s the “huh?” moment that occurs when you can’t understand the fast-flowing stream of non-stop aviation lingo blaring from your radio. It’s a fact that both student pilots and seasoned aviators have at one time or another experienced what I like to call the “Say What?” syndrome. The best part is that the skills you master in your virtual aircraft will easily transfer to your real-life cockpit as well.įirst, let’s talk about the “push-to-talk phobia.” In this article, we’ll take a look at four virtual reality platforms that you can use in concert with your home computer or desktop flight simulator, to practice and sharpen your aviation communication skills.

#Simulated atc communications software

Just the sheer amount of information you receive from ATC to get an initial clearance can be overwhelming, let alone having to comprehend what the fast-talking controller just said, and then attempt to read back what you “think” you just heard.įortunately, thanks to virtual reality, there are online, real-time, controller-to-pilot platforms and software programs that can help you train for aviation radio communications - all in the comfort of your home. This article has been updated it was originally featured in the Nov/Dec 2017 issue.ĭo you get nervous or intimidated when talking on the radio or with air traffic control? Don’t worry. Source: FAA Safety Briefing, May/April 2020Ĭontent disclaimer: Products and services mentioned in this article, and/or external, non-FAA links within, do not constitute official endorsement on behalf of the FAA. Do You Suffer from Push-to-Talk Phobia? Improve Your Aviation Communication with Virtual Reality