Aero-Tips!

A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of "there are no old, bold pilots.")

Aero-News has called upon the expertise of Thomas P. Turner, master CFI and all-around-good-guy, to bring our readers -- and us -- daily tips to improve our skills as aviators. Some of them, you may have heard before... but for each of us, there will also be something we might never have considered before, or something that didn't "stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized it for the practical test.

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Aero-Tips 08.18.06

We all strive for professionalism in our flying, and that includes radio work. It's acknowledged that Air Traffic Control (ATC) works better with pilots who communicate clearly and concisely, and that requests for ATC services or changes are more frequently granted if it sounds as if the pilot knows what he or she is doing.

Developing a crisp, professional radio technique takes time, however, and on those first solo cross-countries, when a student pilot may need a little extra help, the pilot may not have fully developed radio skills. How can a solo student get the extra help he or she needs?

Student Pilots Radio Identification

The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) shows that ATC makes provisions for helping student pilots. Say the Feds:

The FAA desires to help student pilots in acquiring sufficient practical experience in the environment in which they will be required to operate. To receive additional assistance while operating in areas of concentrated air traffic, student pilots need only identify themselves as a student pilot during their initial call to an FAA radio facility.

EXAMPLE -- "Dayton tower, Fleetwing One Two Three Four, student pilot."

This special identification will alert FAA ATC personnel and enable them to provide student pilots with such extra assistance and consideration as they may need. It is recommended that student pilots identify themselves as such, on initial contact with each clearance delivery prior to taxiing, ground control, tower, approach and departure control frequency, or FSS contact.

Pilots, even student pilots, are typically of a mindset that they don't want to ask for help. Instructors, by demonstrating and requiring use of the "student pilot" call-up during dual instruction and encouragement to use the student designation when the pilot flies solo, you're subtly opening the independent pilot mind to a whole host of resources available to help as he/she progresses through a flying career. "Student pilot" on the radio is a first step in developing Single Pilot Resource Management (SPRM).

Aero-tip of the day: Don't be too proud to use (or teach) the "student pilot" radio aid.

FMI: Aero-Tips