Quote:
Originally Posted by seagull  I use the AIM technique, although I also always omit the words "to" and "for" for the reasons stated above. Just because ATC doesn't always do it right is not an excuse for you not to. |
Straight out of the AIM:
(a) When operating in a radar environment: On initial contact, the pilot should inform the controller of the aircraft's assigned altitude preceded by the words "level," or "climbing to," or "descending to," as appropriate; and the aircraft's present vacating altitude, if applicable.
EXAMPLE-
1. (Name) CENTER, (aircraft identification), LEVEL (altitude or flight level).
2. (Name) CENTER, (aircraft identification), LEAVING (exact altitude or flight level), CLIMBING TO OR DESCENDING TO (altitude of flight level).
There's no need to drop the "to" because it can't be confused for an altitude. Saying "climbing to five thousand" won't be confused for "two five thousand" because two five thousand doesn't exist - it's FL250. So, if you're dropping the "to," you're not exactly using the AIM technique
