Help Talkin'

[clayfenderstrat]

I have posted this in the General forum, but since you guys do a lot of talkin' on the radio, I figured that you would be the seasoned vets that I should go directly to.

Currently working on my PPL, I am inquiring on what is a good way to sharpen my communication skills. I sometimes get "tongue tied" when I key the mike, and was wanting some advice on what kind of software or books that I could get my hands on that would be helpful. I have read a little about Comm 1 VFR, and didn't know if anyone on here knew anything about it, or if there was a recommended reading list.

Thanks,
Clay

[ftyflyboy]

This too seemed impossible during my early PPL training. It will come with time, trust me. One thing that worked for me was making “radio calls” while I was driving. Just remember to say the 4 W's

Who you are talking too
Who you are
Where you are
What you want to do

Good luck,

Eric

[AUAeropilot]

Just now saw the other thread in general topics, nevermind.

[LarryinTN]

My recomondation is to READ the AIM guidelines on communication and phraseology. It seems as though not very many pilots do that these days.

[kevmor99]

I found the ASA book on radio communication by Bob Garndner pretty good, it gives examples to use in all situations.

[Cessnaflyer]

Originally Posted by LarryinTN

My recomondation is to READ the AIM guidelines on communication and phraseology. It seems as though not very many pilots do that these days.

Originally Posted by kevmor99

I found the ASA book on radio communication by Bob Garndner pretty good, it gives examples to use in all situations.

I find those are the best two options right there

[Pilot84]

What I did to help with my ATC communication is listen to liveatc.net when I got the chance. I believe it helped me a lot and at the same time I found it very interesting.

[flyermb]

I highly recommend the Comm 1 VFR program. When I was working on my private I was nervous about flying in towered controlled airports, so i bought that program. It helped greatly and didn't have a problem after that.

[Cessnaflyer]

Originally Posted by flyermb

I highly recommend the Comm 1 VFR program. When I was working on my private I was nervous about flying in towered controlled airports, so i bought that program. It helped greatly and didn't have a problem after that.

If you go that route I highly suggest buying used if you can find one on ebay or something.

Bob Gardner has a cd or dvd option and that is also fairly good at IIRC a lower price point.

[sdfcvoh]

At first, ATC can be overwhelming. But just like starting your PPL, its good to start slow, then build to the bigger stuff. I remember even the first "cessna xy123, taxi to and hold short" commands being a bit fast. But after a couple of days, my mind was waiting for those commands, and therefor the brain processed them more clearly.

I would highly recommend that you invest in a kneeboard. Get used to writing down commands on it while listening to liveatc.net - and practice reading them back, too. You'll develop your own code for scribbling it all down before you know it. Then, when you are in a real world environment, you'll be ready to scribble it down and read it back. Be sure to read back ATC instructions in the order given, too.

Of course, it is important to read the AIM guidelines so that you understand commands. But, suggesting it as the way to prepare for ATC communication is like saying to read the PPL textbook and the POH; now you can fly!

When you are at the same airport, you'll get used to hearing and also anticipating commands before they come to you. (The same will hold true for approach patterns at larger airports eventually - but you'll build to that!)

Don't be afraid to let ATC know that you are in training. They will take the time to slow it down if you ask, "Pilot in training, need slower communication." ATC wants to make sure you both have safe, effective communication. Be sure to tell them thank you when you change freqs. if radio traffic allows. They've got a tough job - and most of them do it very well.

Before you know it, with just a little time and practice, you'll be sitting at a busy Class C or B, confidently reading back clearance delivery instructions from your kneeboard, and you'll think back to these days.

Be sure to enjoy the ride along the way. Have fun - you're flying!