Last updated on Sep 4, 2024

You're facing a miscommunication with air traffic control. How will you prevent a potential conflict?

In the dynamic world of aviation, clear communication is paramount for safety. Imagine you're at the controls, cruising at altitude, when suddenly there's a miscommunication with air traffic control (ATC)—a potential conflict looms. Understanding the gravity of this situation is crucial, as a single misunderstanding can lead to dire consequences. This article will guide you through the essential steps to prevent a potential conflict, ensuring that you, your passengers, and your aircraft remain safe.

1 Verify Info

When you detect a discrepancy in communication with ATC, your first action should be to verify the information. Politely request a repeat of the last transmission to ensure that you have correctly understood the instructions. It's important to remain calm and composed; ATC is there to assist you. If the message is still unclear after the repeat, clarify specific points by repeating them back to the controller. This read-back is a critical step in aviation protocol that helps prevent misunderstandings.

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Teking Zazea Yanick, MBA, PMP®

Project Manager | Air Traffic Controller | Airport Operations Specialist
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As a senior air traffic controller, I have seen that miscommunication between ATC and pilots is a major factor in incidents. An ICAO review of 28,000 incident reports revealed that communication issues contributed to over 70% of occurrences. The first step in addressing these challenges is to promptly identify any discrepancies in communications. It’s essential to recognize potential hazards associated with miscommunication and proactively assess and mitigate these risks. Leveraging innovation, technology, and advanced equipment can significantly enhance communication clarity. Together, we can strive for a permanent communication readability of 5, ensuring that both ATC and pilots are on the same page at all times.

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2 Use Standard

To minimize miscommunication risks, always use standard aviation phraseology. This universal language of aviation includes specific terms and phrases that are recognized internationally. By adhering to these communication standards, you reduce the potential for ambiguity. If you're uncertain about a term or instruction, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Controllers appreciate when pilots maintain clear, concise, and standardized communication, as it ensures mutual understanding and safety.

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Teking Zazea Yanick, MBA, PMP®

Project Manager | Air Traffic Controller | Airport Operations Specialist
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Once a discrepancy in ATC/pilot communication has been detected, it's crucial to communicate clearly, accurately, and concisely. Always use standard phraseology, but when it doesn’t apply or the situation requires it, plain language is acceptable. For example, use “Say Again” for clarification and “Unreadable” for readability issues. Additionally, verifying the accuracy of read-backs and ensuring effective hear-backs are essential steps. If any misunderstandings arise, addressing them promptly can prevent potential conflicts. Regular training on these communication protocols is vital to reinforce their importance and ensure that both ATC and pilots can maintain high standards of safety and clarity in all interactions.

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3 Confirm Intent

After verifying information and using standard phraseology, confirm your intentions with ATC. Clearly state your understanding of the instructions and your planned course of action. This step is vital for ensuring that both you and the controller are on the same page. If there's a discrepancy between your interpretation and ATC's instructions, this is the moment to resolve it. Ensuring aligned intentions with ATC can avert potential conflicts and maintain the orderly flow of air traffic.

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4 Squawk Ident

If verbal communication fails, use your transponder's 'ident' feature as a non-verbal signal to ATC. Squawking ident sends a unique signal on radar screens, allowing controllers to quickly identify and locate your aircraft amidst others. This can be especially helpful if radio communication is compromised or if you need to confirm that ATC's instructions are intended for you. Remember, this tool should complement, not replace, clear verbal communication.

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5 Declare Urgency

Should the miscommunication persist and you believe it could compromise safety, don't hesitate to declare urgency. Use the term "PAN-PAN" to indicate an urgent situation that is not immediately life-threatening. This declaration alerts ATC to give your communication priority without invoking the full emergency response that a "MAYDAY" call would entail. It's a proactive measure to prevent escalation into a more serious conflict or emergency.

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6 Maintain Vigilance

Finally, maintain vigilance in both communication and situational awareness. Continuously monitor ATC frequencies and be aware of the traffic around you. Use all available resources, including onboard navigation systems and collision avoidance systems, to keep abreast of potential conflicts. Proactive vigilance is your last line of defense against miscommunication with ATC. By staying alert and responsive, you significantly reduce the risk of an airborne conflict.

Add your perspective

Teking Zazea Yanick, MBA, PMP®

Project Manager | Air Traffic Controller | Airport Operations Specialist
Report contribution
As a senior air traffic controller, I have seen that miscommunication between ATC and pilots is a major factor in incidents. An ICAO review of 28,000 incident reports revealed that communication issues contributed to over 70% of occurrences. The first step in addressing these challenges is to promptly identify any discrepancies in communications. It’s essential to recognize potential hazards associated with miscommunication and proactively assess and mitigate these risks. Leveraging innovation, technology, and advanced equipment can significantly enhance communication clarity. Together, we can strive for a permanent communication readability of 5, ensuring that both ATC and pilots are on the same page at all times.

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You're facing a miscommunication with air traffic control. How will you prevent a potential conflict?

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1 Verify Info

2 Use Standard

3 Confirm Intent

4 Squawk Ident

5 Declare Urgency

6 Maintain Vigilance

Aviation

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