2025 AOPA, Airspace and
Communication Summary
Running low on fuel?
Declare a "fuel emergency" to get priority from ATC
Four W's
*Who you're calling*: McCollum Traffic
*Who you are*: Cherokee 95AX
*Where you are*: 10 miles north at 3,000'
*What you want*: Inbound to land Runway 9
*Weather*: Let ATC know you have latest weather information. (Xtra W).
Example: "Marshall Traffic. Cherokee 95AX, 10 miles north at 3,000. Inbound Runway 9.
Marshall."
*Repeat name of airport at end of transmission
Callsings
Always give your full N-number, *Skyhawk 5258Y*.
Only abbreviate callsign after ATC uses short version (58Y)
Mic Fright
On the ground, practice scenarios.
In the air, prepare what you're gonna say, before transmitting
*Think of what ATC's response might be, this'll help you stay one step ahead.
Standard Phraseology Found in the Pilot/Controller glossary (P/CG), an addendum to the
AIM (Aeronautical Information Manual)
ASOS/AWOS Automated surface or weather observation reporting equipment.
AWOS: "McCollum Aiport, Automated Weather Observation. 1956 Zulu. Wind, calm.
Visibility, 10. Sky condition, Few 7,500"
If landing at nontowered airport, let ATC know you have "one-minute weather"
ATIS Prerecorded Automated Terminal Information Service.
ATIS provides weather data along with information on active runways, approaches and other
pertinent remarks.
Time permitting get ATIS or "one-minute weather" before contacting approach control.
Contacting Flight Services When distance/terrain hinder contact with FS, you may use a
*remote comm outlet (RCO)* or the *two-frequency (duplex)* method, usually via a VOR
RCO RCO's allow to contact FS by relaying transmissions to and from the station. Some
RCO's operate in many frequencies, so make sure to include the name of the RCO in your
transmission.
Example: "McAlister radio, Skyhawk 5258Y, receiving Norman 122.15"
Communication Summary
Running low on fuel?
Declare a "fuel emergency" to get priority from ATC
Four W's
*Who you're calling*: McCollum Traffic
*Who you are*: Cherokee 95AX
*Where you are*: 10 miles north at 3,000'
*What you want*: Inbound to land Runway 9
*Weather*: Let ATC know you have latest weather information. (Xtra W).
Example: "Marshall Traffic. Cherokee 95AX, 10 miles north at 3,000. Inbound Runway 9.
Marshall."
*Repeat name of airport at end of transmission
Callsings
Always give your full N-number, *Skyhawk 5258Y*.
Only abbreviate callsign after ATC uses short version (58Y)
Mic Fright
On the ground, practice scenarios.
In the air, prepare what you're gonna say, before transmitting
*Think of what ATC's response might be, this'll help you stay one step ahead.
Standard Phraseology Found in the Pilot/Controller glossary (P/CG), an addendum to the
AIM (Aeronautical Information Manual)
ASOS/AWOS Automated surface or weather observation reporting equipment.
AWOS: "McCollum Aiport, Automated Weather Observation. 1956 Zulu. Wind, calm.
Visibility, 10. Sky condition, Few 7,500"
If landing at nontowered airport, let ATC know you have "one-minute weather"
ATIS Prerecorded Automated Terminal Information Service.
ATIS provides weather data along with information on active runways, approaches and other
pertinent remarks.
Time permitting get ATIS or "one-minute weather" before contacting approach control.
Contacting Flight Services When distance/terrain hinder contact with FS, you may use a
*remote comm outlet (RCO)* or the *two-frequency (duplex)* method, usually via a VOR
RCO RCO's allow to contact FS by relaying transmissions to and from the station. Some
RCO's operate in many frequencies, so make sure to include the name of the RCO in your
transmission.
Example: "McAlister radio, Skyhawk 5258Y, receiving Norman 122.15"
