✈️ ATC Phraseology for flight simmers: how to speak confidently
When a simmer first goes online like VATSIM or IVAO, the most common fear is radio. It seems like you need to know perfect English, remember hundreds of terms and speak quickly, like in cockpit videos. But in aviation, the purpose of radio communication is not conversation - but the precise execution of tasks. Therefore, ATC phraseology is a simplified, standardized language. If you speak briefly, clearly and according to the template, everything will work out.
🎧 The main rule: only important information
On the radio, every word has meaning. No “uh”, “please”, “could you”. No long sentences. The structure of communication is always predictable: you call the dispatcher, then your call sign, and only then what you need.
“Ground, Skyline 213, request IFR clearance to Munich.”
Station name → call sign → request.
The dispatcher will almost always respond in the same structure. And your task is to accurately repeat what is related to safety: route, runway, altitude, course, holding point, transponder.
For example:
“Cleared to Munich... climb FL90... squawk 3641.”
“Cleared to Munich... climb FL90... squawk 3641, Skyline 213.”
No “thank you”, no unnecessary words. They just said it and repeated it.
🛫 Typical stages of flight - and what is important about them
The entire flight can be divided into several identical scenarios:
• in the parking lot - request permission to fly
• taxiing - route to the runway and MUST be a stopping point
• before takeoff - wait, then permission
• in the air - change in altitude, course, direct directions
• approach - clearance for pattern or ILS
• after landing - clear the runway and taxi to the gate
The phrases you use in these episodes are almost always the same. Therefore, the more you fly, the less you think.
🔊 How does aviation English sound?
Some words in aviation have been replaced with special ones that cannot be confused:
• affirm - “yes”
• negative - “no”
• wilco - “understood and will fulfill”
• stand by - “wait in touch”
• line up and wait - take the runway axis and wait
• cleared for takeoff — permission to take off
• cleared to land - permission to land
If something is unclear, we ask again, this is normal:
“Say again for Skyline 213.”
“Confirm altitude FL90?”
The main thing is no guesswork. A mistake is more dangerous than a pause.
📡 Typical mistakes of simmers
• start driving without permission
• forget to repeat “hold short” (dangerous!)
• speak too quickly or, conversely, whisper
• use colloquial English instead of phraseology
• are afraid to admit that they did not understand the instructions
Best habit: when in doubt, ask.
💡 A little life hack that relieves 80% of stress
Before every call there is one phrase in my head:
“Who am I - who - what do I want?”
“Ground, Skyline 213, request taxi.”
“Tower, Skyline 213, ready for departure.”
“Approach, Skyline 213, established ILS 08R.”
That's all. There is no need to try to be a poet pilot.
🚀 How to train
The most effective way is to listen to live radio (LiveATC, VATSIM Audio). At first, just listen and guess the context. Then repeat it out loud with the pilots. After that, go online and honestly warn the dispatcher:
“New to VATSIM, request slower instructions.”
They will be happy to help you - this is normal practice.
✨ Conclusion
ATC phraseology is not about perfect English, but about structure.
You say only what is necessary, briefly and confidently.
A clear phrase = safe and calm flight.
A flight simmer who has mastered radio receives a new level of realism - when you no longer just control an airplane, but interact with the living world of aviation.