Navigating Air Traffic Control (ATC) Communication: Protocols and Phrases for Safe Landings

Before landing, pilots must communicate with Air Traffic Control (ATC) to confirm their approach and ensure a safe descent. The communication is structured and standardized to maintain safety and order in the airspace. Here, we break down the common procedures and phrases used during the landing sequence.

Initial Contact

When pilots approach the airport, they first make initial contact with the tower or approach control to announce their arrival. This initial communication is vital and can be structured as follows:

Example Communication:

Pilot: 'Tower, [Airline Name] one thousand thirty, request clearance to land.'

Requesting Clearance

The next step is for the pilot to request clearance to land. This is done to ensure that the airport is ready to accept the aircraft, and the landing will be performed safely. ATC will provide the necessary instructions.

Example Communication:

Pilot: 'Tower, [Airline Name] one thousand thirty, request clearance to land.'
ATC: 'One thousand thirty, traffic is holding at three thousand. Cleared to land runway one six, wind at three three zero at five knots, one thousand eight hundred feet Qnh.'

Receiving Clearance

After the request, ATC will provide the necessary clearance and instructions. This is critical information that the pilot must follow to ensure a safe landing.

Example Communication:

ATC: 'One thousand thirty, traffic is holding at three thousand. Cleared to land runway one six, wind at three three zero at five knots, one thousand eight hundred feet Qnh.'

Confirming Instructions

Typically, the pilot will read back the instructions to confirm that they have understood them correctly. This is done to ensure that there are no misunderstandings and that everyone is on the same page.

Example Communication:

Pilot: 'Cleared to land runway one six, wind at three three zero at five knots, one thousand eight hundred feet Qnh. One thousand thirty.'

Final Approach

As the aircraft nears the runway, the pilot may report their status to ATC. This can be a simple update or a more detailed report depending on the situation.

Example Communication:

Pilot: 'One thousand thirty, final approach, altitude three hundred feet.'

Go-Around Instructions

If conditions are not ideal for landing, ATC may instruct a go-around. This ensures that the aircraft will return to a safe altitude and position for another approach.

Example Communication:

ATC: 'One thousand thirty, due to low visibility, go around. Climb to one thousand feet and hold.'

Variations in Communication: Unlicensed Airfields and Military Airfields

The level of communication can vary widely depending on the licensed status of the airfield. For unlicensed airfields, the interaction may be minimal, and pilots are responsible for their actions, with the air-ground service providing only basic information.

Example Communication:

Pilot: 'Base, [Pilot Name] one thousand thirty, Information QFE at one one hundred and twenty three six.'

On military airfields, the communication protocol is more formalized. Here is an example from a Royal Air Force base:

Example Communication:

Pilot: 'Hello base callsign, this is your call sign.'

Base: 'Hello call sign, this is base. Pass message over.'

Pilot: 'Base callsign, your call sign, we are [Aircraft Type] inbound to land. Request joining instructions.'

Base: 'Runway in use is number [Runway] on a right/left hand circuit. QNH is one two three four, QFE is one two three six. Call downwind.'

Pilot: 'Request run and break.'

Base: 'Cleared to run and break, not below five hundred feet.'

Pilot: 'Your call sign, downwind, to touch and go/land.'

Base: 'Roger, you are number x in the pattern.'

Pilot: 'Your call sign, finals, 3 greens.'

Base: 'Clear the active, you have permission to backtrack.'

Once the aircraft has landed, the pilot should notify the tower and request permission to back track if needed. This completes the landing sequence and ensures safety throughout the process.

Understanding and adhering to these protocols is crucial for pilots to ensure safe and efficient landings. By following these structured communications, air traffic control and pilots can work together to maintain order and safety in the airspace.