INTERVIEWS
Real stories and advice from the Cockpit that every student pilot can learn from. These pilots highlight why clear radio communication matter!
Interview with Captain James Hubbard
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at Recreational Pilots Academy
Most problems in near misses come down purely to communication breakdown where pilots say the wrong things, are not clear, or there is not enough communication (sometimes even too much). "If you don't know what the other pilot is doing, and if they can't understand you, it becomes a critical factor"
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"Lack of practice and non currency results in total misunderstanding of what should be done"​
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Practice and rehearse both inbound and what you are receiving from ATC 2-3 days prior to taking flight.
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Think of every scenario and practice them all because being current and competent all come into play.
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​Put yourselves in their shoes and what they are listening to"
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"Expect the unexpected"
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"If you are not sure, aircraft call in, make sure you get that confirmation"
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Always say it at the same speed, pronunciation, with inflection be clear and emphasize. Keep it simple, don't speed up the speech (just because you are good at it) so audible cant be made out.​
Interview with Mr. Sandeep Adhikari
Senior Flight Instructor at Recreational Pilot's Academy
Some of the common causes of miscommunication and ATC are when you are:
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Inexperienced, over thinking and don't have the confidence in getting the correct information across on the radio that is important on the moment. This results in mis-position of the aircraft.
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"Not practicing enough," so you should practice outside of flying then the radio calls will come natural.
Be "Loud, Clear, Slow" in stressful situations which will come with experience. Listen to as many radio calls as you can to learn how not to speak quickly. The real learning happens when you fly more and hear radio calls you are not familiar with​​​​
Interview with Captain Jaffar Hassan and Mr. Jaffar Sidiq
EVP Asia-Pacific IFALPA (International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations) (Captain Jaffar) & Senior First Officer on the A380 (Mr. Sidiq)
It's important that when you say a radio call, you're super clear about it. There's a standard structure that all pilots are meant to follow when they fly which is: Who you're calling, who you are, and what your intentions are. When you stick to this format, it helps everyone build a quick mental picture of where you are and what you're doing. Other pilots know exactly where to look out for you, ATC can picture you being in the pattern with all the other planes without confusion, and there is a way less chance of people talking over each other. Clear, predictable calls just make the whole pattern safer and easier for everyone.
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Don’t be afraid to ask if someone behind you has you in sight in the circuit. It’s not a sign of weakness — it’s just good airmanship. If you’re unsure whether another aircraft actually knows where you are, a quick confirmation can clear up any doubt and prevent someone from turning in too early, getting too close, or losing you completely. A simple “Do you have me in sight?” can save a lot of stress and keep everyone safer.
Interview with Mr. Faris Iskander
Co-Founder of Aeroviation Singapore
"True incidents is where we learn how to correct communications"
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English may be the common language in aviation, but different accents and local terms can still sound unfamiliar in the air. That’s why proper language, standard phraseology, and following the right procedures are so important . They prevent misunderstandings that can easily lead to bigger issues. Clear radio telephony comes from good training, solid theoretical knowledge, and a mindset that focuses on safety. It really comes back to the basics: speak slowly, stay calm, and stick to the standard structure: who you’re calling, who you are, where you are, and what you want to do. Aviation has always been about “aviate, navigate, communicate,” and that last part only works when pilots rely on the habits and SOPs drilled into them during training. If you consistently use proper aviation jargon and the same format you learned in ground radio, your communication will stay clear throughout.
Interview with Captain Ross Langley and Mr. Will Ross Langley
Training Captain on the A321 (Captain Ross), and Cadet for an airline (Mr. Will)
Clear communication makes flying smoother — you know where others are, can visualize the circuit, and adjust speed or position easily. Without it, you lose situational awareness and feel overwhelmed. Practice by listening to ATC radio calls.
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You can't be colloquial
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It's like a script in a play, you need to know your lines and his lines perfectly, what is going to be said as there is only one way to say things
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We say the same thing over and over and over, exactly, every single time so there can be no miscommunication, weather I am flying with Australian, Canadians, English, Americans, or Singaporeans
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Bring people up on it if they say it differently