radio communications and atc light signals

These results are discussed from an operational perspective. CPDLC has become an alternative in recent years though it is only intended to be used in situations that are not time-critical. Irrespective of native language, pilots found communicating with one another the most challenging task while communicating with ATC was found to be the least challenging. Most communication between pilots and controllers is done by voice. Most communication between pilots and controllers is done by voice. The results revealed that indeed communication is difficult for EL2 pilots as well as for native pilots.

In two pilot studies conducted in Eastern Australia, we investigated the ability of GA pilots, bothnative and non-native speakers of English, to effectively communicate with ATC and with other pilots over the radio, in order to assess the contribution of native language to incidents of miscommunication and the impact it may have on air safety. This is even more challenging for non-native speakers of English (EL2) who are required to master not only a second language but ‘Aviation English’ to communicate with both Air Traffic Control (ATC) and other pilots. ASRS Report (The following is excerpted from Rod Machado's Private Pilot Handbook) When radios stop working, tower controllers fall back on a primitive but effective means of communication to control traffic in the landing pattern - light signals.

Communicating effectively via the radio in General Aviation (GA) is a challenging task for most pilots.

Radio communications and atc light signals