Scenario: Making Initial Contact with an Airport Approach

In this scenario, you are approaching the designated airspace, and you need to make contact with the approach. It is your responsibility to make the initial contact and state your intentions. The first step is to set your active frequency to the airport's approach frequency and address the approach followed by your plane type and tail number. You may also specify your distance, direction, altitude, inbound action, and ATIS information at this time. However, if you decide to provide your complete information, be sure to include all of the mentioned items. For example, you might say either of the following:

Augusta approach, Cessna Six Seven Bravo Niner Zero.

Augusta approach, Cessna Six Seven Bravo Niner Zero approximately two six miles southwest flying at eight thousand feet, inbound for stop and go with information Echo.

Note that in the second example the distance was 26 miles, but it was spoken as "two six". All numbers are typically spoken digit-by-digit.

A Quick Note on Broadcasting Letters and Numbers

All letters are broadcast using a phonetic alphabet representation. In the above example, "Six Seven Bravo Niner Zero" translates to tail number 67B90. The chart below shows the correct phonetic representation for each letter and number.

If you want to practice your phonetic alphabet, use the box to the right. Simply speak the tail number you see in the box, and your response will be evaluated.

Once two-way communication has been established and the approach is aware of your flight information, they will begin transmitting instructions. It is your responsibility as a pilot to confirm each instruction. The first instruction given will be a four digit squawk code. This code should be repeated back to the approach, but don't forget that all transmissions must begin with your tail number.

[Approach] Six Seven Bravo Niner Zero squawk three two one three.

Six Seven Bravo Niner Zero squawking three two one three.

The squawk code is a four digit number that helps identify you on air traffic control radar. When the approach has you on radar, they will transmit information pertinent to your inbound intentions. This information will typically include your location relative to the airport, a heading and runway number. The runway number always corresponds to the first two numbers of the heading. For example, if your heading is 133, the runway will be 13. If the third number is 5 or greater, the runway will be the first two digits plus 1. Heading 135 would yield runway 14. Knowing this can help you easily remember how to respond. In the following example, it's only important to confirm the heading and runway number.

[Approach] Six Seven Bravo Niner Zero, radar contact one five miles east of Raleigh-Durham, fly heading two four zero, expect runway two four.

Six Seven Bravo Niner Zero, heading two four zero, expect two four.

As you get closer to the airspace, the approach will contact you again with information for entering the landing pattern. Typically, they will advise you with what base to enter on and give you the runway number again. You will want to confirm all of this information.

[Approach] Six Seven Bravo Niner Zero, descend at pilot's discretion, enter right base for runway two four.

Six Seven Bravo Niner Zero, descend pilot's discretion, right base, two four.

The transmission that occurs next depends on the airport. If the airfield has an approach and a tower, the approach will tell you to contact the tower on a certain frequency. You should tune the standby frequency to the one provided, but do not make it active yet. You should confirm the frequency with the approach before switching (note, the frequency is spoken digit-by-digit). Once confirmed, you then make it your active frequency and contact the tower. To establish two-way communication with the tower, it is only necessary to address the tower and identify your plane type and tail number. Your altitude, direction, distance, etc. is not critical.

[Approach] Six Seven Bravo Niner Zero, contact tower on one two seven point four five.

<<tune to standby frequency 127.45>>
Six Seven Bravo Niner Zero, one two seven point four five.

<<switch 127.45 to the active frequency and contact the tower>>
Raleigh tower, this is Cessna Six Seven Bravo Niner Zero.

The tower will then provide you with clearance to land on the specified runway. At this point, you confirm the transmission and land your aircraft. If the airfield does not have a tower, then the approach would provide this information. No radio frequency change is necessary.

[Approach] Six Seven Bravo Niner Zero, cleared to land runway two four.

Six Seven Bravo Niner Zero, cleared to land, two four.

You are now ready for the simulation. Remember, if at any time you feel stuck, simply click the "Help" button, and the appropriate frequency and response will be displayed. A quick reference to the phonetic alphabet will also be provided. When you are ready, click "Begin Simulation" below. Good luck!

Begin Simulation >>