OK, as some of you may be aware, I'm trying to be a budding author. I'm working on something where characters (already known to be pilots) are in communication with ATC and other aircraft, and I want to get the lingo right. Is there a good translator/glossary/primer for ATC langauge, in particular the designation of callsings. I know the tail number is part of it, and calling the Concorde "speedbird" makes sense, but at what point does a plane become "heavy" and is that even a real term of just hollyweird sillies?

I've always treated the aircraft with a lot handwavium- it takes off, it flies, sometimes it bounces a little, every so often they even have to go around again. But I'd like to get some more detail.

Do a Google search for online scanner sites for airports and listen on a regular basis, you'll soon pick up the syntax and the rythym. There are also sites that will list call signs and the references to the airlines they represent.

One thing to listen for is how pilots repeat back the controllers' instructions and civility of the conversations.

At Airnavsystems.com you can also get trial programs that allow you to follow flights and track their communications with both ATC and their airline communications centers.

Good luck on your writing efforts!

Thanks Andy.

I should make some clarification I think.

I live less than 5 miles from BTV and can pick up the frequency, so I'm getting the rythem that is used, at least up here. I can also follow most of it, but I want to figure out things like, how a large aircraft would be IDed, or how something that is best classified as "experimental" might be refered to. And how to make up a proper set of call letters and use them right.

I know that if I can sell it, 95% of my readers won't care. It like accuracy though. It means the 5% who do care don't whine at me, and I get the satisfaction of knowing that it left here right.

From answers.yahoo.com

"AIRCRAFT WEIGHT CLASSES

a. Heavy. Aircraft capable of takeoff weights of more than 255,000 pounds whether or not they are operating at this weight during a particular phase of flight.

b. Large. Aircraft of more than 41,000 pounds, maximum certificated takeoff weight, up to 255,000 pounds.

c. Small. Aircraft of 41,000 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight."

Any aircraft that is classified as a heavy in this manual must use the word heavy when communicating with airtraffic control on or near the airport, with the exception of the Boeing 757, which also must use "heavy".

New Pilot's Guide to ATC Communication

Aviation Topic of the Week -- ATC Communications

Find some one with Microsoft Flight simulator 2002 or Fight Simulator X they have a section on control tower and you will learn how the ATC (air traffic control) works and sounds.

First for proper wording, use the FAR AIM, if you are looking for callsigns of carriers go to Airline pilot central. Look at a company profile and you will get there call sign, hope that helps.

IR, Here's an example of badly written exchange between a pilot and ATC. The scenario is that the aircraft has just lost both engines and is about to ditch in a river.

I've crossed out the mistake and added a more realistic response in bold.


L116 — cactus fifteen twenty nine turn right two eight zero you can land runway one at teterboro

AWE1549 — we can’t do it

L116 — okay which runway would you like at teterboro

AWE1549 — we’re gonna be in the hudson

L116 — i’m sorry say again cactus roger, cactus, you're cleared into the hudson

Wouldn't AWE1549 need to request clearance into the Hudson before ATC can authorize? They'd probably have received a, "Roger AWE1549, standby, clearance is on request" as a response. Besides that I'm not sure ATC controls the airspace in the Hudson so they probably couldn't have cleared AWE1549 as requested.