Who do pilots talk to when flying?

When a flight is more than 10-20 miles from the departure or arrival airport, the pilots will be in contact with a Center controller.

Do pilots communicate in the air?

Yes, as Psyvolt says, they can communicate with each other by radio. Obviously the crews of any other aircraft in the area can hear what they are saying, along with ATC, so in busy traffic areas anything other than short business-related messages are disapproved of.

Do pilots communicate with the crew?

Pilots then use the interphone system of the aircraft to talk to the ground crew while listening on VHF 1 to air traffic control and on VHF 2 to either the emergency frequency or the company frequency. They plug in a headset with mic into the airplane.

Do all pilots have to speak English?

The FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), the world’s organization overseeing aviation, require all pilots flying under their organizations to have attained ICAO “Level 4” English ability. This means all pilots must speak, read, write, and understand English fluently.

Do pilots chat?

The strictly enforced Sterile Cockpit Rule means pilots are barely allowed to talk to each other if their aircraft is flying below 10,000 feet (about three kilometres). The law instructs pilots to focus entirely on “their essential operational activities” and “avoid non-essential conversations”, The Sun reports.

What do pilots say when they takeoff?

There is an announcement like: “Flight attendants, prepare for take-off please.” “Cabin crew, please take your seats for take-off.” Within a minute after take-off, an announcement might be made reminding passengers to keep their seat belts fastened.

Why do pilots talk to each other on the radio?

When pilots use this signal, other aviators on the same radio frequency will typically “shut up and let you get your message across,” Baker says, allowing air traffic control to provide the appropriate aid and prevent a crisis in flight.

How do pilots use their call signs?

Even when not communicating with ATC, pilots use their call signs for the same purposes at non-towered airfields. When no controller is present, pilots self-announce their location and intentions blindly on a designated frequency for that airport. The frequency is known as the CTAF, or the common traffic advisory frequency.

What do aircraft call themselves when they talk to ATC?

When small aircraft speak with ATC, they generally refer to themselves by aircraft type. A Cessna 172 Skyhawk calls themself “Skyhawk…” followed by their registration number. Each type of aircraft has a specific call sign to go by, so that air traffic control and other pilots know the approximate size and speed of the aircraft calling.

How do pilots know the weather before landing?

Pilots will get this on the ground before calling the ground frequency to taxi to the runway as well as in the air before calling into a control tower to land. This lets air traffic control know that the pilot already has knowledge of the current weather conditions. This automated broadcast includes the wind speed and direction.