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Aviation Learning Center Document Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques - P-8740-47
Author: Federal Aviation Administration Date: revised April 2006
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Contact Procedures - Overview
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Initial Contact

The term "initial contact" or "initial callup" means the first radio call you make to a given facility, or the first call to a different controller or FSS specialist within a facility. Use the following format:

  • Who - Part 1 - State the name of facility you are calling (e.g., "Miami Center").
  • Who - Part 2 - State your full aircraft identification (as filed in the flight plan) (e.g., "Skylane 54321")
  • Where - State your position (e.g., "Over XYZ VOR").
  • What - State your request (e.g., "Request clearance into Class B airspace.")

Putting it all together:

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used for alignment Who-Part 1  Who-Part 2  Where You Are  What You Want used for alignment
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used for alignment Miami Center  Skylane 54321  Over XYZ VOR  Request clearance into Class B used for alignment
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If radio reception is reasonably assured, including your request, your position or altitude, or brief reports such as the phrase "with Information Charlie" (for ATIS) in the initial contact helps decrease radio frequency congestion. Use discretion, though, and do not overload the controller with information he does not need. If you do not get a response from the ground station, recheck your radios or use another transmitter, but keep the next contact short.

Initial Contact When Transmitting and Receiving Frequencies Differ

If you are attempting to establish contact with a ground station and you are receiving on a different frequency than that transmitted, be sure to indicate the VOR name or the frequency on which you expect a reply. Most FSSs and control facilities can transmit on several VOR stations in the area. Use the appropriate FSS name as indicated on charts. New York FSS transmits on the Kennedy, Hampton and Calverton VORTACs. If you are in the Calverton area, your initial call would be:

"New York Radio, Cessna three one six zero foxtrot, listening Calverton VOR."

If the chart indicates FSS frequencies above the VORTAC or in FSS communications boxes, transmit or receive on those frequencies nearest your location.

If you are unable to establish contact and you need to call any ground station, your call might be:

"Any (radio) (tower) (station), call Cessna three one six zero foxtrot on (frequency) or (VOR)."

If an emergency exists or you need assistance, say so immediately!

Subsequent Contacts and Responses to Callup from a Ground Facility

Use the same format as used for initial contact, except that if possible, you should state your message or request in the initial call. The ground station name may be omitted if the message requires an obvious reply and there is no possibility for misunderstanding. You should acknowledge all calls or clearances unless the controller or FSS specialist advises otherwise.

There are some occasions when the controller must issue time-critical instructions to other aircraft, and may be in a position to observe your response, either visually or on radar. If the situation demands your response, take appropriate action or immediately advise the facility of any problem. Acknowledge with one of the following words:

  • Wilco,,which means "I will comply."
  • Roger, which means "I have received and understood your last transmission."
  • Affirmative, which means "Yes"
  • Negative, which means "No" or
  • Other appropriate remark
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