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Show Notes:

1. Most pilots use non-standard phraseology at one time or another. Many pilots use non-standard phrases as a habit.
2. Non-standard radio phraseology is a radio call that does not meet the standards set in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and the Air Traffic Controller’s manual.
3. For example, when Tower clears you for takeoff, the AIM’s standard readback is: “Cleared for takeoff.” A non-standard readback might be: “Cleared to go.”
4. We fall into the trap of using non-standard phrases because we generally get away with using them.
5. Air traffic controllers are very flexible, and will usually accept a readback of “Climbing to fourteen,” as a substitute for the standard phrase: “Climb and maintain one-four thousand.”
6. This acceptance of non-standard phraseology indicates, incorrectly, that it is okay to talk this way.
7. Some day, you are going to find yourself in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and the use of non-standard phraseology is going to get you, and perhaps other people, in deep serious trouble.
8. The air disaster at Tenerife is an eye-opening example of how dangerous it is to use non-standard phraseology.

Your Turn:

Have you ever been corrected by an air traffic controller because you used non-standard phraseology? Has an air traffic controller ever used non-standard phraseology with you? Tell me a good story.

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