Never Freeze on Frequency Again
Student Pilot ATC Communication Guides Written by the People on the Other End of the Mic
Real-world phraseology and tips from veteran controllers
Real Controller Experience
Controllers with 20+ years of working tower and radar at multiple airports all over the world.
No Fluff, Just What Works
Short, word-for-word phraseology that gets you through your first solo, and beyond. Easy guides to better student pilot ATC communication.
100% Free & Honest
Everything here is free.
Latest Student Pilot ATC Communication Articles:
Special VFR Student Pilot Requests – When and How to Ask
How to Get Progressive Taxi Instructions When You’re Lost
Class C Airspace Phraseology: What Controllers Actually Want to Hear
Why New Pilots Are Scared of ATC (And How to Fix It in One Week)
Still nervous? Here’s why new pilots are scared of ATC (and how to fix it in one week)
Stop guessing what to say. Sound calm and professional from your very first solo.
Get Your Free ATC Phraseology Quick Reference
FAQs
What is the hardest part of talking to ATC as a student pilot?
The fear itself. Most students are terrified they’ll say the wrong thing or make us mad. In 20 years I’ve never once been angry at a student for sounding nervous, only for not speaking up when they’re unsure. Read this post to see why the fear is normal (and how to fix it in one week).
Do air traffic controllers get annoyed with student pilots?
Nope… we’re on your side. We expect shaky readbacks and long pauses from new pilots. We only get frustrated when someone is clearly lost and doesn’t say anything. If you ever feel behind, just say “Cessna 123AB is a student pilot, request progressive.” We’ll slow everything down and help.
How can I sound more professional on the radio as a student?
Keep it short, read back exactly what we say (especially hold-short instructions), and use the scripts on this site. After your first 5–10 flights using the exact phraseology here, you’ll sound like you’ve been flying for years. Start with this student pilot ATC communication first-solo guide.
Is it normal to be scared of ATC on my first solo?
100% normal! Every pilot you hear who sounds calm was terrified on their first solo. The good news: the fear disappears the moment you realize we’re just normal people trying to help.