I'm not sure how many hours I flew before I realised that radio use was simply about communication, but it was a lot. Before that I too found RT among the hardest things about flying - it's common, FNG, however illogical, and I know that from the point of view of student, PPL, and instructor, at one time or another. Even some instructors don't seem to know how to ask ATC if you can orbit to take photos of your mate's house; they mumble about "general handling" etc. But plain English works well. If you want to photograph a house in the circuit, ask, for permisiion to do just that. If you just want to bimble about, general handling in the area of xxxx ix a good way of putting it. I think carefully about turning off the radio; it's quite crowded up there...why not tell someone what you're doing; they won't bother you unless it's necessary. But to get back to this communication thing, these days I just relax, tell them who I am and where I am and what I want, and never mind the phraseology - and everyone seems happy. I'm still not sure why it took me so long to be able to do that.
