SAR, SARWATCH and SARTIME
CFI raises a good point re SAR, SARWATCH and SARTIME.
Why is the distinction important? Because a SARTIME is held by CENSAR and SARWATCH is held by the ATC sector responsible for the airspace. They are different types of service and warrant a different response.
If you call Flightwatch with a "Cancel SAR" call, they will not immediately know what service they are cancelling, on whose behalf they are cancelling it and who needs to know.
Using the correct phraseology, while dismissed by some as ‘anal’ is just a sign of knowing what you are doing, or – dare I say it – professionalism.
The number of instances of pilots and controllers confusing ‘visual’ with ‘VMC’, ‘visual procedure’ with ‘visual approach’ etc. is enough reason for all of us to at least try to get it right.
On the question of readbacks: too much is better than too little, but…. getting it right is even better.
Neddy makes a lot of sense.