UK Lars Radio - politeness

[John R81]

I am UK PPL(H) flying mostly South of London but occasionally as far North as Invergarry. Usually when leaving frequency (non-standard, I know) I read-back / sign-off with "changing frequency, [squawk], thanks for your help, goodbye".

Through the winter the radio traffic has been such that I did not think of questioning the air-time taken to add 5 words. Sunday 9th, flying from Little Hampton to Redhill with a Basic service from Farnborough West, the sun (first of the winter?) brought out many aircraft, most hopefully using the same service. The controller was very busy!

With such high level workload, would controllers prefer to stick to the rules, or is it OK (most times) to be civil to each other?

Thanks

[fisbangwollop]

If you talk to myself "Scottish Info" 119.875 you can be as civil as you like....always a welcome word or two to be said north of the border!! :cool:

[John R81]

You are on my list for next trip (likely May).

Incidently, North & West of Fort William, how is your reception?

[anotherthing]

Incidently, North & West of Fort William, how is your reception?
friendly :p

[John R81]

:D:D:D:D

:)

Actually, you almost got me into trouble with that one. I am on a video conference with clients & team, progress is painfully slow so I am "multi-tasking". I stifled a laugh at your comment and then had to pass it of as a cough for the benefit of those involved with what I am supposed to be doing!

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

No easy answer. Some controllers will happily respond whilst others will not. Some of the nicest controllers I've met would not indulge in niceties on the R/T so don't blame the bloke/blokess if you get no response. As you finish saying "Cheerio, thanks for your help...." he is probably halfway through the second phone call. Possibly best to stick to "standard" on a summer Sunday/ Bank Holiday when everyone and his brother will be milling around. Honestly, it really goes bananas and the Farnborough Radar people are kept in padded cells when they're not working...

[2 sheds]

Hi John

CAP413
Avoid excessive use of courtesies and entering into non-operational conversations.
ICAO Manual of RTF
The use of courtesies should be avoided.

2 s

[vulcanised]

It is a two-way street.

I have frequently heard controllers initiating 'non-operational' conversations.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

<<Avoid excessive use of courtesies and entering into non-operational conversations. >>

What, you mean like telling a PanAm pilot he sounded just like Slim Pickins??

[chevvron]

Pilot: Can I park as close as possible to the flying club?
ATC: Is it your legs?

[Scuzi]

There is a time and a place for courtesies. When the controller is going hammer and tongs with 95%+ RT occupancy is not one of those times. You can say hello, goodbye and ask how my dog is doing when it's dead quiet though!

Use discretion.

[fisbangwollop]

Incidently, North & West of Fort William, how is your reception?

Depends on your height but below 3000ft not too great. Once North and West of Ft William you would be handed off to another Scottish Info sector on 127.275. Ft William to Inverness in the Great Glen is also pretty poor reception below about 4000ft. Enjoy your trip and maybe speak soon. :cool::cool:

[IVectorU]

Use your best British accent and you can say whatever the heck you want on my frequency!

Seriously though, when I'm making a transmission to an aircraft and waiting for the reedback, I'm already preparing to transmit to another aircraft- so if you add a nicety, I'll definitely notice but unable to acknowledge. It does add a little comfort though when a pilot says something nice instead of "Uhm, departure, can we have a shortcut?"

[FlyingTinCans]

Officially 'Pilotness' is not allowed on the RT.

When doing my CPL/IR training I had a flight instructor that would explode into a fit of rage if I ever said "Good Morning, thanks, goodbye" etc. on the RT.

Now working for the Airlines I use niceties and 99% of the time get it in return, I believe they show appreciation for eachother, however as others have said, there is a time and place for them.

Signing off with a busy freq with "thanks for your service, have a good day sir" should be shorterned to a simple "thanks" or "bye"

[BrATCO]

Absolutely, "thanks" is enough and really appreciated. Even though I don't have time to answer, I would "readback" with a "click".

Anyway, politeness will slowly disappear with CPDLC. :{

[Inverted81]

I've never seen a real problem with courtesies over the RT. When its busy, i hope its obvious to the crews, purely by the amount of RT loading, and as such "by the book" is the order of the day. A cheerio etc to me lightens the mood when its quieter, the world is too much of an unhappy place as it is... :sad:

And Scuzi... when did u get a dog? ;)

[charlie83]

As a few have said, RT is in some ways subjective, things may seem quiet yet the controller may be busy behind the scenes. However as we all work together (well that's the idea) I like the fact we can pass on a quick thanks for the short cut/service provided.

Works both ways to. Many times I have had to keep RT down to the bare minimum. Climb out with flap retract changes right at the point you are handed over to en-route controller being a point.

Cheers!