Based on R/T traffic, if it is quite light, I will say "thanks" or "g'day" when I am being handed off.

But, some guys in my company will say that is non-standard radio procedure. So... :confused:

I guess "G'day" and "thanks" are Non-standard... in the sense that such phrases are not listed in the RT Phraseology... but neither are phrases like "do you have any weather on radar?", "that taxiway is closed" or "you're on fire!"

Standard phraseology is designed for set situations to prevent confusion and ambiguity... it is not meant to limit communication, or stiffle courtesy and politeness provided it isn't detrimental and used at the right time and place?

Good Day

We're all humans and do things differently based on our understanding and training. A G'day and Thank you isn't the end of the world, but all of you who agree with saying it should admit that you are breaking the rules.

Just fess up and say that you are breaking the rules on purpose (but... add your excuse here).

My excuse is I usually respond in kind to a pilot who intitiates a greeting, (if i'm not busy) but don't usually initiate it myself.

It's the rule breaking principle. Don't break or bend rules on purpose. You break enough of them without trying or knowing it, and if you break a rule, and make a mistake at the same time, the cheese holes start to line up.

And as an acknowledgement of good work, a call to the ATC works great every once in a while.

Mike

R/T manual simply advises against excessive use of pleasantries.

So, if they don't get in the way, what's the problem?

Pleasantries, for some of us controllers is part of our banter over the air. I was of the opinion you pilots would like us to be friendly. The overriding thing is if one is busy then I usually drop it due to the time factor otherwise why not?

All I have to say is....

SOUR PUSS, GRUMPY FACE, SOUR PUSS, GRUMPY FACE

I say the same to the guys I work with.:p

Manner cost nothing.

The use "good afternoon" on first contact or "Cheers" when leaving a freq hardly constitutes R/T congestion :rolleyes:

Merry Christmas, thanks guys, see you all next year, don't drink too much, watch those mince pies, enjoy the turkey! Cheers :D