I was there once as well
 

Simple stuff: Callsigns ending in "Radio" or "Information" don't give clearances. They may be able to get you one (via the telephone etc.), but the person you are speaking to can't give one. Those called "Tower", "Approach", "Control", "Radar", "Director" are able to give you clearances, but normally only through their "Manor". To get a clearance, just ask for one. If they can't supply, they'll know someone who can and will normally pass you on to that person or get it for you. And when they supply it, read it back. What do you call them on first contact? Their full name should be on the piece of paper with the frequency on. All can give FIS, but it's the last four above who give you the RIS/RAS and Control (if that is a service).

Have fun.

Cheers piltdown.. Appreciate that, very helpfull matey:ok:

Here y'go...

xxx radio - air/ground
xxx information - AFISO
xxx ground - ground movements controller (usually only at busier airports)
xxx tower - aerodrome control, ATC, in the visual control room
xxx approach - procedural approach control, ie non-radar (civil), approach radar (mil)
xxx radar - approach radar
xxx control - en-route centre (unlikely to use this unless you're airways/crossing airways traffic)


Remember, when we hear you call, we have to grab a fresh flight progress strip (the things we write everything n - one for each a/c) and start writing your details as you're speaking. We may be very busy, and using more than one freq, so

1. Select freq, then listen for a mo for a suitable point at which to call.
2. Make initial call brief, ie "xxx radar, G-BLAH"
3. You will get back "G-BLAH, xxx radar, pass your message
4. Go back with "xxx radar, G-BLAH is a xxx from EGaa to EGbb (airfield names are fine) maintaining xxx ft on 10xxmb, position, request (type of service)"

We don't need to know if you're u/t, solo navex, low hours etc, though we can often tell from the sound of your voice. Do tell us, however, as soon as you think you might be experiencing ANY sort of difficulty. We have all sorts of tricks up our sleeves to help extricate you from mire, and we probably won't laugh. Why only probably? If you want a definite, bring doughnuts on your visit!!!

Thanks AP, good to hear from the other side of the box.
I appreciate yr input, it all helps to iron out the wrinkles in my nav/rt.
Ill make sure I keep a good supply of doughnuts or similar sweetened baked goods in the back just incase I make any tiny errors.

Thanks mate:ok:

DPT

Part of the reason I get as many people into the tower to observe as possible! It's really frustrating when you've not had a call for 30 minutes and suddenly you get:

"Greatairfieldradiothisisgolfbravolimaalphahotelcessna182tax itwoonboardlocalflightsoutheeast"

And then they've finished before you've even written 'G'. :ugh:

don't I know it! And the news that they're on a navex routing via a,b,c,d,e & f. You.ve filled up your whole route box to find that they've already done a,b,c&d & are 10 mins from home!

Don't worry, guys... we're not getting at you! You keep our lives interesting! (did I really say that?)

ap

:O

Hmm ... it's all okay, unless they start to get grumpy when you ask them to say again flight details. :D

Would "Roger" suffice?

Technically, yes. But it's all about customer care, innit.

dontpressthat

I trained in the West Coast of the USA with an Airport with Ground/Tower/Dispatch and can confirm that UK ATC / RT is wildly different to the more relaxed (Nxxy with Information whatever, at Lake Whatever, Inbound).

Although I came back with the coverted RT license it took me a couple of hours with a FI (who had also flown in the States and assumed I knew nothing) to get the hang of it. It's no big deal - the ATC are really helpful and friendly, and if you cock up don't panic - just concentrate on flying the plane and ask for an explanation. Everyone I spoke to happily gave me more detail, with the caviat that I don't need to be told twice!

Safe Flying, and I'm pleased to know that I'm not the only one who suffered upon my return to UK South Eastern airspace!