Initial contact call format and circuit clearance

Initial contact: first call to a controlled aerodrome. Initial clearance: tower reply admitting to the circuit.

Flight planning: check CFS or VTA chart for special arrival procedures (TC AIM RAC 4.4.2).

Timing:

• Initial contact at least 5 minutes before needing clearance or entering the zone, when practical (TC AIM RAC 4.4.1).
• Entering circuit directly after takeoff: begin at the downwind call (NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology, Basic Circuit Pattern).

ORBIT (ATC may request if traffic requires):

• Visually over a geographic location or published VFR checkpoint, within visual contact of the point, until cleared to the airport.
• Fly a left-hand orbit (TP 1102, Radio Communication: Tower Control Arriving).
• Left turns recommended (TC AIM RAC 4.4.2).
• Orbit not acceptable: tell ATC, state intentions (TC AIM RAC 4.4.2).

ATIS (TC AIM RAC 1.3):

• Acknowledge receipt on initial contact by repeating the code letter to ATC/FSS, e.g. "...WITH BRAVO". Controller then need not read it out.

Initial clearance exchange (TC AIM RAC 4.4.2): on initial contact, unless you advised ATIS receipt, airport controller gives:

• Runway in use
• Wind direction and speed
• Altimeter setting
• Other pertinent information
• Then clearance to proceed, including any restrictions

ATS wind & altimeter (TC AIM MET 1.1.5):

• Aerodrome with operational ATS: current wind and altimeter setting on initial contact (or as soon as practicable), unless pilot known to have it.
• Wind re-sent with landing or takeoff clearance only at 15 kt or greater.
• Wind updates every 5 sec, running 2-min average; gust variations from previous 10 min.

Class C: landing information on initial contact or shortly after, unless you state appropriate ATIS received (TC AIM RAC 5.8(b)(ii)).

Clearance wording:

• Initial clearance is one of CLEARED TO THE CIRCUIT, CLEARED TO LEFT BASE LEG, CLEARED STRAIGHT-IN APPROACH.
• Given with wind direction in degrees magnetic, speed in knots, 4-digit altimeter setting in inches.

Calls (NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology):

• Inbound call: unit identification, call sign, WITH INFORMATION (ATIS code letter copied), then intentions (Arrival/Approach).
• Already have current landing information from tower or ATIS: request clearance with position and altitude plus CHECK LANDING INFORMATION (or WITH INFORMATION and ATIS code), then approach type wanted.
• Established in circuit as cleared: report position, e.g. "TOWER, ALFA BRAVO CHARLIE DOWNWIND". Further requested reporting points: (call sign) BASE/FINAL/LONG FINAL (runway number) (intentions) (Basic Circuit Pattern).

Tower reply (TC AIM RAC 4.4.2):

• Gives approach sequence number, e.g. "NUMBER TWO" (place in landing order). Read it back with approach instructions.
• Not Number 1: also gives type, position, colour (if significant) of aircraft to follow, plus other instructions or information.

Trap: treating an ORBIT as a hold ATC manages for you. Terrain and collision avoidance stay with the pilot.

Practice