Radio speech and operating practice

Aircraft carries a radio (CAR 602.136(a), (b)):

• Keep a listening watch on the appropriate frequency.
• Where communications are required, establish communication with ATS unit or community aerodrome radio station on it.

Speech technique (RIC-21 5.1):

• Speak plainly; words must not run together.
• Don't shout, accent syllables, or speak too rapidly.
• Constant rate, not too fast or slow: receiver may write message down.
• Ordinary conversational rhythm and pronunciation.
• No filler sounds ("er", "um") between words.

Before transmitting:

• Listen long enough to be sure of no interference.
• If interference seems likely, wait for the first break.
• Distress, urgency, or safety traffic may interrupt a lower-priority transmission in progress, at any time (RIC-21 5.7.1).

Good operating practice (NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology, Radio Operation / Recommended Practices):

• Prepare:
  • Set volume and squelch.
  • Listen briefly to avoid transmitting over another aircraft.
  • Position the microphone.
  • Plan what to say before keying the mic.
• Key the mic:
  • Hold PTT with constant pressure. Release when finished.
  • Pause slightly after pressing and before releasing PTT, so whole transmission is heard.
• Speak:
  • Slightly slower than normal conversation.
  • No more than three ideas at once.
• Receive:
  • Write down long, complex, or unfamiliar instructions: aids recall, reduces incorrect readbacks.
• Plain language: use where standard phraseology falls short, or when uncertain, to communicate request or intentions.
• Intentions: tell ATC intentions so entry to and exit from the airspace can be planned.

Coupled frequencies (NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology, Frequency Coupling):

• Transmission on one frequency auto re-broadcasts on all others in group: every user hears it.
• Applies at both FSS and ATC units.

Language (CAR 602.133; NAV CANADA VFR Phraseology, Language): English and French are the languages of aeronautical radiocommunication in Canada.

• All ATS units: English by default.
• Pilot may choose English or French within Quebec and at Ottawa-Macdonald Cartier International Airport.
• Request French ATS by making the initial radiocommunication itself in French, not by asking afterward (CAR 602.134).
• Initial contact sets the language for the entire communication.

Trap: priority traffic (distress/urgency/safety) may cut in at any time without asking. No language switch partway through a contact; rule binds that contact only, so a later contact may open in either language.

Practice