Successfully completing your Radio Telephony (RT) theory and practical exams is a significant achievement. However, making that first live contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC), especially for operations within Controlled Airspace (CTR), can still be a daunting experience. Our RT Practice Day, also known as “CTR surgery training,” is specifically designed to bridge this gap.
This intensive, hands-on course focuses on refining the essential skills for safe, efficient, and confident communication with ATC. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you will gain invaluable practical experience in requesting permissions, preparing and executing flight plans that involve ATC coordination, and establishing effective communication links. We aim to ensure that when you make your debut call to ATC, you do so with clarity and confidence.
Intensive Practical Radio Telephony Skills Refinement for UAS Operations in Controlled Airspace (CTR)
Course objectives
- To build confidence in using correct radio telephony phraseology in real-world scenarios.
- To gain practical experience in making initial contact with Air Traffic Control units.
- To proficiently request permissions and clearances for UAS operations within Controlled Airspace (CTR).
- To practice preparing and communicating flight plan intentions that involve ATC coordination.
- To master the setup and maintenance of effective two-way radio communication links.
- To refine skills in handling standard, non-standard, and simulated urgent/emergency communications with ATC.
- To receive expert feedback and guidance on individual RT performance.
Prerequisites
- Successful completion of formal RT (Radio Telephony) theory and practical examinations (i.e., holding an RT operator's certificate/qualification).
- A good understanding of standard aviation phraseology.
- Relevant EASA remote pilot certificate (e.g., A2 with specific authorisation considerations, STS, or RPCT, as operations in CTR usually fall under the Specific Category).
Syllabus
This intensive practice day is centered around simulated real-world radio communication scenarios. Key activities include:
- Brief Review of Key RT Principles & CTR Procedures: Quick recap of essential phraseology, airspace rules for CTR, and ATC roles.
- Scenario-Based Practical Exercises:
- Making initial calls to ATC (e.g., ATIS, Approach, Tower).
- Requesting UAS flight authorisations and entry into CTR.
- Communicating flight intentions and deviations.
- Handling routine ATC instructions and read-backs.
- Practicing position reporting within a CTR.
- Simulating non-standard situations (e.g., communication difficulties, unexpected instructions).
- Role-playing urgent or emergency communications relevant to UAS operations.
- Flight Plan Communication: Exercises in preparing and verbally communicating key elements of a flight plan relevant to ATC for CTR operations.
- Communication Link Management: Best practices for ensuring clear and continuous radio contact.
- Interactive Role-Playing: Participants will take turns acting as the remote pilot and responding to simulated ATC (facilitated by the instructor).
- Debriefing and Feedback Sessions: Constructive feedback on phraseology, clarity, and procedural adherence after exercises.
Practical content
The entire RT Practice Day is dedicated to practical application and skill development. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, participants will actively engage in:
- Numerous simulated radio conversations with "Air Traffic Control."
- Role-playing various operational scenarios requiring ATC interaction for UAS flights in CTR.
- Hands-on practice in formulating and delivering clear, concise RT messages.
- Exercises focused on requesting permissions, acknowledging instructions, and managing communication flow.
- Group discussions and individual feedback sessions to address specific challenges and improve technique.
Exam & assessment
This is a practical training and confidence-building day, not a formal examination for a qualification (as participants are expected to already hold their RT license).
- Focus is on skill refinement through active participation and guided practice.
- Continuous assessment and feedback provided by the experienced instructor throughout the day.
The goal is to improve practical RT performance and confidence in a supportive learning environment.
Who is it for?
- EASA certified remote pilots who have successfully completed their formal Radio Telephony (RT) theory and practical exams and hold an RT operator's certificate.
- Pilots who need to operate UAS within or near Controlled Airspace (CTR) and require interaction with Air Traffic Control.
- Individuals seeking to build practical confidence and refine their RT skills before undertaking live ATC communications.
- Pilots who wish to ensure their RT procedures are sharp, efficient, and compliant for professional operations.
Register for this course
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