Radiotelephony (RTF) is essential for the safe operation of aircraft in a busy environment. RTF enables a pilot to obtain aerodrome information, weather information, and instructions relating to the safe movement of air traffic. Many student pilots find the process of learning to use the radio more daunting than learning to fly, but this wasn’t the case for me!
On Wednesday 13th July I passed my RT Practical licence exam. As well as your 7 ground exams as previously discussed you will need to take a oral practical exam for Radiotelephony. The best time for this is before you skills test or after, as by then you would have done loads of radio work on your Cross Country Qualifier and with your instructor locally.
What you would expect in the RT Practical exam would be..
You will be given all the necessary information that will enable you to fly a simulated route with frequencies, what service they provide i.e.: LARS, MATZ etc and timings so you can provide ETAS along the route when prompted. The computer will let you to see your aircraft following the route on a moving map, normally a CAA made up route, and in real time. Your examiner who will perform the roles of the different ATSU’s you will come across but don’t worry, he will not be in the same room! The computer will also simulate traffic within the area and on route, so be aware, but don’t worry the examiner may prompt you like a ATSU may do.
The calls you will be expected to make, but not necessarily in this order are:
• Taxi / Take off from airport with a atc. Calling for taxi, departure info and local weather.
• Requesting en-route services. From Basic service, Traffic service and MATZ penetration.
• A/D/D/P/A/A calls – Aircraft type and call sign, Destination, Departure, Position, Altitude and Additional information ie: Basic Service, MATZ penetration.
• Making a urgency PAN PAN PAN call when prompted.
• Make and or to relay a distress MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY.
• Cancel the PAN and or MAYDAY call.
• Request airspace clearance for VFR and SVFR.
• Joining procedure for the circuit at either a ATC, AFIS or A/G airfield. Also ATIS if available on the test.
• Make a diversion to a different airport which maybe used for the airspace clearance.
• Make use of any en-route facilities provided from RADAR service or FIS.
There are 2 fantastic publications I used and they really did help. The first which is the more important one was the Safety sense leaflet 22, the link for this is below and it had great examples for everything I did in the exam.
http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=33&pagetype=65&appid=11&mode=detail&id=1176
For more advance reading and pilots wanting to further there career I would recommended reading the CAA CAP413. This helps to also assist pilots to become familiar with phraseology. This link is below.
http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=33&pagetype=65&appid=11&mode=detail&id=3441
But overall, have fun and to speak clearly!!
I am in possesion (July 2011) of my “European” JAR PPL which allows pilots to fly a variety of aircraft with the opportunity to upgrade the license with various additional ratings. This proves to be the most popular licence applied for due to its range of benefits offered upon completion. The PPL allows the private pilot to recreationally explore Europe and fly a wider range of aircraft compared to the NPPL. It is also the first flying course you need to embark on to become a commercial pilot.
"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return" - Leonardo da Vinci
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