Definition

Standard phraseology adapted by regulators to facilitate clear communications between Air Traffic Control (ATC) and flight crews.

Description

International air transport necessarily involves communication between controllers and flight crews from widely different backgrounds and cultures. Although English is the international language of aviation, it is not the primary or even secondary language of many aviators. Even within the English language, words and expressions may not convey the same meaning across nations and cultures. Therefore, it becomes necessary to establish standard phraseology to minimize potentially dangerous misunderstandings. 

Regulators publish glossaries and communications guides to set radiotelephone protocol and phrasing. Examples include the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Annex 10, Volume 2, titled "Aeronautical Telecommunications." Chapter 5 of that document notes specific words and phrases for various situations. Another example is the Pilot/Controller Glossary, published by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the Aeronautical Information Manual. (NOTE: SKYbrary contains articles describing many of the standard ICAO and FAA terms and phrases.)

A phraseology study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) states the following:

"As the world becomes more 'global,' language becomes a key factor in the efficiency of Pilot-Air Traffic Control (ATC) communications. Language and communication issues are very important because a miscommunication could potentially lead to a dangerous situation without any of the involved stakeholders being aware. The use of standard phraseology is one of the most important factors involved in the process of communication. It provides for quick and effective communication, allowing us to overcome differences in language and at the same time reducing the opportunity for misunderstanding. Ambiguous or non-standard phraseology is a frequent causal or contributory factor in aircraft accidents and incidents."