Radio Calls, as a beginner

[THI]

Pet Hates....

Stop mumbling!!

...Saldanha traffic XYZ mumumbbeeebe 20 hammhammham XYZ...

Eish!

[Morph]

tell that to the ATC at Langebaanweg sometimes, incomprehensible

take your time. I have noticed that beginners tend to try and get it all in in one breath and it all get's jumbled. Also people who'se mother tongue is no english ted to rush through as well

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Pet hate...

THINK BEFORE YOU PTT...

I hate ...... long silences blocking the freq while you think what to say. Say it to yourself first then press and do again. Easy...

other pet hate.
If the ouke is near HBV and you are near V town, you are not conflicting traffic. Don't ask him to confirm his intentions and keep a look out....

[Low Level]

Most guys, especially in busy traffic, miss the call sign in the beginning and only with the position report they realize it is conflicting traffic and then say "previous caller". Sometimes you don't get a chance immediately and three calls later difficult to say "caller three calls earlier, please confirm QNH, etc etc ".

Thats me. I battle to remember the callsign. Previous caller is part of my radio vocabulary.

[THI]

Thats me. I battle to remember the callsign. Previous caller is part of my radio vocabulary.

I have the same problem. I'm still learning so its extra hard to remember all the callsigns. What do the other guys do, keep a knee board handy?

[Splinter]

A bigger problem than the correct calling is the terrible quality of some of the radio transmissions one has to endure. Has me scrambling for the volume control.

I have to agree with Grumpy on this one!!!! Isnt there a way they can bring the quality / signal strenght of your radio into the checklist for the ATF? When flying over Springs I sometimes pick up transmissions and transmit as far as Rustenburg (dropping skydivers) and Groblersdal (all 122.40) but then you get the oke just east of Bapsfontein on 125.4 and you cant hear a single word he says despite being only 5 miles away! All you get is engine noise and breaks in trans! I would be very worried if I knew my radio was that bad! I dont like other planes flying up my ass so I make sure my radio works!

Lets hear what the guys have to say!

RED

[Trikenut]

A bigger problem than the correct calling is the terrible quality of some of the radio transmissions one has to endure. Has me scrambling for the volume control.

One word - radio check! Although, I have seen many an aircraft neglect to do this.
It is a basic check, and I believe, that on long flights and X-countries in particular it should be done at regular intervals in the flight. Every hour or whatever you feel comfortable with. That way you know that no wires have come loose etc.
Just my 2c.
Cheers,
Ross

[Splinter]

A bigger problem than the correct calling is the terrible quality of some of the radio transmissions one has to endure. Has me scrambling for the volume control.

One word - radio check! Although, I have seen many an aircraft neglect to do this.
It is a basic check, and I believe, that on long flights and X-countries in particular it should be done at regular intervals in the flight. Every hour or whatever you feel comfortable with. That way you know that no wires have come loose etc.
Just my 2c.
Cheers,
Ross

Agreed 100% but that is two words Ross. Unfortunately some pilots only do radio checks when the aircraft is on the ground and on idle! Then everything is fine but rev that motor to 75% or cruise rpm and everything goes for a ball of ....... think you catch my drift.

RED

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Thats me. I battle to remember the callsign. Previous caller is part of my radio vocabulary.

I have the same problem. I'm still learning so its extra hard to remember all the callsigns. What do the other guys do, keep a knee board handy?

Don't have to remember call sign. he is conflicting he will come back to you. No need for last caller or the ouke who chirps 3 chirps back etc. Just make the call and he will respond.

[Biggles]

I often feel its necessary to say what type of aircraft i am in. It gives other traffic an idea of how fast you are going to be somewhere and what shape to look for. I do this when approaching the field ("Fisantekraal traffic, Microlight DNP, overhead the windmills, 1900ft , will call again overhead the field.)

If in a busy circuit I sometimes call long or short final approach. As sometimes you end up extending your downwind leg and taking a Loooonnng time to get to the threashold.