Phraseology — Page 73, Lesson 59

I want to walk you through a new topic: Phraseology. This is the standardised language used in radio communications between pilots and air traffic control. It's not just a set of suggestions — it's a mandatory, precise code that eliminates ambiguity. Let's start with a worked example of a joining procedure, then move into the general phraseology that governs level changes and reports. --- We begin with a joining call. The aircraft is GBODA, a PA28 — that's a Piper Archer — coming from Oxford, 10 miles Northeast of Gloucester, at 3000 feet, inbound to Gloucester Approach. The pilot transmits: > "Gloucester Approach, GBODA is a PA28 from Oxford 10 miles NE at 3000 feet inbound to you. Request joining instructions." The controller replies with a standard instruction: > "GBODA, join downwind runway 27 right-hand circuit, QNH 1010." Let's break that down. Join downwind means enter the traffic pattern on the downwind leg. Runway 27 means the runway oriented at 270 degrees magnetic. Right-hand circuit means all turns in the pattern are to the right — so the downwind leg is on the right side of the runway. QNH 1010 is the altimeter setting, in hectopascals, that will make the altimeter read altitude above mean sea level when on the ground at that airfield. The pilot acknowledges with "Wilco" — short for "will comply" — and repeats the aircraft callsign: "Wilco, GDA." The controller then says "GBODA, pass your message," which is a prompt to go ahead. The pilot reads back the instruction: "GDA, join downwind runway 27 right-hand circuit, wind 240 degrees 10 knots, QNH 1010. Report airfield in sight." Notice the controller adds the wind information — direction 240 degrees, speed 10 knots — and then instructs the pilot to report when the airfield is visible. The pilot responds: "Field in sight." Then the controller says: "GDA, airfield in sight." That's a readback confirmation. Next, the controller transfers the aircraft to the tower frequency: "Tower 122.9, GDA." The pilot acknowledges: "GDA, contact Tower 122.9." Then on the tower frequency, the pilot says: "Gloucester Tower, GBODA, request right base join for runway 27." That means the pilot wants to join the pattern directly on the base leg, turning right onto final. Tower replies: "GDA, right base join approved. Report final." The pilot acknowledges: "Wilco, GDA." When on final approach, the pilot reports: "Final approach." Then: "GDA, final to land." Tower responds: "Continue, GDA." Then: "Cleared to land, GDA." The pilot reads back: "GDA, continue. GDA, cleared to land. Wind 260 degrees 20 knots." Tower adds the wind update. Once on the runway, the pilot says: "On runway." Tower says: "Wilco, GDA." Then: "GDA, expedite vacating runway." The pilot acknowledges: "Off runway." Then: "Runway vacated, GDA." Tower closes with: "GDA, Roger." That's the full joining sequence — a model of standard phraseology in action. --- Now we move to General Phraseology, specifically the Circumstance Phraseologies for describing levels and level changes. The excerpt gives us a structured list. Let's go through it systematically. First, Description of levels. The standard way to state a level is: "Flight Level (number)" or "(number) metres" or "(number) feet". So you say "Flight Level 100" or "3000 metres" or "5000 feet". These are subsequently referred to simply as "level" in the phraseology templates. Now, Level changes, reports, and rates. The core instruction begins with "CLIMB" or "DESCEND", followed as necessary by one or more of the following qualifiers. TO (level) — for example, "Climb to flight level 200." TO REACH TO (level) AT (or BY) (time or significant point) — this specifies a target level and a time or position by which it must be reached. Example: "Descend to reach flight level 100 by DME 25." REPORT LEAVING (or REACHING, or PASSING) (level) — the pilot must call when departing a level, arriving at a level, or passing through a level. Example: "Report leaving flight level 150." REPORT PASSING ODD (or EVEN) LEVELS — this is used in procedural airspace where vertical separation is based on the semicircular rule. Odd levels are flight levels ending in an odd number, like 130, 150; even levels are 140, 160. The pilot must report each time they pass one. AT (number) METRES PER SECOND (or FEET PER MINUTE) — this specifies a rate of climb or descent. Example: "Descend at 500 feet per minute." [MINIMUM (or MAXIMUM)] — you can add a qualifier to the rate. Example: "Climb at minimum 1000 feet per minute." REPORT STARTING ACCELERATION (or DECELERATION) — used when a speed change is required, and the controller needs to know when it begins. STEP CLIMB (aircraft identification) ABOVE (or BENEATH) YOU — this is used when one aircraft is climbing in steps and another aircraft is at a nearby level. Example: "Step climb GBODA above you." REQUEST LEVEL CHANGE FROM (name of unit) AT (time or significant point) — the pilot asks for a level change from a specific ATC unit at a specific time or place. STOP CLIMB (or DESCENT) TO (level) — the pilot must stop the climb or descent at a specified level. Example: "Stop climb to flight level 180." CONTINUE CLIMB (or DESCENT) TO (level) — resume or continue the climb or descent to a specified level. EXPEDITE CLIMB (or DESCENT) [UNTIL PASSING (level)] — the pilot must increase the rate of climb or descent, possibly until passing a certain level. WHEN READY CLIMB (or DESCEND) TO (level) — the pilot may initiate the climb or descent at their discretion, but must reach the specified level. EXPECT DESCENT AT (time) — the controller advises that descent is anticipated at a given time. REQUEST DESCENT AT (time) — the pilot asks to begin descent at a specific time. Then we have three categories that specify when the action must occur: IMMEDIATELY — the action must be taken without any delay. AFTER PASSING (significant point) — the action must begin after crossing a specific point, like a beacon or a DME fix. AT (time or significant point) — the action must begin at a precise time or when reaching a specific point. Finally, WHEN READY (instruction) — the action may be taken at the pilot's convenience, but must be done. --- That covers the standard phraseology for level changes. Every one of these phrases is designed to be unambiguous, concise, and universally understood across all ICAO member states. As a professional pilot, you will use these exact wordings — no improvisation, no casual language.