Radio phrases explained
Pilots and controllers use a fixed set of short phrases so that nothing is misunderstood.
Common calls
- “Cleared for take-off”: the pilot may start the take-off run.
- “Line up and wait”: enter the runway and wait, but do not take off yet. (In the USA: “position and hold”.)
- “Cleared to land”: the pilot may land.
- “Go around”: break off the landing and climb away.
- “Roger”: message received. “Wilco”: will comply.
- “Pan-pan”: an urgent problem, not immediately life-threatening. “Mayday”: grave and immediate danger.
Everything is read back by the crew so the controller knows it was understood.
Why the odd words
Numbers and letters have special pronunciations (“niner” for 9, “tree” for 3, “Alpha” for A) so they cannot be mistaken over a noisy radio.
Watch for it
Many airports’ live audio is not covered by AirLive. If your stream has radio, listen for these phrases as aircraft are cleared.