This is an old revision of the document!
Basically, when communicating with air traffic keep it short and sweet. Always remember that the other guy at the end of the line is human and not a god. We should however aspire to maintain good radio discipline as it helps our reputation as responsible pilots. How’s that achieved? Some helpful hints:
Engaging brain before opening your mouth will make it easier for all!
Initial contact with Scottish Control on, for example, 127.275
Sant: “Scottish Control, Glider SC” (Sierra Charlie) (Refer phonetic alphabet)
(Note: if in a two-seat glider say “Scottish Control 2 seat Glider T3”. After the initial call you can omit “2 seat” from the callsign)
Gliders don’t need to use the G-XXXX aircraft registration call sign, the comp number or trigraph is ok.
They will reply with
ATC: “Glider SC, Scottish (Control), pass your message”
Use the mnemonic CAPACER as the guide for the “message”
C/A | Callsign/Aircraft | Glider SC | Notes |
P | Position: | is 15 nautical miles North West of ERSON… | better to use what they know, e.g. FOYLE, ERSON, GUSSI or INBAS reporting points |
A | Altitude: | Currently Flight Level 140 … | (reminds them you are a glider) |
C | Conditions: | VMC… | can be left out but it makes ATC aware of your actual conditions |
E/R | Estimates/Requests: | For Information Glider SC intends to cross November 560 West to East Not above FL160 close to ERSON. No service required |
e.g. (CAPACER)
“Glider SC is 15 nautical miles North West of ERSON, Currently FL140 VMC. For information Glider SC intends to MORAY CTA West to East not above FL160 close to ERSON. No service required.“
ATC’s likely response (in most cases)
ATC: “Glider SC, that’s approved. Call entering and leaving MORAY CTA not above FL160 and maintain VMC.
Note: READ BACK; Always read back a clearance exactly as it is given. In this case (whilst not exactly an ATC clearance) the reply is:
Sant: “Scottish, Will call entering and leaving MORAY CTA not above FL160 and maintain VMC, glider SC.”
Once clear of the appropriate airspace and no longer needing to talk to ATC Sant: “Scottish, Glider SC is clear of MORAY CTA East of ERSON, returning to gliding frequencies”
ATC: “Glider SC, roger, have a good flight.”
When talking to ATC don’t gabble. Make clear and concise statements. The rigid language of CAP 413 is not always followed – it can be quite relaxed. To start with write down on a card CAPACER and run a few scenarios through your head. Lastly and most importantly the thing is to relax. It’s just another guy/gal on the end of the line and they know a lot less about flying and your needs as a glider than you do.
Here’s an attempt at a full example. SC is heading SW from Ballinluig to turn Lochgoilhead. At about Kenmore he changes from 130.105 to 127.275 and after a pause to avoid interrupting any ongoing conversation, calls:-
Sant: “Scottish Control, Glider SC”
ATC: “Glider SC, pass your message”
Sant: “Scottish, for information, Glider SC is approximately 10 miles South of INBAS currently at Flight Level 120 and intending to track SW across MORAY CTA not above FL160. No service required.”
ATC: “Glider SC that’s approved. Report entering and leaving MORAY CTA, not above FL160 and maintain VMC
Sant: “Report entering and leaving N560, not above FL160 and maintain VMC, glider SC”
A few minutes later…
Sant: “Scottish, Glider SC entering MORAY CTA, currently climbing through Flight Level 115.”
ATC: “Roger, Glider SC.”
A few minutes later and maybe;
ATC: “Glider SC, Scottish”
Sant: “Go ahead, Glider SC”
ATC: “We have an air ambulance in your area tracking S at Flight Level 130, report your Flight Level (ATC usually prefers FL’s above 6000’, otherwise altitude)
Sant: “Scottish, SC is currently at Flight Level 90 – if it helps, I can stay below Flight Level 120 unless I call you.”
ATC: “Glider SC that is helpful, not above Flight Level 120 unless approved – traffic should be clear in about 10 minutes”
Five minutes later…
Sant: “Scottish, Glider SC is now clear of MORAY CTA West of ERSON and intends to return to gliding frequencies.”
ATC: “Glider SC, roger, traffic now clear behind you, have a nice day.”
Sant: “Scottish, roger, I will call again later on the return trip.”
So not exactly proper RT – but in our experience pretty typical.
Lastly and again to repeat, as a way of giving your position in relation to a reporting point one can use Go To (or the non Oudie equivalent) which will give a bearing and distance to a reporting point. You must give the bearing from the reporting point i.e. add or subtract 180° to the GO TO bearing.
If you want to put the reporting points in your nav kit, going Northbound:
FOYNE | 560834N | 0042256W |
ERSON | 562748N | 0041824W |
INBAS | 564200N | 0041459W |
GUSSI | 571247N | 0040727W |
So, there we are, good luck and enjoy your soaring.
Sant Cervantes
E. Letters of Agreement | Contents | G. Reporting Defects in Club Gliders