Radio Cheat Sheet
The formulas that make radio work automatic — every one referenced to the FAA. Screenshot it, print it, learn it.
The Read-Back
Read it back — don’t just say “roger.” If you don’t read it back, the controller doesn’t know you got it right.
- · Hold-short instructions (verbatim)
- · Runway assignments — taxi, takeoff, land
- · Altitude, heading, airspeed, route
- · Frequency changes & transponder codes
- · Altimeter settings
- · Traffic advisories (“traffic in sight”)
- · Wind, weather, general info
Saying Numbers
| Altitude | All digits in full | 5,500 → “five thousand five hundred” |
| Altitude ≥ 10,000 | Each thousands digit | 11,000 → “one one thousand” |
| Frequency | Each digit + “point” | 118.3 → “one one eight point three” |
| Squawk | Digit by digit | 4521 → “four five two one” |
| Runway | Each digit + L/R/C | 28L → “two eight left” |
| Heading | Three digits | 070 → “zero seven zero” |
Pronounce 3 = “tree”, 5 = “fife”, 9 = “niner” — and never “fifty-five hundred” or “forty-five twenty-one.”
The Initial Call
“Hilo Ground, Cessna One Two Three Four Five, GA ramp, ready to taxi.”
Pack it into one transmission so the controller doesn’t have to ask follow-ups. Wait for a reply before continuing.
Airport Signs & Markings
On the diagram, find your position, the assigned taxiways, and the hold-short line before you start rolling — then read the route back.
Standard Words — and What Never to Say
- Roger — I received your message
- Wilco — I will comply
- Affirmative / Negative — yes / no
- Say again — repeat your last
- Unable — I can’t do that
- copy / copy that — read it back
- 10-4 — CB slang
- will do / for sure — say “wilco”
- roger that — just “roger”
“Roger” ≠ “yes” and ≠ “I’ll comply.”
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) Ch. 2 & 4 · Pilot/Controller Glossary · Advisory Circulars 90-66, 91-73, 150/5340-18. Public-domain FAA publications — verify against the current edition; not for navigation.