Say Again, Please: Guide to Radio Communications

by Bob Gardner

Talking on an aviation radio and understanding air traffic control instructions can be one of the most intimidating aspects of flight training. Bob Gardner's "Say Again, Please" teaches readers what to say, what to expect to hear, and how to interpret and react to clearances and instructions, while detailing the airspace system and explaining how the ATC system works.

This new Fifth Edition has been expanded and updated throughout to reflect current FAA rules and operating procedures. Chapters in the book cover communication etiquette and rules, understanding radio equipment, emergency situations, and both VFR and IFR communications and clearances. Also a concise summary of the FAA’s communication facilities and their functions, airspace classifications and definitions, and the FAA’s recommended shorthand for copying clearances.

The communication requirements for entering, departing, and transiting each class of airspace is explained in detail by following along with the author on "simulated" flights. A full-color sectional excerpt, in an attached fold-out format, is provided for the example flights so readers can review the map while reading the explanation for flying and talking in each area. Readers will learn everything they need to communicate effectively in VFR, IFR, and emergency conditions. The example foldout sectional chart is in full color and is also used for example flights discussed throughout the book.

Bob Gardner's conversational-yet-concise writing style in his approach to aviation communications will help increase your comfort level when using an aircraft radio. The book features "talk" examples of typical radio transmissions that explain how the air traffic control system works, as well as present simulated flights that clearly demonstrate correct communication procedures in each class of airspace.

This hands-on book covers the
--The ABCs of communicating
--Understanding radio equipment
--Communication etiquette and rules
--VFR, IFR, and emergency communication procedures
--Air traffic control facilities and their functions
--Review of airspace definitions
--Glossary of pilot/controller communication terms and phrases

Let "Say Again, Please" help you learn how to communicate in the air.

Genres: Aviation, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1902

Reviews

[F. Mercado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good. Needs minor updates.

Keeps referring to the Chart Supplement as the Airport/ Facility Directory. A little annoying that they couldn't make such a simple change. Otherwise the book is excellent. It's really clear and has great examples and references. I also fly in the NW, like the author, so having first hand experience of some of the places and examples he talks about is nice too.

[Shawn]

A bit dated but extremely valuable

Good overview of communication through many phases of flight. Gps info is pretty dated but still applicable, just incomplete. Good addition to your library

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit dated (flight watch has been gone for years) but most of the information is relevant, important, and clearly presented. This material is often not covered well in primary training and this book fills in those gaps. I wish they would update it regularly.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic, clear, and concise guide to streamlining your radio communications as a pilot. Builds from simple to more complex scenarios with excellent detail.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob covers an exhaustive list of radio scenarios that a pilot will encounter with Air Traffic Control. After reading this book a person should be fully comfortable with any communication scenario flying in the USA.

[Michael Yuhua Tang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, Consice Communication

Lots of examples of clear radio communication for pilots. Well worth the read especially if you have trouble on the radio.

[Keith Berthiaume · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read to sharpen radio skills.

[Tobin Fricke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a superb little book for the student pilot.

[Smellsofbikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential book for aviation radio communications for non-commercial pilots: jam-packed with examples and discussion of what phraseology is required and what is not required but incredibly useful.

[Mark Yoshida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting if you're somewhat fascinated by air traffic control conversation as I am. The rest of you (normal) people probably won't like this.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good radio communication book. Wish it went a little more in depth.