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Pilot's Guide to ATC

by David Harrison

194 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #07-1226; ISBN 1-4251-3270-7; US$29.05, C$29.05, EUR19.85, £15.00

A practical explanation to pilots of how and why air traffic control procedures, working methods and RT phraseology is used.

About the Book

A practical explanation to pilots of how and why ATC procedures, working methods and RT phraseology is used.

Aimed at pilots from trainees through to experienced professionals it is written in a very practical sense with a view on the real world with real people. As such, it is not a lecture-like reproduction of the rules, but explains the meanings and reasons for ATC procedures, clearances and phraseology. The intention is that it will give pilots a better understanding of the environment they are operating in, improve airmanship, improve pilot-controller understanding and consequently improve safety by giving pilots an understanding of how and why ATC use certain methods and phraseology.

The author is an ex-air traffic controller, now a commercial pilot, and so is in the ideal position to explain what pilots are not taught about ATC including the ATC related issues that are useful and, in some cases, necessary for pilots to know.

Real life examples and questions from fellow pilots are used to explain the subjects in a practical method. Consequently many examples are given of how to prevent incidents by including in the explanations how incorrect perceptions and misunderstandings can arise without such knowledge of ATC procedures and the issuing of clearances.

Subjects include: IFR, VFR, Special VFR, collision prevention, operations inside and outside controlled airspace, weather, emergencies, explanations of clearances and how responsibilities change between the controller and the pilot with certain clearances.

About the Author

Born in Doncaster, South Yorkshire I became interested in flying at an early age. My first job in aviation was at my local aero club at Doncaster airport - the original grass airfield which has since been dug up and made into a lake! - working there at weekends, whilst still at school, as part of the ground staff. I also gained my PPL there just before the airport closed.

After leaving school I undertook an aeronautical engineering degree course and this included a year working at a major international airport with an airline engineering maintenance company.

After finishing the degree course I then completed an ATC training course and subsequently worked in the UK as an air traffic controller.

In order to gain the ATPL qualifications I left ATC and studied full-time at the flying school in Jerez, Spain.

Since returning to the UK after flying training I have been flying jet airliners for airlines based in the UK.

Excerpts