The fear people have when flying VFR or even IFR is the phraseology / Radiotelephony part the fear of saying the wrong things or embarrassing yourself. I fully understand the fear that sets in and I have had people quit flying online as they got so nervous. We hope these lessons help.
AGCS
Air/Ground Communication Service (AGCS) is the most limited form of air/ground communication available at an aerodrome. The AGCS operator may provide traffic and basic weather information to pilots operating in the vicinity of the aerodrome. Such traffic information is based primarily on reports made by other pilots. Whilst the information provided by the radio operator may be used to assist a pilot in making a decision, the safe conduct of the flight remains the pilot’s responsibility.
The callsign is the normally “[aerodrome name] radio”. When operating in the AGCS environment, the principle is that aircraft announce their position and separate themselves from other aircraft in accordance with the Rules of the Air and any published aerodrome procedures. Only carry out a manoeuvre (such as taxiing, take-off or landing) if you are satisfied it is safe to do so and will not conflict with other traffic.
The AGCS operator has no power to issue clearances or issue instructions to aircraft either on the ground or in the air, although clearances may be relayed from an ATC unit and messages passed on behalf of the aerodrome operator
AFIS
The Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) is essentially a Flight Information Service provided at an aerodrome. It is a higher level of service than AGCS; however, it remains a source of information rather than control. In the UK, AFIS may issue mandatory instructions to aircraft and vehicles on the ground, up until a runway holding point. AFIS units do not issue instructions to aircraft in the air, however, they may request position reports that are consistent with the aerodrome’s published traffic procedures. Note that outside the UK, AFIS does not normally issue instructions to aircraft on the ground.
The callsign is “[aerodrome name] Information”; for example ‘Duxford Information’. It is still your responsibility to be satisfied that every action is safe and to announce your position and intentions while operating at the aerodrome.
ATC
Aerodrome control service – callsign ‘Tower’
Some aerodromes have an Aerodrome Control Service within the ATZ, provided by an air traffic control tower. Within the ATZ, compliance with ATC instructions both on the ground and in the air is mandatory. The callsign is “[aerodrome name] Tower”; for example ‘Wycombe Tower’. When arriving at such an aerodrome you should call 15 NM or 5 minutes flying time from the ATZ boundary, whichever is greater, and request joining instructions – this will give the controller time to plan your arrival. Larger aerodromes may also have a ground control frequency – callsign ‘Ground’.
Aerodrome approach control service – callsign ‘Approach’
An Approach Control Service may be provided at an aerodrome either inside or outside controlled airspace. If the aerodrome has approach control, you should make contact at least 15 NM or 5
minutes flying time from the ATZ boundary, whichever is greater.
As you approach the ATZ, the approach controller will normally pass you to the aerodrome control (callsign ‘Tower’) for landing.
The callsign is the location name followed by the suffix ‘Approach’ or ‘Radar’ (if a radar approach unit); for example ‘Shoreham Approach’ or ‘Bournemouth Radar’.
Readbacks
| Taxi/towing instructions | Level instructions | Heading instructions |
| Speed instructions | Airway or enroute clearances | Approach clearances |
| Runway-in-use | Clearance to take off or land | Clearance to enter, backtrack, cross, or hold short of an active runway |
| Transponder instructions (squawk codes and Ident) |
Altimeter settings (including units when the setting is below 1000 hectopascals) |
VDF information |
| Frequency changes | Type of ATS service | Transition Levels |
