Pre-flight and radio check
What must be read back
Know which parts of a clearance must be read back word for word.
Original SkyRT lesson (pending instructor review)read-back
When you use it
Every phase of flight.
Example exchange
ATCVindhya Ground
VKA, hold short of runway 27, QNH 1008
You
Hold short of runway 27, QNH 1008, VKA
Required information
- ATC route clearances
- Clearances to enter, land on, take off from, hold short of, cross or backtrack on any runway
- Runway in use
- Altimeter settings
- SSR codes
- Level, heading and speed instructions
- Transition levels (from the controller or ATIS)
Expected sequence
- Safety items in the order given
- Call sign last
Read back
- Every item in the list above, when given
Why it works this way
This is the always-read-back list in Doc 9432 (4th ed., 2007) §2.8.3.5. Other clearances and instructions, including conditional clearances, are read back or acknowledged so they are clearly understood and will be complied with (§2.8.3.6). Read back new frequencies as well: later ICAO-based rules (e.g. EU/UK SERA.8015) make them mandatory. End with your call sign (§2.8.3.7); an incorrect read-back is answered with NEGATIVE I SAY AGAIN (§2.8.3.9).
Common errors
- ROGER or WILCO instead of a read-back
- Partial read-backs that drop the runway
- Call sign at the start instead of the end
References
- ICAO Doc 9432, Manual of Radiotelephony (4th ed., 2007), §2.8.3 — Issue of clearance and read-back requirements
Practise it: Taxi out for a local VFR flight
Run the related simulator scenario and get item-by-item feedback on your transmissions.
Open the scenario