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How do pilots communicate with the airport?
The most common form of communication in aviation, very high frequency (VHF) radio calls are what we use for around 95% of our communications with ATC. In simplified terms, the transmitting station sends a signal that travels in a straight line and is picked up by the receiving station.
Today, pilots navigate using GPS-based systems in their aircraft. They fly between imaginary vertical points known as waypoints that are stored in the aircraft GPS database.
How do international pilots communicate?
In most places, the pilots and air traffic controllers have demonstrated the ability to speak and understand English up to a level specified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). By using ICAO standard phraseology and speaking very distinctly, the necessary information is transferred.
How do airline pilots know where they are going?
Air traffic controllers guide pilots to the outer marker, or the beginning of the final approach, generally seven to eight miles from the runway. Then the plane passes over a middle marker and an inner marker, radio reference points that tell the pilots exactly where they are along the approach path.
How do pilots pick their routes?
Pilots receive their trips for the month through a process called bidding. Bidding is how pilots request a schedule based on their individual needs. This process then awards pilots their schedules based on seniority. Essentially, senior pilots’ preferences are awarded first then so on, down the line.
Do all international pilots have to speak English?
The FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), the world’s organization overseeing aviation, require all pilots flying under their organizations to have attained ICAO “Level 4” English ability. This means all pilots must speak, read, write, and understand English fluently.