Likewise, pilots must know exactly what the controller wants you to do.Controllers must know what you want to do before they can properly carry out their control duties.Brevity is important but not at the price of understanding.It is essential, therefore, that pilots acknowledge each radio communication with ATC by using the appropriate aircraft call sign.The most important thought in communications is understanding.When you release the button, wait a few seconds before calling again as the controller or FSS specialist may be jotting down your number, looking for your flight plan, transmitting on a different frequency, or selecting the transmitter for your frequency.Be clear, concise, accurate, speaking in a normal tone.The microphone should be very close to your lips and after pressing the mike button, a slight pause may be necessary.If it is lengthy e.g., a flight plan or IFR position report, jot it down ahead of your call.

Know what you're going to say before you say it.Many times you can get the information you want through ATIS or by monitoring the frequency.Keying a transmitter when someone is talking will be futile and you will probably jam their receivers causing them to repeat their call.Don't broadcast until you know the frequency is clear or you will jam, or 'step on' another call causing them to repeat their call.If you have just changed frequencies, pause, listen, and make sure the frequency is clear.

Atc communications