EASA 090

Communications

EASA PPL subject 090 — ICAO phraseology & ATC procedures

Communications (090) overlaps significantly with the R/T Training (RT-VFR certificate). You learn standard ICAO phraseology, emergency procedures (MAYDAY, PAN-PAN), air traffic control communication and the radiotelephony alphabet. Anyone who also gets the RT-VFR certificate will master this subject almost automatically.

Topics covered

  • Radiotelephony alphabet: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie...
  • Standard ICAO phraseology: readback procedures
  • ATC services: TWR, APP, ACC and AFIS
  • Emergency procedures: MAYDAY and PAN-PAN
  • Transponder: squawk codes and IDENT
  • Frequencies: aviation frequencies and usage
  • Language requirements: ICAO language levels (LPE)

Study tips for Communications

1

Combine this subject with R/T Training: you learn phraseology best by practising.

2

Listen to LiveATC.net for real ATC communications as a listening exercise.

3

MAYDAY vs PAN-PAN: know the difference and the exact wording.

4

Repeat the phonetic alphabet until you can recite it flawlessly and quickly.

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Specialists for Communications

These coaches and tutors specialise in this subject.

A.D.
Subject Expert Technical Subjects

Flight Instructor FI(A) with an MSc in Aerospace. Active instructor and the go-to person for everything related to aircraft systems, aerodynamics and weather.

  • Aircraft General Knowledge (021)
  • Principles of Flight (081)
  • Meteorology (050)
T.B.
Subject Expert Meteorology & Communications

CPL/IR holder and former ATC staff with 10+ years of aviation weather experience. Explains complex weather systems and ATC procedures clearly and practically.

  • Meteorology (050): weather charts, clouds, wind
  • Human Performance (040)
  • Communications (090): ATC & ICAO phraseology

Need broader support?

These coaches support your broader PPL journey and study planning.

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