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no ai used hopefully fixed this god forsaken page
 
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== Topdown Principle ==
== Topdown Principle ==


A higher station covers the area of responsibility of a lower position if the lower position is offline.
A higher station covers the area of responsibility of a lower position if the lower position is offline. For example, if Approach is unmanned, Radar assumes approach responsibilities; if Tower is offline, Radar assumes tower duties. Controllers should always be aware of what positions are active and what they are responsible for covering.
For example, if Approach is unmanned, Radar assumes approach responsibilities; if Tower is offline, Radar assumes tower duties.
 
Controllers should always be aware of what positions are active and what they are responsible for covering.
----
----


Line 20: Line 19:


=== Visual Flight Rules (VFR) ===
=== Visual Flight Rules (VFR) ===
VFR is a set of rules that govern flight in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) — conditions in which flight by visual reference is possible.
VFR is a set of rules that govern flight in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) — conditions in which flight by visual reference is possible. Under VFR, the pilot is permitted to fly because weather conditions (visibility, cloud clearance) are sufficient to maintain visual separation from terrain and other aircraft. This does not mean that the pilot navigates exclusively by looking outside — in practice, VFR pilots routinely use GPS, radio navaids, and other instruments alongside visual references. Rather, VFR means the conditions ''allow'' for visual flight. In DCS, most pilots will fly under VFR when no mission is planned, relying on what they can see out of the cockpit to navigate and execute missions.
Under VFR, the pilot is permitted to fly because weather conditions (visibility, cloud clearance) are sufficient to maintain visual separation from terrain and other aircraft.
 
This does not mean that the pilot navigates exclusively by looking outside — in practice, VFR pilots routinely use GPS, radio navaids, and other instruments alongside visual references.
Rather, VFR means the conditions ''allow'' for visual flight. In DCS, most pilots will fly under VFR when no mission is planned, relying on what they can see out of the cockpit to navigate and execute missions.
=== Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) ===
=== Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) ===
IFR is a set of rules that apply when pilots fly in conditions where visual references alone may be unavailable or unreliable — such as in low visibility or heavy cloud cover.
IFR is a set of rules that apply when pilots fly in conditions where visual references alone may be unavailable or unreliable — such as in low visibility or heavy cloud cover. Under IFR, the pilot relies on cockpit instruments such as the altimeter, airspeed indicator, artificial horizon, and heading indicator to maintain control and navigate. IFR flights follow structured procedures such as instrument departures, airways navigation, and instrument approaches, and are subject to ATC clearances and separation services throughout. Note that night operations do not automatically require IFR — VFR flight at night is permitted in many jurisdictions with appropriate ratings and equipment. In DCS, IFR operations require a thorough understanding of the aircraft's avionics suite and are primarily used in planned Missions
Under IFR, the pilot relies on cockpit instruments such as the altimeter, airspeed indicator, artificial horizon, and heading indicator to maintain control and navigate.
IFR flights follow structured procedures such as instrument departures, airways navigation, and instrument approaches, and are subject to ATC clearances and separation services throughout.
Note that night operations do not automatically require IFR — VFR flight at night is permitted in many jurisdictions with appropriate ratings and equipment.
In DCS, IFR operations require a thorough understanding of the aircraft's avionics suite and are primarily used in planned Missions


== Airspace ==
== Airspace ==
Understanding the rules governing flight is only part of the picture — pilots must also be aware of the structure of the airspace they operate within.
Understanding the rules governing flight is only part of the picture — pilots must also be aware of the structure of the airspace they operate within. Airspace is divided into classifications that dictate what types of flights are permitted, what equipment is required, and what level of ATC interaction is expected. Some classes of airspace are open to both VFR and IFR traffic, while others restrict or prohibit certain operations entirely. For a full breakdown of airspace classifications and their requirements, see [[Airspace Classifications]].
Airspace is divided into classifications that dictate what types of flights are permitted, what equipment is required, and what level of ATC interaction is expected.
Some classes of airspace are open to both VFR and IFR traffic, while others restrict or prohibit certain operations entirely.
For a full breakdown of airspace classifications and their requirements, see [[Airspace Classifications]].
----
----


== Glossary ==
== Glossary ==


;
; ABEAM
ABEAM
: Approximately 90 degrees to the right or left of the aircraft track; a general position, not a precise point
: Approximately 90 degrees to the right or left of the aircraft track; a general position, not a precise point


;
; ATIS
ATIS
: Automatic Terminal Information Service — a continuous broadcast of recorded aeronautical information including weather, active runway, and NOTAMs
: Automatic Terminal Information Service — a continuous broadcast of recorded aeronautical information including weather, active runway, and NOTAMs


;
; DME
DME
: Distance Measuring Equipment — a navaid that measures slant-range distance (in nautical miles) between an aircraft and a ground-based DME transponder. DME can exist as a standalone navaid, but is frequently co-located with other navaids such as VOR (VOR/DME) or as part of a TACAN system. Note: DME measures slant range, not horizontal distance — the reading is only accurate when the aircraft is sufficiently far from and not directly above the station.
: Distance Measuring Equipment — a navaid that measures slant-range distance (in nautical miles) between an aircraft and a ground-based DME transponder.
 
DME can exist as a standalone navaid, but is frequently co-located with other navaids such as VOR (VOR/DME) or as part of a TACAN system.
Note: DME measures slant range, not horizontal distance — the reading is only accurate when the aircraft is sufficiently far from and not directly above the station.
; FAF
; FAF
: Final Approach Fix — the fix at which the final approach segment of an instrument approach begins
: Final Approach Fix — the fix at which the final approach segment of an instrument approach begins


;
; GCA
GCA
: Ground Controlled Approach — a radar-guided approach to landing
: Ground Controlled Approach — a radar-guided approach to landing


;
; IAF
IAF
: Initial Approach Fix — the fix at which an instrument approach procedure begins
: Initial Approach Fix — the fix at which an instrument approach procedure begins


;
; IFR
IFR
: Instrument Flight Rules — flight conducted primarily by reference to cockpit instruments
: Instrument Flight Rules — flight conducted primarily by reference to cockpit instruments


;
; MAP
MAP
: Missed Approach Point — the point at which a missed approach must be initiated if required visual reference is not established
: Missed Approach Point — the point at which a missed approach must be initiated if required visual reference is not established


;
; MARSA
MARSA
: Military Assumes Responsibility for Separating Aircraft — the point at which the military takes over separation duties from civil ATC
: Military Assumes Responsibility for Separating Aircraft — the point at which the military takes over separation duties from civil ATC


;
; PAR
PAR
: Precision Approach Radar — a ground-based radar system that provides azimuth and glidepath guidance to landing aircraft
: Precision Approach Radar — a ground-based radar system that provides azimuth and glidepath guidance to landing aircraft


;
; VFR
VFR
: Visual Flight Rules — a set of rules governing flight in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)
: Visual Flight Rules — a set of rules governing flight in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)


Line 96: Line 75:
| '''AFFIRMATIVE''' || Yes.
| '''AFFIRMATIVE''' || Yes.
|-
|-
|
| '''BLOCKED''' || Radio transmission distorted or interrupted by simultaneous transmissions.
'''BLOCKED''' || Radio transmission distorted or interrupted by simultaneous transmissions.
|-
|-
| '''CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF''' || Authorization to depart.
| '''CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF''' || Authorization to depart.
|-
|-
|
| '''CLEARED FOR THE OPTION''' || Authorization for various landing approaches at the pilot's discretion, often for training.
'''CLEARED FOR THE OPTION''' || Authorization for various landing approaches at the pilot's discretion, often for training.
|-
|-
|
| '''CLEARED TO LAND''' || Authorization to land based on traffic and airport conditions.
'''CLEARED TO LAND''' || Authorization to land based on traffic and airport conditions.
|-
|-
| '''CONFIRM''' || Confirm specified information.
| '''CONFIRM''' || Confirm specified information.
|-
|-
|
| '''EXPEDITE''' || Prompt action required to avoid imminent issues.
'''EXPEDITE''' || Prompt action required to avoid imminent issues.
|-
|-
| '''FLY HEADING''' (Degrees) ||
| '''FLY HEADING''' (Degrees) || Fly or turn to a specified compass direction.
Fly or turn to a specified compass direction.
|-
|-
| '''FUEL REMAINING''' ||
| '''FUEL REMAINING''' || Report approximate remaining flight time in minutes, including reserves.
Report approximate remaining flight time in minutes, including reserves.
|-
|-
| '''GO AROUND''' || Abort landing;
| '''GO AROUND''' || Abort landing; follow additional ATC instructions as needed.
follow additional ATC instructions as needed.
|-
|-
| '''IDENT''' || Activate transponder identification feature.
| '''IDENT''' || Activate transponder identification feature.
|-
|-
| '''IMMEDIATELY''' ||
| '''IMMEDIATELY''' || Urgent action required to avoid danger.
Urgent action required to avoid danger.
|-
|-
| '''LINE UP AND WAIT''' || Taxi onto the runway and hold.
| '''LINE UP AND WAIT''' || Taxi onto the runway and hold. This is '''not''' a takeoff clearance.
This is '''not''' a takeoff clearance.
|-
|-
| '''MAINTAIN''' || Stay at specified altitude/flight level or follow literal instructions.
| '''MAINTAIN''' || Stay at specified altitude/flight level or follow literal instructions.
|-
|-
|
| '''MAKE SHORT APPROACH''' || Alter traffic pattern for a shorter final approach.
'''MAKE SHORT APPROACH''' || Alter traffic pattern for a shorter final approach.
|-
|-
| '''MAYDAY''' ||
| '''MAYDAY''' || Emergency distress call indicating grave and imminent danger. Repeated three times on initial call.
Emergency distress call indicating grave and imminent danger. Repeated three times on initial call.
|-
|-
| '''MINIMUM FUEL''' ||
| '''MINIMUM FUEL''' || Fuel is low; delays cannot be tolerated but it is not yet an emergency.
Fuel is low; delays cannot be tolerated but it is not yet an emergency.
|-
|-
| '''NEGATIVE''' ||
| '''NEGATIVE''' || No, not granted, or incorrect.
No, not granted, or incorrect.
|-
|-
| '''NEGATIVE CONTACT''' || Traffic not in sight, or unable to contact ATC.
| '''NEGATIVE CONTACT''' || Traffic not in sight, or unable to contact ATC.
|-
|-
|
| '''RADAR CONTACT''' || ATC confirms radar identification and tracking.
'''RADAR CONTACT''' || ATC confirms radar identification and tracking.
|-
|-
| '''RADAR SERVICE TERMINATED''' || Radar services ended;
| '''RADAR SERVICE TERMINATED''' || Radar services ended; may occur automatically in specific situations.
may occur automatically in specific situations.
|-
|-
| '''RADIO CHECK''' || Request for transmission quality check.
| '''RADIO CHECK''' || Request for transmission quality check.
|-
|-
| '''READ BACK''' ||
| '''READ BACK''' || Repeat my message back to confirm receipt.
Repeat my message back to confirm receipt.
|-
|-
| '''REPORT''' || Advise ATC of specific information.
| '''REPORT''' || Advise ATC of specific information.
|-
|-
| '''ROGER''' ||
| '''ROGER''' || Received and understood. Does '''not''' indicate compliance.
Received and understood. Does '''not''' indicate compliance.
|-
|-
| '''SAY AGAIN''' || Request repeat of the last transmission.
| '''SAY AGAIN''' || Request repeat of the last transmission.
|-
|-
|
| '''SAY ALTITUDE''' || State current altitude rounded to the nearest 100 feet.
'''SAY ALTITUDE''' || State current altitude rounded to the nearest 100 feet.
|-
|-
| '''SAY HEADING''' || Report current heading.
| '''SAY HEADING''' || Report current heading.
|-
|-
|
| '''SPEAK SLOWER''' || Request slower speech.
'''SPEAK SLOWER''' || Request slower speech.
|-
|-
| '''SQUAWK''' (Mode, Code, Function) || Set transponder mode/code as instructed.
| '''SQUAWK''' (Mode, Code, Function) || Set transponder mode/code as instructed.
|-
|-
|
| '''STAND BY''' || Wait or pause; not a denial or approval.
'''STAND BY''' || Wait or pause; not a denial or approval.
|-
|-
| '''THAT IS CORRECT''' || Your understanding is accurate.
| '''THAT IS CORRECT''' || Your understanding is accurate.
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| '''TRAFFIC''' || One or more aircraft; may be followed by position information.
| '''TRAFFIC''' || One or more aircraft; may be followed by position information.
|-
|-
| '''TRAFFIC IN SIGHT''' ||
| '''TRAFFIC IN SIGHT''' || Traffic visually acquired.
Traffic visually acquired.
|-
|-
| '''UNABLE''' || Cannot comply with instruction. Should be followed by a reason when possible.
| '''UNABLE''' || Cannot comply with instruction. Should be followed by a reason when possible.
|-
|-
|
| '''WILCO''' || Will comply. (Must '''NOT''' replace a readback!)
'''WILCO''' || Will comply. (Must '''NOT''' replace a readback!)
|}
|}


Line 197: Line 154:
==== Tower (Incirlik / LTAG-TWR) ====
==== Tower (Incirlik / LTAG-TWR) ====


{|class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
|-
! style="width:25%;" | Station !! Phrase
! style="width:25%;" | Station !! Phrase
|-
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | '''Flight Check'''
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; " | '''Flight Check'''
|-
|-
| Flight Lead ||
| Flight Lead || Incirlik Tower, {CS}, {#}-Ship, with Information {ATIS Letter}, request taxi
Incirlik Tower, {CS}, {#}-Ship, with Information {ATIS Letter}, request taxi
|-
|-
| LTAG-TWR ||
| LTAG-TWR || {CS} Incirlik Tower, taxi last chance {West / East}, Altimeter {A}, Runway {RWY}
{CS} Incirlik Tower, taxi last chance {West / East}, Altimeter {A}, Runway {RWY}
|-
|-
| Flight Lead ||
| Flight Lead || {CS} taxiing last chance {West / East}, Altimeter {A}, Runway {RWY}
{CS} taxiing last chance {West / East}, Altimeter {A}, Runway {RWY}
|-
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | ''Jets taxi to last chance.
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; " | ''Jets taxi to last chance. During taxi, Tower issues the IFR clearance. The flight lead confirms readiness to copy.''
During taxi, Tower issues the IFR clearance. The flight lead confirms readiness to copy.''
|-
|-
| LTAG-TWR ||
| LTAG-TWR || {CS}, clearance, advise ready to copy
{CS}, clearance, advise ready to copy
|-
|-
| Flight Lead || {CS}, ready to copy
| Flight Lead || {CS}, ready to copy
|-
|-
| LTAG-TWR ||
| LTAG-TWR || {CS}, cleared to {Clearance Limit} as fragged, {possible additional instructions}, level later, squawk {X}, trailing element squawk {Y}, prepare {next ATC-station} {FREQ}
{CS}, cleared to {Clearance Limit} as fragged, {possible additional instructions}, level later, squawk {X}, trailing element squawk {Y}, prepare {next ATC-station} {FREQ}
|-
|-
|
| Flight Lead || {CS} {Readback}
Flight Lead || {CS} {Readback}
|-
|-
| LTAG-TWR || {CS} {Readback correct / Corrections}
| LTAG-TWR || {CS} {Readback correct / Corrections}
|-
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; " | '''Once all jets are ready for departure'''
'''Once all jets are ready for departure'''
|-
|-
| Flight Lead || {CS}, ready for departure
| Flight Lead || {CS}, ready for departure
|-
|-
| LTAG-TWR ||
| LTAG-TWR || {CS}, line-up and wait runway {RWY}, wind {Winds}
{CS}, line-up and wait runway {RWY}, wind {Winds}
|-
|-
| Flight Lead || {CS} line-up and wait runway {RWY}
| Flight Lead || {CS} line-up and wait runway {RWY}
|-
|-
| LTAG-TWR ||
| LTAG-TWR || {CS} climb {Level}, wind {Winds}, runway {RWY}, cleared for takeoff, contact Radar {FREQ}
{CS} climb {Level}, wind {Winds}, runway {RWY}, cleared for takeoff, contact Radar {FREQ}
|-
|-
| Flight Lead ||
| Flight Lead || {CS} cleared for takeoff runway {RWY}, push {FREQ}
{CS} cleared for takeoff runway {RWY}, push {FREQ}
|-
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; " | ''While still on the ground, all jets switch frequency and perform the Flight Check. Only after completing the Flight Check do they take off.''
''While still on the ground, all jets switch frequency and perform the Flight Check.
Only after completing the Flight Check do they take off.''
|}
|}
''Note: Clearance limits might be the airfield you took off from, another airfield, any briefed waypoint, or holding point.
''Note: Clearance limits might be the airfield you took off from, another airfield, any briefed waypoint, or holding point. In planned missions, the clearance limit is often the marshal stack.''
In planned missions, the clearance limit is often the marshal stack.''


==== Incirlik Radar (LTAA-Radar) ====
==== Incirlik Radar (LTAA-Radar) ====
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{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
|-
! style="width:25%;" |
! style="width:25%;" | Station !! Phrase
Station !! Phrase
|-
|-
| Flight Lead || Incirlik Radar {CS}, passing {Current Altitude}, {climbing / decending} {Assigned Level}
| Flight Lead || Incirlik Radar {CS}, passing {Current Altitude}, {climbing / decending} {Assigned Level}
|-
|-
| LTAA-Radar ||
| LTAA-Radar || Incirlik Radar {CS}, Identified {Additional Instructions}
Incirlik Radar {CS}, Identified {Additional Instructions}
|-
|-
| Flight Lead || {CS} {Readback of Additional Instructions}
| Flight Lead || {CS} {Readback of Additional Instructions}
|-
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; " | ''When closing in on the MARSA zone / leaving radar's airspace''
''When closing in on the MARSA zone / leaving radar's airspace''
|-
|-
| LTAA-Radar || {CS} contact {Tactical Radar CS} {FREQ}
| LTAA-Radar || {CS} contact {Tactical Radar CS} {FREQ}
|-
|-
|
| Flight Lead || {CS} push {FREQ}
Flight Lead || {CS} push {FREQ}
|}
|}


Line 282: Line 221:
==== Incirlik Radar (LTAA-Radar) ====
==== Incirlik Radar (LTAA-Radar) ====


{|class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
|-
! style="width:25%;" | Station !! Phrase
! style="width:25%;" | Station !! Phrase
|-
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; " | ''Assuming jets have just been handed over from tactical to Incirlik Radar''
''Assuming jets have just been handed over from tactical to Incirlik Radar''
|-
|-
| Flight Lead ||
| Flight Lead || Incirlik Radar {CS}, Level {Current Level}, with Information {ATIS Letter}, request {Requested Approach Type}
Incirlik Radar {CS}, Level {Current Level}, with Information {ATIS Letter}, request {Requested Approach Type}
|-
|-
| LTAA-Radar ||
| LTAA-Radar || Incirlik Radar {CS}, Identified {Additional Instructions}
Incirlik Radar {CS}, Identified {Additional Instructions}
|-
|-
| Flight Lead || {CS} {Readback of Additional Instructions}
| Flight Lead || {CS} {Readback of Additional Instructions}
|-
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; " | ''Further instructions may follow''
''Further instructions may follow''
|-
|-
| LTAA-Radar || {Flight Name} contact Tower {FREQ}
| LTAA-Radar || {Flight Name} contact Tower {FREQ}
|-
|-
| Flight Lead ||
| Flight Lead || {CS} push {FREQ}
{CS} push {FREQ}
|}
|}
''Note: In case there is no ATIS available, Approach Type can not be declared on initial call''
''Note: In case there is no ATIS available, Approach Type can not be declared on initial call''

Latest revision as of 19:09, 21 April 2026

SOURCE — Airfield Communications Guide
Covers: IFR/VFR Procedures · Airfield Communication Flow · Brevity & Terminology
Information is based on real-world procedures but modified to cater to DCS limitations

Topdown Principle

A higher station covers the area of responsibility of a lower position if the lower position is offline. For example, if Approach is unmanned, Radar assumes approach responsibilities; if Tower is offline, Radar assumes tower duties. Controllers should always be aware of what positions are active and what they are responsible for covering.

IFR / VFR Overview

Visual Flight Rules (VFR)

VFR is a set of rules that govern flight in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) — conditions in which flight by visual reference is possible. Under VFR, the pilot is permitted to fly because weather conditions (visibility, cloud clearance) are sufficient to maintain visual separation from terrain and other aircraft. This does not mean that the pilot navigates exclusively by looking outside — in practice, VFR pilots routinely use GPS, radio navaids, and other instruments alongside visual references. Rather, VFR means the conditions allow for visual flight. In DCS, most pilots will fly under VFR when no mission is planned, relying on what they can see out of the cockpit to navigate and execute missions.

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)

IFR is a set of rules that apply when pilots fly in conditions where visual references alone may be unavailable or unreliable — such as in low visibility or heavy cloud cover. Under IFR, the pilot relies on cockpit instruments such as the altimeter, airspeed indicator, artificial horizon, and heading indicator to maintain control and navigate. IFR flights follow structured procedures such as instrument departures, airways navigation, and instrument approaches, and are subject to ATC clearances and separation services throughout. Note that night operations do not automatically require IFR — VFR flight at night is permitted in many jurisdictions with appropriate ratings and equipment. In DCS, IFR operations require a thorough understanding of the aircraft's avionics suite and are primarily used in planned Missions

Airspace

Understanding the rules governing flight is only part of the picture — pilots must also be aware of the structure of the airspace they operate within. Airspace is divided into classifications that dictate what types of flights are permitted, what equipment is required, and what level of ATC interaction is expected. Some classes of airspace are open to both VFR and IFR traffic, while others restrict or prohibit certain operations entirely. For a full breakdown of airspace classifications and their requirements, see Airspace Classifications.

Glossary

ABEAM
Approximately 90 degrees to the right or left of the aircraft track; a general position, not a precise point
ATIS
Automatic Terminal Information Service — a continuous broadcast of recorded aeronautical information including weather, active runway, and NOTAMs
DME
Distance Measuring Equipment — a navaid that measures slant-range distance (in nautical miles) between an aircraft and a ground-based DME transponder. DME can exist as a standalone navaid, but is frequently co-located with other navaids such as VOR (VOR/DME) or as part of a TACAN system. Note: DME measures slant range, not horizontal distance — the reading is only accurate when the aircraft is sufficiently far from and not directly above the station.
FAF
Final Approach Fix — the fix at which the final approach segment of an instrument approach begins
GCA
Ground Controlled Approach — a radar-guided approach to landing
IAF
Initial Approach Fix — the fix at which an instrument approach procedure begins
IFR
Instrument Flight Rules — flight conducted primarily by reference to cockpit instruments
MAP
Missed Approach Point — the point at which a missed approach must be initiated if required visual reference is not established
MARSA
Military Assumes Responsibility for Separating Aircraft — the point at which the military takes over separation duties from civil ATC
PAR
Precision Approach Radar — a ground-based radar system that provides azimuth and glidepath guidance to landing aircraft
VFR
Visual Flight Rules — a set of rules governing flight in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)

Airfield Terminology & Standard Phrases

Phrase Definition
ACKNOWLEDGE Confirm receipt of my message.
AFFIRMATIVE Yes.
BLOCKED Radio transmission distorted or interrupted by simultaneous transmissions.
CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF Authorization to depart.
CLEARED FOR THE OPTION Authorization for various landing approaches at the pilot's discretion, often for training.
CLEARED TO LAND Authorization to land based on traffic and airport conditions.
CONFIRM Confirm specified information.
EXPEDITE Prompt action required to avoid imminent issues.
FLY HEADING (Degrees) Fly or turn to a specified compass direction.
FUEL REMAINING Report approximate remaining flight time in minutes, including reserves.
GO AROUND Abort landing; follow additional ATC instructions as needed.
IDENT Activate transponder identification feature.
IMMEDIATELY Urgent action required to avoid danger.
LINE UP AND WAIT Taxi onto the runway and hold. This is not a takeoff clearance.
MAINTAIN Stay at specified altitude/flight level or follow literal instructions.
MAKE SHORT APPROACH Alter traffic pattern for a shorter final approach.
MAYDAY Emergency distress call indicating grave and imminent danger. Repeated three times on initial call.
MINIMUM FUEL Fuel is low; delays cannot be tolerated but it is not yet an emergency.
NEGATIVE No, not granted, or incorrect.
NEGATIVE CONTACT Traffic not in sight, or unable to contact ATC.
RADAR CONTACT ATC confirms radar identification and tracking.
RADAR SERVICE TERMINATED Radar services ended; may occur automatically in specific situations.
RADIO CHECK Request for transmission quality check.
READ BACK Repeat my message back to confirm receipt.
REPORT Advise ATC of specific information.
ROGER Received and understood. Does not indicate compliance.
SAY AGAIN Request repeat of the last transmission.
SAY ALTITUDE State current altitude rounded to the nearest 100 feet.
SAY HEADING Report current heading.
SPEAK SLOWER Request slower speech.
SQUAWK (Mode, Code, Function) Set transponder mode/code as instructed.
STAND BY Wait or pause; not a denial or approval.
THAT IS CORRECT Your understanding is accurate.
TRAFFIC One or more aircraft; may be followed by position information.
TRAFFIC IN SIGHT Traffic visually acquired.
UNABLE Cannot comply with instruction. Should be followed by a reason when possible.
WILCO Will comply. (Must NOT replace a readback!)

Communication Flow

IFR Departure

Tower (Incirlik / LTAG-TWR)

Station Phrase
Flight Check
Flight Lead Incirlik Tower, {CS}, {#}-Ship, with Information {ATIS Letter}, request taxi
LTAG-TWR {CS} Incirlik Tower, taxi last chance {West / East}, Altimeter {A}, Runway {RWY}
Flight Lead {CS} taxiing last chance {West / East}, Altimeter {A}, Runway {RWY}
Jets taxi to last chance. During taxi, Tower issues the IFR clearance. The flight lead confirms readiness to copy.
LTAG-TWR {CS}, clearance, advise ready to copy
Flight Lead {CS}, ready to copy
LTAG-TWR {CS}, cleared to {Clearance Limit} as fragged, {possible additional instructions}, level later, squawk {X}, trailing element squawk {Y}, prepare {next ATC-station} {FREQ}
Flight Lead {CS} {Readback}
LTAG-TWR {CS} {Readback correct / Corrections}
Once all jets are ready for departure
Flight Lead {CS}, ready for departure
LTAG-TWR {CS}, line-up and wait runway {RWY}, wind {Winds}
Flight Lead {CS} line-up and wait runway {RWY}
LTAG-TWR {CS} climb {Level}, wind {Winds}, runway {RWY}, cleared for takeoff, contact Radar {FREQ}
Flight Lead {CS} cleared for takeoff runway {RWY}, push {FREQ}
While still on the ground, all jets switch frequency and perform the Flight Check. Only after completing the Flight Check do they take off.

Note: Clearance limits might be the airfield you took off from, another airfield, any briefed waypoint, or holding point. In planned missions, the clearance limit is often the marshal stack.

Incirlik Radar (LTAA-Radar)

Station Phrase
Flight Lead Incirlik Radar {CS}, passing {Current Altitude}, {climbing / decending} {Assigned Level}
LTAA-Radar Incirlik Radar {CS}, Identified {Additional Instructions}
Flight Lead {CS} {Readback of Additional Instructions}
When closing in on the MARSA zone / leaving radar's airspace
LTAA-Radar {CS} contact {Tactical Radar CS} {FREQ}
Flight Lead {CS} push {FREQ}

From here the military assumes responsibility for separating aircraft.

IFR Arrival

Incirlik Radar (LTAA-Radar)

Station Phrase
Assuming jets have just been handed over from tactical to Incirlik Radar
Flight Lead Incirlik Radar {CS}, Level {Current Level}, with Information {ATIS Letter}, request {Requested Approach Type}
LTAA-Radar Incirlik Radar {CS}, Identified {Additional Instructions}
Flight Lead {CS} {Readback of Additional Instructions}
Further instructions may follow
LTAA-Radar {Flight Name} contact Tower {FREQ}
Flight Lead {CS} push {FREQ}

Note: In case there is no ATIS available, Approach Type can not be declared on initial call

Possible Appraoches

Approach Types

VFR Departure

VFR Approach

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This page was last edited on 21 April 2026, at 19:09.