Uploaded November 2022 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
Talking to Air Traffic Control (ATC) can be an intimidating part of becoming a pilot, but it doesn't have to be scary if you know what to expect. In this one flight I wanted to demonstrate the vast majority of what kinds of ATC encounters you'll have as a VFR private pilot. Really it comes down to knowing what to expect and communicating clearly, and most transmissions just involve saying who you are, where you are, and what you would like to do. I hope this flight helps boost your confidence level talking to ATC and also shows you that if you mess up (like I did), it's still going to be okay!
I hope this video encourages you in your aviation journey!
Video chapters:
0:00 - Air Traffic Control is Easier Than You Think
0:30 - Our Demonstration Flight
0:45 - ATIS Weather
1:38 - VFR Flight Following (From the Ground)
2:20 - Taxi Instructions
3:15 - VFR Flight Following Instructions
3:52 - Towered Airport Departure
4:44 - Regional Departure + Class B
7:15 - Approaching Non-Towered Airport
8:30 - Landing & Taxi Back Non-Towered Airport
9:16 - Departing Non-Towered Airport
10:06 - En Route
10:56 - Preparing for Arrival
11:34 - Crossing Over Non-Towered Airport
11:58 - Contacting Regional Approach
12:49 - My Mistake
13:28 - Handing Off to Tower
14:03 - Landing Towered Airport
15:00 - Ground Control
15:10 - Tips from an Air Traffic Controller
I want to help you become a pilot and own your own airplane. Learn more at airplaneacademy.com
Looking for 1:1 help? Check out airplaneacademy.com/hire-charlie and we can talk anything aviation or entrepreneurship related.
Talking to Air Traffic Control (ATC) can be an intimidating part of becoming a pilot, but it doesn't have to be scary if you know what to expect. In this one flight I wanted to demonstrate the vast majority of what kinds of ATC encounters you'll have as a VFR private pilot. Really it comes down to knowing what to expect and communicating clearly, and most transmissions just involve saying who you are, where you are, and what you would like to do. I hope this flight helps boost your confidence level talking to ATC and also shows you that if you mess up (like I did), it's still going to be okay!
I hope this video encourages you in your aviation journey!
Video chapters:
0:00 - Air Traffic Control is Easier Than You Think
0:30 - Our Demonstration Flight
0:45 - ATIS Weather
1:38 - VFR Flight Following (From the Ground)
2:20 - Taxi Instructions
3:15 - VFR Flight Following Instructions
3:52 - Towered Airport Departure
4:44 - Regional Departure + Class B
7:15 - Approaching Non-Towered Airport
8:30 - Landing & Taxi Back Non-Towered Airport
9:16 - Departing Non-Towered Airport
10:06 - En Route
10:56 - Preparing for Arrival
11:34 - Crossing Over Non-Towered Airport
11:58 - Contacting Regional Approach
12:49 - My Mistake
13:28 - Handing Off to Tower
14:03 - Landing Towered Airport
15:00 - Ground Control
15:10 - Tips from an Air Traffic Controller
I want to help you become a pilot and own your own airplane. Learn more at airplaneacademy.com
Looking for 1:1 help? Check out airplaneacademy.com/hire-charlie and we can talk anything aviation or entrepreneurship related.
