Read below to learn more about FRTOL and the benefits of holding on to the licence!
Communication is key and a trademark characteristic for humans. We communicate to convey feelings, ideas, and information and this one characteristic has allowed our species to accomplish great feats.
When it comes to aviation, communication is just as important, but the way information is communicated is highly specific. The reason is simple: you don’t want to be up in the air and have long conversations, especially during emergencies.
Aviation uses various phraseology and succinct jargon to communicate information to pilots. This is deliberate because conveying important information in the least words possible is how you can efficiently convey orders and keep the airmen’s focus on what is most important: piloting the aircraft.
If you are new to aviation or looking to renew your Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s License (FRTOL) then you might just want to hold on to it due to its immense advantages in the industry.
Read below to learn more about FRTOL and the benefits of holding on to the licence!
IMPORTANCE OF A FRTOL?
For the average layman, eavesdropping a conversation between an airman and an Air Ttraffic Control (ATC) personnel might have you confused. You will likely hear what you might consider gibberish and will not be able to make sense of what is being spoken. However, for the initiated pilot, this jargon holds a lot of value, and the airmen will be able to not only understand but communicate back in the same manner to convey important information.
Just like any other language, mastering FRTOL and the phraseology used in aviation can unlock opportunities and new ways to connect!
During intense situations, airmen use shorthand language and jargon to quickly communicate their position, their situation, and how they are addressing the problem. If they were to communicate normally, they might take more time, and even lose focus while aviating.
ATC personnel also use shorthand to talk back to pilots and convey important information. This information equally holds a lot of value and can inform the pilot on changes in weather, air traffic, emergencies, restricted airspaces, and more.
This is why a FRTOL is extremely necessary because it allows pilots to be confident in using their radio and communicating information to the ground crew.
Additionally, modern on-board communication equipment is complex and if the pilot isn’t adequately trained, they can fumble around using the equipment and lose focus, leading to potentially disastrous outcomes.
THE BENEFITS OF HOLDING A FRTOL
Here are some of the key benefits of holding onto a FRTOL for airmen:
Legal Requirement
Obtaining a FRTOL is not only necessary but also a legal requirement for all pilots who want to operate radio equipment in the UK. The CAA has strict regulations that are designed to keep the skies safe and one of them is succinct and efficient communication which the FRTOL covers in-depth.
Enhanced Communication Skills
The FRTOL is designed to train pilots to communicate effectively during typical and emergency flying scenarios. The license also covers various protocols and policies for maintaining clear, concise, and efficient communication from the cockpit to the ATC.
The FRTOL also ensures that all pilots follow a standardised procedure for communication which includes specific phraseology and terminology which greatly reduces miscommunication.
Safety
One of the key skills that every pilot needs to possess is the ability to be always aware. This situational awareness can not only help pilots communicate issues effectively but can also decrease any risk of accidents while flying.
The FRTOL course also covers how to handle communication requests and the dissemination of information during emergency procedures.
Professional Development
Having a valid FRTOL ensures a pilot’s professional credentials. It can also open opportunities in airfield operations for people who want to work in ATC services. Of course, there are a lot of tremendous benefits of holding on to a FRTOL for active pilots who can use their skills to become even more capable airmen.
Personal Confidence
During the flight, every pilot focuses on an important mantra in aviation: Aviate, Navigate, and Communicate. During emergencies, pilots are advised to first aviate and control the aircraft and then navigate to find a suitable route and finally communicate their current position to the ATC. With a FRTOL, you can learn to follow this mantra and communicate effectively using all the right terminologies and jargon to relay your status with full confidence.
This is especially important during stressful flights! By being confident in your training, you can easily navigate the aircraft in virtually any situation without taking unnecessary risks.
Networking and Community Engagement
Language is important if you want to be part of a community, and this is especially true for highly specialised fields such as aviation. If you can't understand the terms, then you won't be able to communicate and interpret ideas shared within the community. By having a valid FRTOL, you can engage better with your fellow airmen and also take group flights, attend events, and engage in forums without feeling left out due to communication barriers.
Constant Learning
FRTOL holders are always in the know of changes in regulations and policies, especially when they are related to communication. Aviation is an evolving industry and pilots are advised to stay up to date by having an adaptive mindset. The FRTOL course is constantly updated, so even if you have a valid FRTOL, it is advised that you remain updated on all the changes so that you can communicate confidently, professionally, and with ease.
STANDARD WORDS AND PHRASES
To ensure free-flowing communication, pilots are advised to verse themselves with several phrases and shorthand communication. In the aviation world, some recognisable words may not mean what you think they do.
For example, a simple term such as “how do you read” may mean something else literally but in aviation communication, it is used when a person wants to inquire if their message is clearly being transmitted and received. Similarly, “maintain” is used often to relay that the pilot must continue with the current position without deviation.
Pilots are also required to use short form. For example, if the pilot is asked whether they need an emergency landing, instead of saying “No, I don’t need an emergency landing” the pilot can simply respond by saying “negative”.
“Affirmative” means that a certain permission during flight has been granted it can also mean that a message has been acknowledged. When an operator says “standby” they mean that the pilot must wait for further instructions.
Perhaps the best example of shorthand communication is “wilco” which basically means “will comply”. Several other shorthand communication methods are covered in detail in a FRTOL course.
It is important to note that this course is mandatory for all pilots because it can increase message clarity and efficiency, and can also ensure that the messages received are not misunderstood.
If you are not well-versed in communication, then you will not be allowed to fly an aircraft until you pass the necessary exams and prove your proficiency in using communication gear and shorthand language.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A VALID FRTOL
Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) requires proficiency in the English language. If you are a non-native speaker, it is advised that you first brush up on your English skills. There are several online resources and official tests that are designed to teach and test candidates on their language skills. Failing to learn proper English may stop you from obtaining your FRTOL, thus hindering your ability to obtain a pilot license in the UK!
Keep in mind that even abroad the preferred language for communication is English as per the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
For a valid FRTOL, candidates must be at least 16 years of age, which is the minimum requirement for a learner’s pilot licence. In addition to this, the applicant will have to pass a theoretical and practical exam to qualify.
Of course, you will also need to pass all the theoretical exams required for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) as well. A regular PPL course covers nine topics, some of which include Meteorology, Air Law, Communication and Navigation, Human Limitations, and more.
FRTOL TRAINING AND EXAMS
If you are well-versed in military lingo, you will find that aviation lingo is more or less the same. Military personnel follow the same communication protocol that is designed to keep discussions short, private, and clear.
Communication in aviation follows the same suit so you are bound to find overlapping terms. Furthermore, a FRTOL course may seem difficult for a layman, but by putting in a bit of effort you can easily master this shorthand communication. In fact, some pilots become so accustomed to using this form of communication that they might also use it in their everyday conversation which just strengthens their training even further.
One of the best ways to master this skill is to take up simulator training. This type of training puts you in various situations and can allow you to test your communication skills during intense or routine flights.
The theoretical exam component of a standard FRTOL is straightforward. To prepare for the exam, you will need to read the official CAA radiotelephony manual. This document contains all the information required to familiarise yourself with the linguistics and shorthand communication strategies.
The exam is around 45 minutes long and after submission of your answer sheet, you will be informed about the results via email or text message. You can also find out the status of your test with your flight club.
FRTOL COURSE AT SHERBURN
Sherburn Aero Club offers a dedicated Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s course every first Sunday of the month. To book your place for the day-long course, you will have to contact the flight desk who will then reserve your spot.
The course covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of training and is bound to help you gain confidence in your ability to communicate clearly over the radio.
A good handle on radio communication is one of the hallmarks of a successful pilot, whether commercial or private, regardless of what kind of aircraft is being piloted.
ENROLLING IN A PREPARATORY COURSE
Due to the heavy course material and the long list of terms and phrases, many FRTOL applicants enrol in preparatory courses for the exam.
We recommend that you take the help of your fellow veteran airmen to test your skills. You can ask veteran pilots to test you on your skills and get advice on how to enhance your skills even further before your exam.
Since this is a verbal course, you may also benefit from group study sessions where you can sit with your classmates and discuss the exam outline and test each other on your skills. Not only is this a great way to practice, but you may also uncover new or missed terms.
Many flight academies and aero clubs offer preparatory courses for the FRTOL, with Sherburn Aero Club offering a dedicated course aimed at passing the skills test available as well.
Licence cost
If you apply for the Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) at the same time as the Private Pilot Licence (PPL), the application is processed free of cost, with the only charge being the PPL processing fee.
If you are looking to apply for the licence separately, a standard fee set by the Civil Aviation Authority of £73 applies.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licenses, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
You are required to take medical exams to prove you are fit enough to take to the skies when applying for a licence, and the facility at Sherburn allows you to start your aviation journey on the right foot.
Sherburn also offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on the private pilot training services as well as Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s licence (FRTOL) requirements and training available.
Photo by Chelsey Marques on Unsplash
