How can you use standardized phraseology to improve aviation communication?

I am thinking, how pilots used to fly when they didn't have common aviation language? I bet they had many incidents or accidents! This is the power of communication through words. The common set of phrases has brought us together to understand each other in aviation whether we are pilots, air traffic controllers, dispatchers, and it does matter which country you are operating in or to. All of this is to provide our passengers with a safe trip from or back to their homes. let's take care of our unique phraseology and maintain it to enhance flight safety.

Standard phraseology in aviation evolved & developed over time in order to supply unambiguous, concise, clear & safe communication without the compromise due to the cultural elements of language. The format has been agreed upon an international & global level so that everyone can stay sharp in a standard manner. Miscommunication happens often which can be corrected although this is time consuming & therefore a threat, so it is a vital element in assisting the safe operation of aircraft.

Navigating through dense fog requires heightened vigilance and precise communication. Use standard aviation phraseology for every communication, ensuring that the instructions are clear. In dense fog, regularly ask ATC for updated weather information along the route or the destination airport. If the fog is severe, we may need to request alternative routing, altitude changes, or diversion to another airport. Being clear about needs helps ATC provide the best guidance. In high-pressure situations like navigating dense fog, maintain a calm and focused tone. keep ATC updated on the progress, especially during approach and landing phases. Continuous updates on speed, altitude, and any issues ensure ATC has an accurate picture of the situation.

In aviation, many people from all sort of different countries, cultures and backgrounds come together in dynamic environments. This makes it crucial to have a shared mental model of the environment, what needs to be done, and in what way. Standardised communication is even more important in aviation, because non-verbal curs are often removed from the equation via radio transmissions and 2 pilots looking through cockpit windows. If we all had different ways of conveying the same message in complex and often time-pressed situations, confusion and misunderstandings can easily result in situations that can escalate into accidents.

Let's imagine you are a pilot flying from Europe, for example, crossing many countries all the way to Australia. Although English is the official language in aviation, can you imagine how stressful your communication might be without standardised phraseology until you reach your destination. One of the communication barriers is language and its extensions of tones and pronunciation. Therefore, the risk of incidents, accidents on the ground or the air have dramatically reduced by using standardised phraseology and acronyms.

Global Comprehension: The use of standardized phraseology across different regions and countries ensures that pilots and ATCs from diverse backgrounds can effectively communicate, regardless of their native language or dialect.

Like with any team, you need all members to look in the same direction with a shared goal. If different people within a team have different perspectives on shared phraseology, you will run into issues. Training departments should have a clear vision of what kind of communication they expect within the company. Staff should be trained and assessed to make sure there’s a shared way of doing things.

It has been observed that sometimes certain phrases are either never used at the right time, or sometime over used! From my experience, I also noticed that some Air Traffic Controller (ATCs) in a specific country are using a certain phrase more than other countries! Sounds like it is becoming a norm. Furthermore, some standards phraseologies seem difficult to pronounce by some ATCs in some countries. Therefore, it would be harder to understand by those who are not familiar with the region. Ultimately, in such a standardised profession, it is not hard to manage expectations, either communicating requests from pilots or receiving instructions from ATCs.

Here is what should also be considered; ICAO mandated a new qualification following the mid-air collision that took place over Europe (Tupolev Tu-passenger jet and DHL B757 freighter). ICAO has mandated for all pilots to undergo a test called 'English Language Proficiency - ELP' which has 6 levels. The minimum level required is Level 4 for a pilots be able to fly passengers. I would like to add that ELP test should also be standardised. Many companies are offering airlines the ELP test at different prices and that's normal. Some airlines have their own certified ELP test. However, the test itself is not globally standardised. For example I could get Level 5 in France, Level 4 in Australia and in South Korea I may get level 6!.