Formula Reference Cards
Each card shows the formula template, a concrete example, and common mistakes to avoid.
Towered Field Basics
Request Taxi
[Ground], [who you are], [where you are], [taxi to runway __], [ATIS]
Example:
"Springfield Ground, Skyhawk seven three three echo papa, at the ramp, taxi runway two three, with information Golf."
When: You're ready to move from parking to the runway.
Contact Ground (not Tower) for all taxi operations.
Common mistakes:
Forgetting ATIS information. Saying "request taxi" instead of just "taxi runway two three." Contacting Tower instead of Ground.
Takeoff Clearance
[Tower], [who you are], [holding short runway __], [ready for takeoff], [departure direction]
Example:
"Springfield Tower, Skyhawk seven three three echo papa, holding short runway two three, ready for takeoff, southbound departure."
When: You're at the hold-short line, run-up complete, ready to go.
Always state your departure direction so ATC can sequence you.
Common mistakes:
Saying "ready for departure" — use "ready for takeoff." Forgetting departure direction. Not specifying which runway.
Departing the Pattern
[Tower], [who you are], [departing to the direction]
Example:
"Springfield Tower, Skyhawk seven three three echo papa, departing the pattern to the south."
When: You're leaving the traffic pattern area after takeoff.
Tower will acknowledge and may approve a frequency change.
Common mistakes:
Not telling Tower you're leaving. Switching frequencies without being told to.
Touch-and-Go / Full Stop
[Tower], [who you are], [position in pattern], [touch-and-go / full stop]
Example:
"Springfield Tower, Skyhawk seven three three echo papa, downwind runway two three, requesting touch-and-go."
When: You're in the pattern and need to tell Tower your intentions.
State this on the downwind leg so ATC can plan sequencing.
Common mistakes:
Waiting until final to state intentions. Not specifying which runway.
Go-Around
[Tower], [who you are], going around
Example:
"Springfield Tower, Skyhawk seven three three echo papa, going around."
When: You need to abort a landing for any reason. Fly the airplane first — full power, pitch up, then announce.
ATC will give you instructions.
Common mistakes:
Explaining why on initial call — just say "going around." Asking permission — it's your decision, just announce it.
Taxi After Landing
[Ground], [who you are], [clear of runway __ on taxiway __], [taxi to ramp]
Example:
"Springfield Ground, Skyhawk seven three three echo papa, clear of runway two three on Alpha, taxi to the ramp."
When: You've exited the runway and are fully clear. Switch from Tower to Ground frequency.
Common mistakes:
Contacting Ground before fully clear of the runway. Staying on Tower frequency.
Class C/D Arrival
Initial Contact — Class D
[Tower], [who you are], [distance/direction], [altitude], [inbound for landing], [ATIS]
Example:
"Capital City Tower, Skyhawk seven three three echo papa, ten miles east at three thousand five hundred, inbound for landing, with information Charlie."
When: You're approaching a Class D airport. Contact Tower before entering the airspace (typically around 10 miles out).
Common mistakes:
Not having ATIS before calling. Entering the airspace without two-way communication. Not stating altitude.
Initial Contact — Class C Approach
[Approach], [who you are], [aircraft type], [distance/direction], [altitude], [request], [ATIS]
Example:
"Metro Approach, Skyhawk seven three three echo papa, Cessna 172, twenty miles northwest at four thousand five hundred, inbound for landing with information Juliet."
When: Approaching Class C. Contact Approach (not Tower) first — they'll hand you off to Tower later. Include aircraft type for radar identification.
Common mistakes:
Calling Tower directly instead of Approach. Not including aircraft type. Not having ATIS.
Approach-to-Tower Handoff
[Tower], [who you are], [position], [altitude or assignment]
Example:
"Metro Tower, Skyhawk seven three three echo papa, five miles east, two thousand five hundred."
When: Approach tells you to contact Tower. Keep it brief — Tower already has your information from Approach.
Common mistakes:
Repeating your full request — Tower already knows. Not including position/altitude.
Position Report (Traffic in Sight)
[Tower], [who you are], traffic in sight, [your position]
Example:
"Metro Tower, Skyhawk seven three three echo papa, traffic in sight, turning left base."
When: Tower told you to follow traffic and you've spotted them. Confirm and report your position.
Common mistakes:
Saying "looking" when you actually see them — say "in sight." Not reporting your own position.