If you’ve seen Airplane (or any movie about airplanes) you might think pilots sling terms like “Roger” and “Foxtrot” all day long. Any experienced pilot will tell you these terms don’t get used the way Hollywood writers seem to think!
But part of your flight training will involve learning how to communicate with other pilots and ATC (Air Traffic Control). How many of these terms do you know?
1. Which is the correct use of “met”?
a) I met another pilot at the airport.
b) I went to a Mets game after my flight lesson
c) There was a SIGMET out for a thunderstorm.
d) We did a met flyover of the city of Pittsburgh.
2. What is the origin of the word “mayday?”
a) It’s from the French phrase “m’aidez” or “m’aider” meaning “help me.”
b) It’s because more SOS signals are sent in May than any other month.
c) It’s from Roger F. Mayday, who was the first Air Traffic Control radio operator.
d) It doesn’t actually have a meaning, contrary to popular belief.
3. NOTAM is shorthand for:
a) North America
b) PM, not AM
c) Notice to Airmen
d) No Time and Money
4. In the NATO phonetic alphabet, which word is used for the letter H?
a) Hamburger
b) Hotdog
c) Hangar
d) Hotel
5. “Roger” is actually…
a) the name of the first Air Traffic Control radio operator.
b) used to mean “yes.”
c) used to mean “I heard you.”
d) a term made up by Hollywood writers.
Answers: 1: C. 2: A. 3: C. 4: D 5: C.
If you missed any, it might be time for a lesson with one of our aviation professionals! You’ll master these terms and so much more. Contact us today to get on the schedule!