Page 24 - GEN 2021

Messages to Readback

The ATC messages listed here must be read back in full by the pilot.
Level Instructions

Heading Instructions

Speed Instructions
ATC Route Clearances

Runway in use
Clearance to: Enter, Land on, Take-off, Back-track, Cross, Hold Short of active runway

SSR operating Instructions
VDF information

Frequency changes
Type of radar service

Altimeter settings
If the controller does not receive a readback, he will instruct the pilot to do so. If the

pilot does not understand the message he is expected to request that messages

are repeated or clarified.

A route clearance is not a clearance to enter an active runway or to take off.

The words:

‘TAKE OFF’ are only used when an aircraft is cleared to take-off or
when canceling a take off clearance.

At other times the words:

‘DEPARTURE’ and ‘AIRBOURNE’ are used. ATC route clearances shall
always be read back unless otherwise authorised by the appropriate ATS

authority. Clearances and Readbacks always include the aircraft call sign.

In a readback the last thing you say is your callsign.

The EASA FCL makes particular mention of the need to read back the following

clearances:

• ATC route clearances
• Clearances related to runway in use

• Other clearances such as conditional clearances.

• Data such as runway, altimeter settings, SSR codes etc.
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