Radio Usage Examples
This section provides practical examples of common aviation radio calls used in everyday helicopter operations. The goal is to show what to say, when to say it, and how to say it using standard phraseology, proper call signs, and correct radio technique. These examples are designed to build confidence, reduce radio hesitation, and help pilots communicate clearly and professionally in real-world flying situations.
Radio Call Guidance by Station Type
| Station Type | Ground Station Present? | Issues Clearances? | Provides Advisory Info? | Who Controls Traffic? | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATC (Tower) | Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ATC | Controlled aerodromes (takeoff, landing, taxi) |
| ATC (Centre / Terminal) | Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ATC | Enroute, arrivals, departures |
| MF (Mandatory Frequency) | Yes (FSS or Community) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Pilot | Uncontrolled aerodromes with mandatory reporting |
| UNICOM | Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Pilot | Uncontrolled aerodromes with advisory service |
| RADIO | Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Pilot | Remote or advisory-only locations |
| MULTICOM | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | Pilot | Uncontrolled aerodromes with no ground services |
| Company Dispatch | Yes | ❌ No | ✅ (company only) | Pilot | Airline or operator coordination |
Example Radio Calls by Station Type
ATC (Tower)
Controlled aerodrome — ATC issues clearances
“Calgary Tower, Helicopter Golf Foxtrot Alfa Charlie, holding short Runway One Seven, ready for departure.”
ATC (Centre / Terminal)
Enroute, arrivals, departures
“Vancouver Centre, Helicopter Golf Foxtrot Alfa Charlie, level four thousand five hundred, VFR to Squamish.”
MF (Mandatory Frequency)
Uncontrolled aerodrome with mandatory reporting — advisory only
“Sudbury Radio, Helicopter Golf Foxtrot Alfa Charlie, ten miles west, inbound for landing Runway Two Two.”
UNICOM
Uncontrolled aerodrome with advisory service
“Springbank Unicom, Helicopter Golf Foxtrot Alfa Charlie, taxiing from the apron for departure Runway One Seven.”
RADIO
Remote or advisory-only service
“Inuvik Radio, Helicopter Golf Foxtrot Alfa Charlie, departing the pad to the south, climbing through one thousand feet.”
MULTICOM
No ground station — pilot-to-pilot traffic calls
“Smith Lake traffic, Helicopter Golf Foxtrot Alfa Charlie, joining left downwind Runway Two Seven, Smith Lake.”
Company Dispatch
Operator coordination only
“Dispatch, Helicopter Golf Foxtrot Alfa Charlie, departing site Alpha with three persons on board, estimating site Bravo at one four three zero.”
Memory Tip
- ATC → You request and receive clearances
- MF / UNICOM / RADIO → You report and receive advisories
- MULTICOM → You broadcast to other pilots
- Dispatch → Company coordination only