ATC Phraseology

[lnuss]

There are several things in the terms that ATC uses that kind of grate on me. For example, an aircraft might say, "Jeffco Tower, Boeing 4408N to land." This particular Boeing is a Stearman, and in the real world it is usually just called Stearman, even by ATC, rather than Boeing. There are several other aircraft done the same way, though few are as glaring (to me).

Also, in this particular call, "to land" isn't something I've ever heard used in quite this way (or used myself, for that matter). It would seem preferable for that call to read: "Jeffco Tower, Stearman 4408N, with Mike, landing." Or, even just "Jeffco Tower, Stearman 4408N, with Mike," as ATC in the real world generally assumes you are landing if you don't say otherwise.

While I can't recall them off the top of my head, there are a number of other stilted phrases used on occasion by ATC.

While on the subject of ATC, traffic calls are way too numerous (especially with AI traffic set at 100%), often to the point of obscuring other communications, and making it impossible to get a word in edgewise.

And ATC sectors are a bit too rigid, often resulting in a call to change frequency, then almost immediately changing back to the original frequency (or to still another freq).

Of course, as others have noted, there is no attempt made in FS ATC at actual separation of traffic, which can be a hazard landing at a busy airport. This is exacerbated by the AI aircraft unrealistically slowing very rapidly to taxi speed, consequently taking "forever" to get to the next taxiway to turn off. This often results in otherwise unnecessary go-arounds called by ATC.

I recognize that there'd be a lot of development work to change all these, often needing a complete rewrite from scratch of the mechanisms involved, but these are goals that should be worked toward.

[RyanbATC]

I agree. And I suppose what I'm saying next wouldn't be possible but I'll say it anyway. Why does ATC give you traffic calls when you're in IMC? lol! I'm guessing that would be tough to program around but just thought I'd bring it up.

[Piper_Pilot]

Also, can we have traffic turn off at the first taxiway they come to instead of just taxing to the end of the runway? That really backs up the traffic waiting to take off.

[RyanbATC]

No kidding...there is kinda a dirty way to partially fix that, with those AI taxi speed programs. Also, if AI planes could use runways for turnoffs...like a cross runway that's not in use...that's what we do in real life here. It's funny - ATC in FS9 keeps asking me to "exit runway when able," but the stupid AI planes just keep taking their own precious time to vacate...ARGGHH!

[lnuss]

there is kinda a dirty way to partially fix that, with those AI taxi speed programs

Yeah, kinda. But it would be preferable to see the aircraft slow more realistically, instead of extra heavy braking that would do justice to a race car (and then some), then creeping along at a constant speed. While that may be OK (sorta) on the taxiways, it's not so great on the runway, not to mention the impact it has on go-arounds, etc.

[FlyingColin]

Whenever I call up a tower, if not already handed off from approach control (in real life), I might say "Boise Tower, Cessna N29281, inbound to land with Golf". That's perfectly acceptable, keeps the message short and sweet, and lets them know what my intentions are and that I have the pertinent, non-control, current terminal information.

Also Ryan, in regards to traffic calls in IMC, Center and approach controllers, TRACON, arrivals, etc. all will issue traffic alerts no matter the weather, because, they don't know if you're passing through a cloud at that moment or not. If nothing else, the traffic calls alerts you of traffic even if you can't see it.

Just as a point of interest, if you are using a TCAS-II or higher and it issues a RA (resolution advisory), the crew is authorized to use its instructions for a course/altitude diversion instead of ATC...although ATC may request a report of the incident and such. They will heavily review what communications took place between controllers and crew.