There are numerous studies on communication errors in aviation. I remember these two notable studies from when I was a new Controller.

Grayson & Billings’s (1981) research determined communication errors were the most common error in failure types. According to Monan’s (1986) report, active listening when communicating is a significant problem for controllers and pilots. The noted error types include hearback failure, but the message was transmitted correctly, the deviation to the message or numeric hearback, readback to the cockpit, mismanagement, and hearback failures of controllers.

In Grayson and Billings’s (1981) research, the results listed the most common ten communication errors between controllers-pilots from the reports of ASRS (Aviation Safety Reporting System). It indicated that 70% of the reports involved one noteworthy communication problem. According to these results, verbal communication errors are the most significant problem affecting aviation safety. Consequently, the more complex the dialogue contents were, the more frequent the communication error types and quantities were.

Grayson and Billings’s (1981) research found the top three errors are incomplete call signs (61.3%), the second is incomplete clearance/information (12.5%), and the third is misused phraseology (20.2).

Jump ahead to 2020. As we all saw with mask-wearing beginning in mid-2020, facial expressions play a significant role in communication, comprehension, and delivering the intended messages. Wearing face masks interfered with the ability to see and understand people’s words during conversations and severely decreased the impact of communication.

You are virtually wearing a facial mask when flying. The Controller can’t see your expression; she relies solely on your communication skills. If your communication skills are lacking, it opens the door to miscommunication and misunderstanding.

The bottom line is that aviators must know how to communicate effectively and skillfully.