Knowledge is the name of the game in today’s fast-paced aviation environment and is the cornerstone of safe flying. Knowledge of the aircraft you’re flying, communication skills, capabilities, the airspace, the airport environments, and so on.

Since aviation communication is not regulated and is more of a listen to what I say and repeat that mentality,’ it’s more challenging than ever for Controllers and Pilots to have comprehensive and concise communication in the aviation environment. We have the mistaken belief that good communication is common sense. And when the priority is learning to fly, it’s doubtful that a student pilot will put in the extra effort to learn communication from the ground up. Guess what the biggest complaint of Air Traffic Controllers’ is? You guessed it: poor pilot communication skills.

I’ve met several aviators who believe they were born as an effective communicator. They are not living in reality. Effective communication takes work. There is no magic pill. One has to work to learn the language of aviation, which takes time, practice, and patience.

Again, since aviation communication is not regulated, it’s up to the individual Aviator to improve a deficiency in communication. Improving communication skills requires identifying the problem, understanding the cause, and applying the best solutions to improve poor communication skills.

I’ve taught pilots who have 200+ hours and have only flown in uncontrolled airspace. The reason is straightforward – people tend to avoid situations in which they will appear as not knowing, not understanding, or not having expertise. No one wants to look like they don’t know what they are doing. And just about everyone has a fear – whether based on reality or not – of being embarrassed or made fun of.

Aviation is becoming more complex by the day. Issued instructions need to be followed immediately and accurately. If the Pilot doesn’t understand and one transmission becomes three of four, then others in my airspace get less of my attention. That is when your lack of knowledge becomes a safety factor for you and others. And that’s not cool.