VATSIM UK

Training Department

VFR Phraseology Guide - REVISION 1.0

02/02/2022
 VFR Phraseology Guide – Revision 1.0
02/02/2022

Distribution and Scope

This document is a guide to aid VFR Pilots with their interaction with ATC, outlining the basic phraseology to be
used in different stages of flight.

Exclusion of Liability

This manual is for use on the VATSIM Network only and should never be adopted for real world use.

The information published by VATSIM UK within this document is made available without warranty of any
kind; the Organisation accepts no responsibility or liability whether direct or indirect, as to the currency,
accuracy or quality of the information, nor for any consequence of its use.

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Contents
Information .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Aerodrome Phraseology ...................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Air/Ground Unit .................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.1 Taxi .................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.2 Runway Crossing ............................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.3 Takeoff .............................................................................................................................................. 5
2.1.4 After Departure................................................................................................................................. 5
2.1.5 Rejoin ................................................................................................................................................ 5
2.1.6 Landing.............................................................................................................................................. 6
2.1.7 ATZ Transit ........................................................................................................................................ 6
2.2 Aerodrome Flight Information Services Officer (FISO) Unit .................................................................. 7
2.2.1 Taxi .................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2.2 Takeoff .............................................................................................................................................. 7
2.2.3 After Departure................................................................................................................................. 7
2.2.4 Rejoin ................................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2.5 Landing.............................................................................................................................................. 8
2.2.6 ATZ Transit ........................................................................................................................................ 8
2.3 Aerodrome with Full ATC ...................................................................................................................... 9
2.3.1 Startup .............................................................................................................................................. 9
2.3.2 Taxi .................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.3.3 VFR Circuits ....................................................................................................................................... 9
2.3.4 VFR Zone Exit .................................................................................................................................... 9
2.3.5 VFR Zone Entry.................................................................................................................................. 9
2.3.6 Takeoff ............................................................................................................................................ 10
2.3.7 Circuit .............................................................................................................................................. 10
2.3.8 Rejoin .............................................................................................................................................. 11
LARS/Radar units outside of controlled airspace ............................................................................... 12
3.1 Requesting a service............................................................................................................................ 12
3.1.1 Basic Service.................................................................................................................................... 12
3.1.2 Traffic Service .................................................................................................................................. 12
3.2 Traffic information .............................................................................................................................. 12
3.3 Frequency change (QSY enroute)........................................................................................................ 13
MATZ Penetration .............................................................................................................................. 14

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Information
This document is a guide to aid VFR Pilots with their interaction with ATC, outlining the basic phraseology to be
used in different stages of flight. More complex and less common phraseology can be found in CAP413 (Radio
Telephony Manual) here:

https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP413%20E23%20A1%2026Nov2020.pdf

Key
Any text in this colour is spoken by the PILOT

Any text in this colour is spoken by the CONTROLLER

Any reference to CARPAR implies the following:

1. Callsign
2. Aircraft Type
3. Routing
4. Position
5. Altitude
6. Request

Any item in [ ] implies a piece of information.

Any item in ( ) implies the phraseology is optional.

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Aerodrome Phraseology

2.1 Air/Ground Unit

Air/Ground units are operated by Air-to-Ground operators who can pass traffic and weather
information and aerodrome information, but do not have control over ground or air operations.
These stations are generally found at smaller aerodromes. The suffix for Air/Ground stations is
“Radio”, for example “Earls Colne Radio”.

2.1.1 Taxi
[STATION], [CALLSIGN] requesting taxi information.
[CALLSIGN], [RUNWAY DESIGNATOR] [CIRCUIT DIRECTION] circuit, wind [DIRECTION and SPEED],
QNH/QFE [PRESSURE] hectopascals.
(Readback aerodrome information), taxiing to [HOLDING POINT], [CALLSIGN].

2.1.2 Runway Crossing

[CALLSIGN], request to cross [RUNWAY].
[CALLSIGN], [TRAFFIC INFORMATION].

2.1.3 Takeoff
[CALLSIGN], ready for departure [RUNWAY].
[CALLSIGN] [TRAFFIC INFORMATION], wind [DIRECTION and SPEED].
Taking off, [CALLSIGN].

2.1.4 After Departure

[CALLSIGN], [ADDITIONAL LEAVING INFORMATION], changing to [STATION].
[CALLSIGN] roger.

2.1.5 Rejoin
[STATION], [CALLSIGN], inbound.
[CALLSIGN], pass your message.
[CARPAR CALL] request rejoin information.
[CALLSIGN], [RUNWAY] [CIRCUIT DIRECTION] circuit, QNH/QFE [PRESSURE] [TRAFFIC
INFORMATION/AERODROME INFORMATION].
[CALLSIGN], [RUNWAY] [CIRCUIT DIRECTION] circuit, QNH/QFE [PRESSURE], wilco.

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2.1.6 Landing
[CALLSIGN] Final [RUNWAY], [INTENTIONS].
[CALLSIGN] surface wind [DIRECTION and SPEED], [TRAFFIC INFORMATION].

Assuming a full stop in the below example. However, the phrase “Landing” can be replaced with the
appropriate intention.
Landing, [CALLSIGN].

2.1.7 ATZ Transit

[CARPAR CALL], transiting the ATZ [DIRECTION/ROUTING], [ADDITIONAL INFORMATION].
[CALLSIGN], [TRAFFIC INFORMATION], report [ENTERING/ OVERHEAD/ LEAVING] the ATZ.

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2.2 Aerodrome Flight Information Services Officer (FISO) Unit

AFISO units are manned by FISOs who have control over all ground movements but only pass
aerodrome, weather and reported traffic information to aircraft on an active runway or in the air.
Similar to A/G Units, AFISO units are generally found at smaller airfields that get more traffic than
those with A/G Units. The suffix for AFISO stations is “Information”, for example “Barton
Information”.

2.2.1 Taxi
[STATION], [CALLSIGN] request taxi.
[CALLSIGN], [TAXI INSTRUCTION], [RUNWAY DESIGNATOR] [CIRCUIT DIRECTION] circuit, wind
[DIRECTION and SPEED], QNH/QFE [PRESSURE] hectopascals.
Taxi to [HOLDING POINT] via [ROUTING], (Readback aerodrome information), , [CALLSIGN].

2.2.2 Takeoff
If a backtrack is required:
[CALLSIGN] Do you require backtrack?
Affirm, [CALLSIGN].
[CALLSIGN] [TRAFFIC INFORMATION] via [HOLDING POINT] enter backtrack [RUNWAY], report lined
up.
[CALLSIGN] lined up.

No backtrack required:
[CALLSIGN], ready for departure [RUNWAY].
[CALLSIGN] [TRAFFIC INFORMATION], [RUNWAY], surface wind [DIRECTION and SPEED], takeoff at
your discretion.
Taking off, [CALLSIGN].

2.2.3 After Departure

[CALLSIGN], [ADDITIONAL LEAVING INFORMATION], changing to [STATION].
[CALLSIGN] roger.

2.2.4 Rejoin
[STATION], [CALLSIGN], inbound.
[CALLSIGN], pass your message.
[CARPAR CALL] request rejoin information.
[CALLSIGN], [RUNWAY] [CIRCUIT DIRECTION] circuit, QNH/QFE [PRESSURE] [traffic information and
essential aerodrome information as required].
[CALLSIGN], [RUNWAY] [CIRCUIT DIRECTION] circuit, QNH/QFE [PRESSURE] [replace “REPORT”
instructions with WILCO].

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2.2.5 Landing
[CALLSIGN] [TRAFFIC INFORMATION], [RUNWAY], surface wind [DIRECTION and SPEED], land at your
discretion.
Landing, [CALLSIGN].

2.2.6 ATZ Transit

[CARPAR CALL], transiting the ATZ [DIRECTION/ROUTING], [ADDITIONAL INFORMATION].
[CALLSIGN], [TRAFFIC INFORMATION], report [ENTERING/ OVERHEAD/ LEAVING] the ATZ.

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2.3 Aerodrome with Full ATC

2.3.1 Startup
Not all airports require a startup call. The AIP will state if startup clearance is required.
[STATION], [CALLSIGN] request startup with [ATIS LETTER] and QNH/QFE [PRESSURE].
[CALLSIGN], startup approved, ([AERODROME INFORMATION]).

2.3.2 Taxi
[STATION], [CALLSIGN] request taxi [INTENTIONS].
[CALLSIGN], [TAXI INSTRUCTION], [RUNWAY DESIGNATOR].

2.3.3 VFR Circuits

[CALLSIGN] ready to copy clearance.
[CALLSIGN] hold position, after departure [RUNWAY], cleared [LEFT/RIGHT] hand circuit, VFR not
above [ALTITUDE/HEIGHT], QNH/QFE [PRESSURE], [SQUAWK].
Hold position, after departure [RUNWAY], cleared [LEFT/RIGHT] hand circuit, VFR not above
[ALTITUDE/HEIGHT], QNH/QFE [PRESSURE], [SQUAWK], [CALLSIGN]
[CALLSIGN] readback correct, report ready for departure.
Wilco [CALLSIGN].

2.3.4 VFR Zone Exit

The VFR zone exit can vary from airport to airport; hence this is a rough template of what to expect.
[CALLSIGN] ready to copy clearance.
[CALLSIGN] hold position, after departure, cleared to leave the [AIRPORT] control zone
[DIRECTION/VIA/ROUTING], not above [ALTITUDE], QNH [PRESSURE], [SQUAWK].
Hold position, after departure, cleared to leave the [AIRPORT] control zone [DIRECTION/VIA], not
above [ALTITUDE], QNH [PRESSURE], [SQUAWK], [CALLSIGN].
[CALLSIGN] readback correct, report ready for departure.
Wilco [CALLSIGN].

2.3.5 VFR Zone Entry

The zone entry clearance is usually given by the Approach/Radar controller before the CTR
boundary. When the Approach/Radar controller is offline, the Tower controller will handle all entry
clearances into the CTR.

2.3.5.1 First contact

[STATION], [CALLSIGN], requesting zone entry.
[CALLSIGN], pass your message.
[CARPAR CALL].

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2.3.5.2 Clearance
[CALLSIGN], cleared to enter the [AIRPORT] control zone [DIRECTION/VIA/ROUTING], not above
[ALTITUDE], QNH [PRESSURE], [SQUAWK].
Cleared to enter the [AIRPORT] control zone [DIRECTION/VIA], not above [ALTITUDE], QNH
[PRESSURE], [SQUAWK], [CALLSIGN].
[CALLSIGN] correct, (report [VRP]).

2.3.6 Takeoff
The order in which the sections of the takeoff clearance are given is allowed to vary according to
CAP413, however all 3 must be present.
[CALLSIGN], ready for departure [RUNWAY].
[CALLSIGN], [RUNWAY], [SURFACE WIND], cleared for takeoff.
Cleared for takeoff [RUNWAY], [CALLSIGN].

2.3.7 Circuit
On the first circuit after an aircraft departs or enters the circuit, Tower may request the aircraft to
report downwind with intentions. This call is not always made by Tower controllers; however, pilots
are still expected to report downwind with intentions.
[CALLSIGN] report downwind with intentions.
Wilco [CALLSIGN].

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2.3.8 Rejoin
When rejoining the circuit, Tower will instruct aircraft to enter the circuit at a specific leg and report
joining.
[CALLSIGN], join and report [DIRECTION] [CIRCUIT LEG] [RUNWAY].
Join [DIRECTION] [CIRCUIT LEG] [RUNWAY], wilco, [CALLSIGN].

Due to the traffic situation or controller workload, the tower controller may give a clearance limit.
This is usually a VRP and the pilot is not permitted to continue past this point without explicit
instructions.
[CALLSIGN], clearance limit is [VRP].
Clearance limit is [VRP], [CALLSIGN].

Additionally, the Tower controller may instruct the pilot to orbit.

[CALLSIGN], orbit ([DIRECTION]) until advised.
Orbit ([DIRECTION]) until advised, [CALLSIGN].

The Tower controller may integrate the pilot behind other traffic on final or in the circuit. VFR-IFR
integration:
[CALLSIGN], report final [RUNWAY] [NUMBER], following a [AIRCRAFT TYPE] on a [DISTANCE] mile
final, caution wake turbulence, recommended distance [DISTANCE].
Report final [NUMBER] behind the [AIRCRAFT TYPE], [CALLSIGN].

VFR-VFR integration:
[CALLSIGN], report final [RUNWAY] [NUMBER], following a [AIRCRAFT TYPE] on [CIRCUIT LEG].
Report final [NUMBER] behind the [AIRCRAFT TYPE], [CALLSIGN].

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LARS/Radar units outside of controlled airspace

3.1 Requesting a service

[STATION], [CALLSIGN], requesting [SERVICE].
[CALLSIGN], pass your message.
[CARPAR].

3.1.1 Basic Service

If requesting a basic service, the controller may or may not identify the aircraft using PSR or SSR
identification. Identifying the aircraft does not change the service received.
[CALLSIGN], basic service, QNH/QFE [PRESSURE], [ADDITIONAL INFORMATION].
Basic service, [CALLSIGN].

3.1.2 Traffic Service

When using a position report for identification, the aircraft must be 3000ft or less AGL if using a VRP
or within 30nm of a VOR.
[CALLSIGN], squawk [CODE] OR report position.
Squawk [CODE] OR [POSITION], [CALLSIGN].
[CALLSIGN], identified, traffic service responsible for your own terrain clearance.
Traffic service, roger, [CALLSIGN].

3.2 Traffic information

When on a traffic service, aircraft can expect to be passed traffic information for aircraft within 5-
10nm and 3000ft. Aircraft on a basic service may get traffic information, but this is not required and
is usually abridged.
[CALLSIGN] traffic, [NUMBER] o’ clock, [DISTANCE], [DIRECTION], [ALTITUDE], [AIRCRAFT TYPE].
[CALLSIGN], looking OR traffic in sight.

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3.3 Frequency change (QSY enroute)

Aircraft on a service should report changing frequencies to the station providing the service.
[CALLSIGN], changing to [STATION].
[CALLSIGN], squawk conspicuity, freecall [STATION] OR freecall enroute.

The controller may coordinate for a radar handover.

[CALLSIGN], changing to [STATION].
[CALLSIGN], standby.

[CALLSIGN], for [STATION] squawk [CODE].

[CALLSIGN], squawk [CODE].
[CALLSIGN], contact [STATION].

NOTE:
The term “freecall” implies the next station DOES NOT have the details of your flight and hence you
can call the next station, with your full details, when you deem necessary.

The term “contact” implies that your details HAVE BEEN PASSED to the next station and you should
contact the next station on handover.

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MATZ Penetration
It is not required to contact the relevant military approach unit for a MATZ penetration; however, it
is highly advisable due to the various activities in the radar circuit.

It is very similar to a Controlled Airspace crossing, with the notable differences being no upgrade of
service and no “clearance” being given. Instead, a MATZ penetration is “approved”.

[STATION], [CALLSIGN], requesting MATZ penetration and [SERVICE].

[CALLSIGN], pass your message.
[CARPAR].
[CALLSIGN], squawk [CODE], [SERVICE].
Squawk [CODE], [SERVICE], [CALLSIGN].

[CALLSIGN], MATZ penetration approved [CONDITIONS], (report [POSITION]).

MATZ penetration approved [CONDITIONS], wilco, [CALLSIGN].

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