4.2 Aircraft Communications

If you intend to fly in certain airspaces, you need to know how to communicate. Aviation voice communications use the Very High Frequency (VHF) AM band, ranging from 118.10 MHz to 136.00 MHz.

Licensing and Language Rules

• Operator Certificate: Two-way radio transmissions are regulated by Industry Canada. To use aviation frequencies, you must hold a Restricted Operator Certificate with Aeronautics Qualification (which is good for life once obtained).
• Language: Except for Quebec and the National Capital Region (Ottawa), all communications must be in English. In Quebec and the NCR, French can be used if the pilot makes their initial contact in French.

Frequencies of Special Interest

Memorize these specific frequencies for the exam:

• 121.50 MHz: International aircraft emergency frequency (many aircraft monitor this in case they can assist).
• 122.75 MHz: The “chatting” frequency for communicating with your buddies while airborne.
• 123.20 MHz: The standard frequency used by all unregistered aerodromes (and registered ones without a specific assigned frequency).
• 123.40 MHz: The dedicated frequency allocated to gliders/sailplanes. Since hang gliders are gliders, we are allowed to use this.
• 126.70 MHz: The frequency aircraft should continuously monitor in uncontrolled airspace when not near an aerodrome. Pilots broadcast their location and intentions here to prevent conflicts.

Situational Awareness Tip

While 126.70 MHz is the standard en-route frequency, passing aircraft often switch to an aerodrome’s frequency when they are within five miles of it, or monitor a TCA frequency if they are close to its boundaries. If you operate close to an aerodrome, it is highly recommended to use that aerodrome’s frequency so local powered pilots are aware of you.

Standard Radio Usage

Call Signs

For registered aircraft, the call sign is the registration number. For a hang glider, the call sign is HANG GLIDER followed by the phonetic form of the pilot’s initials.

Example: A pilot named Andre Nadeau would use the call sign HANG GLIDER ALPHA NOVEMBER.

The ICAO Phonetic Alphabet

You must know the international phonetic alphabet for radio clarity.

Letter	Word	Letter	Word	Letter	Word
A	Alpha	J	Juliette	S	Sierra
B	Bravo	K	Kilo	T	Tango
C	Charlie	L	Lima	U	Uniform
D	Delta	M	Mike	V	Victor
E	Echo	N	November	W	Whiskey
F	Foxtrot	O	Oscar	X	X-ray
G	Golf	P	Papa	Y	Yankee
H	Hotel	Q	Quebec	Z	Zulu
I	India	R	Romeo

Declaring an Emergency

Emergency conditions are classified by the degree of danger being experienced.

Distress (MAYDAY)

You are threatened by serious and/or imminent danger and require immediate assistance.

• Format: State the signal MAYDAY three times at the beginning of the transmission.
• Example: “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY. This is Hang Glider Alpha November, two miles from shore, 1000 ft, heading towards shore, imminent ditching for lack of altitude.”

Urgency (PAN PAN)

A condition concerning the safety of an aircraft, vehicle, or person that requires assistance as soon as possible, but is not an immediate life-or-death crisis.

• Format: State the signal PAN PAN three times at the beginning of the transmission.