Embry Riddel Aeronautical University Chicago Airport Frequency Discussion

For this activity, go to https://www.liveatc.net/ (Links to an external site.) and listen for 15-30 minutes to one of the approach frequencies for a busy US airport. I recommend Chicago (ORD), Atlanta (ATL), or NY Kennedy (JFK). Type one of those 3-letter identifiers into the box in the upper left labeled “Airport/ARTCC Code” and then select one of the approach (App) frequencies (click on the green Listen button). A pop up window will appear. Click the play button and within about one minute or less you will begin to hear ATC/pilot communication. If you do not hear communications, try another approach frequency or a different airport. You might first look at https://flightaware.com/ (Links to an external site.)or https://www.flightradar24.com (Links to an external site.) to see which airports have a lot of traffic on final approach. Contact me if you are having trouble finding an airport to listen to.

After listening to the frequency for awhile, highlight any errors you heard and how (or if) they were resolved. What was your overall impression of the communications? Then briefly relate what you heard to this week’s case study on Avianca 52 – imagining yourself as a non-native English speaker, trying to fly an approach in severe weather, low on fuel, while communicating with ATC in this environment. What are some keys to success that you could suggest for a crew to be successful in such a demanding environment?

Write a short post of 2 or 3 paragraphs addressing the questions above. Include what airport you listened to and the time you tuned in. No research or citations are required – I just want your opinion about what you heard.