Quick Checklist
Use this page as a final review before connecting to the network. It does not replace reading the previous chapters; it only condenses what you need to have at the tip of your tongue.
Before pressing the PTT
- I know who I am going to call and the correct name of the unit
- I know where I am, by visual reference, distance or time
- I know what I want, in one sentence
- The frequency is clear, with no readback in progress
- I have pen and paper ready to note QNH, runway, transponder and frequency
Important Note
In the real world, pilots coordinate with ATC calmly and without stepping on each other on the frequency. On the network, avoid as much as possible calling the controller while they are communicating with another aircraft, or when they have just passed information that is still to be read back. Wait for the readback and only then make your call.
Script for a complete visual flight
| Phase | Unit | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| Engine start | GROUND | Position on the apron, type, VFR, destination, ATIS information, request |
| Taxi | GROUND | Ready to taxi |
| Takeoff | TOWER | Holding point, runway, ready for departure |
| Leaving the circuit | TOWER | Clear of the circuit, heading, altitude climbing to |
| Controlled airspace | CONTROL | Airborne from, VFR to, passing, climbing to |
| Leaving the TMA | CONTROL | Leaving the TMA, altitude |
| En route | INFORMATION | Type, VFR from to, altitude, position, estimate |
| Arrival | RADIO or TOWER | Position, distance, altitude, request |
| Circuit | RADIO or TOWER | Downwind leg, base leg, final |
| Landing | TOWER | Readback of the landing clearance |
| Landing | RADIO | On the ground at, runway vacated |
| Parking | GROUND or RADIO | Runway vacated, destination on the apron, flight plan closure |
What must always be read back
Regardless of the flight rules, the pilot in command must read back fully and completely:
- ATC route clearances
- Clearances and instructions to enter, land on, take off from, cross, taxi on and backtrack on any runway
- Runway in use
- Altimeter setting
- Transponder code
- Level, heading and speed instructions
- Transition levels
ROGER is not a readback
Replying only ROGER to an instruction that requires a readback is an error. Repeat the entire instruction and end with your callsign.
Mandatory circuit reports
- Downwind leg, with the runway
- Base leg
- Final
- On the ground, at an uncontrolled aerodrome
- Runway vacated, at an uncontrolled aerodrome
Most common VFR mistakes
| Mistake | Why it is a problem | The correct way |
|---|---|---|
| Asking RADIO for a "landing clearance" | The aeronautical station does not control and does not clear | Report intentions and report each leg |
| Clearing a landing or takeoff while operating RADIO | It implies an air traffic control service | Report conditions and acknowledge |
| Saying "flight level" below the transition level | Below it the reference is altitude on QNH, not a level | "SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FEET" |
| Dropping the leading zero of the flight level | The level always has three digits and the leading zero is pronounced | FL 070 is "flight level ZERO SEVEN ZERO" |
| Reading an altitude in thousands in the strict Art. 32 form | In that form the reading is digit by digit | "SETE CINCO ZERO ZERO PÉS" |
| Reading ceiling and visibility in thousands | Cloud height, visibility and RVR always follow Art. 32 | A 600 ft ceiling is "MEIA ZERO ZERO PÉS" |
| Abbreviating the callsign on initial contact | The unit needs the full callsign to identify you | Use the full callsign on the first call |
| Not confirming reported traffic | ATC does not know whether visual separation can be used | "Traffic in sight" or "negative contact" |
| Entering the circuit without saying where | It prevents sequencing | Declare the entry point beforehand |
| Using "na caixa", "almas a bordo", "câmbio" | Terms not provided for in MCA 100-16 | Use standard phraseology only |
| Mixing Portuguese and English in the same sentence | Phraseology does not allow mixing languages | Choose one language and stick to it |
Phrases that cover 90% of visual flight
 Portuguese |  English |  Spanish |
|---|---|---|
| Solicita informações | Request information | Solicita información |
| Informe intenções | Advise intentions | Informe intenciones |
| Solicita instruções para pouso | Request landing instructions | Solicita instrucciones para aterrizar |
| Autorizado para o circuito de tráfego | Cleared to traffic pattern | Autorizado al circuito de tránsito |
| Reporte perna do vento | Report downwind leg | Reporte tramo con viento en cola |
| Reporte perna base | Report base leg | Reporte tramo base |
| Reporte na final | Report on final | Reporte en final |
| Pouso autorizado | Cleared to land | Autorizado a aterrizar |
| Autorizado toque e arremetida | Cleared for touch and go | Autorizado toque y despegue |
| Alongue a perna do vento | Extend downwind leg | Extienda el tramo con viento en cola |
| Arremeta em frente | Go around straight ahead | Frustre aproximación en línea recta |
| Tráfego à vista | Traffic in sight | Tráfico a la vista |
| Tráfego não avistado | Negative contact | Tráfico no a la vista |
| Livre do circuito | Clear of the circuit | Libre del circuito |
| Reporte no solo | Report on the ground | Reporte en tierra |
| Reporte pista livre | Report runway vacated | Reporte pista libre |
| Mantenha VFR | Maintain VFR | Mantenga VFR |
| A seu critério | At your discretion | A su discreción |
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