Comms
Clear, concise language for every stage of a sortie, from start-up to landing.
START‑UP
| Situation | Flight says | ATC responds |
|---|---|---|
| Request start-up | “Ground, Colt 1‑1, request start‑up.” | “Colt 1‑1, start‑up approved.” |
| After start-up | “Colt 1‑1, systems check complete, ready for taxi.” |
TAXI
| Situation | Flight says | ATC responds |
|---|---|---|
| Request taxi | “Ground, Colt 1‑1, request taxi to active runway.” | “Colt 1‑1, taxi to runway 27 via Alpha. Hold short runway 27.” |
| At runway threshold | “Colt 1‑1 holding short runway 27, ready for departure.” |
TAKE‑OFF
| Situation | Flight says | Tower responds |
|---|---|---|
| Request line-up | “Tower, Colt 1‑1, request line‑up.” | “Colt 1‑1, line up and wait runway 27.” |
| Request takeoff | “Tower, Colt 1‑1, request takeoff.” | “Colt 1‑1, cleared for takeoff runway 27.” |
DEPARTURE
| Situation | Flight says | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency change | “Switching Departure, Colt 1‑1.” | “Colt 1‑1, contact Departure on 261.0.” |
| Initial contact | “Departure, Colt 1‑1, passing 3,000 feet.” | “Colt 1‑1, radar contact, proceed on course.” |
PUSH TACTICAL
| Situation | Flight says | Wingmen |
|---|---|---|
| Switch to tactical | “Colt, push tactical.” | “2.” / “3.” / “4.” |
NAVIGATION
| Situation | Flight says | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Continue along route | “Pushing waypoint 2.” | |
| Level off | “Leveling at 15,000.” |
FENCE‑IN
| Situation | Flight says |
|---|---|
| Tactical setup | “Colt 1‑1, fence‑in complete.” |
AWACS / GCI
| Situation | Flight says | AWACS responds |
|---|---|---|
| Request picture | “Overlord, Colt 1‑1, request picture.” | “Colt 1‑1, picture clean.” |
| Request bogey dope | “Overlord, Colt 1‑1, request bogey dope.” | “Single group, bullseye 270 for 35.” |
COMMIT
| Situation | Flight says | Wingmen |
|---|---|---|
| Commit | “Colt, commit west.” | “2.” / “3.” |
A/A COMBAT
| Situation | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Visual | “Tally.” |
| Sin visual | “No joy.” |
| Offensive | “Engaged offensive.” |
| Defensive | “Engaged defensive.” |
| Missiles | “Fox 1 / Fox 2 / Fox 3.” |
EGRESS
| Situation | Flight says |
|---|---|
| Egress | “Off target.” |
| Safe heading | “Egressing heading 090.” |
TANKER
| Situation | Flight says | Tanker responds |
|---|---|---|
| Request rejoin | “Texaco, Colt 1‑1, request rejoin.” | “Proceed to pre‑contact.” |
| Pre‑contact | “Ready pre‑contact.” | “Cleared contact.” |
FENCE‑OUT
| Situation | Flight says |
|---|---|
| Tactical egress | “Colt 1‑1, fence‑out complete.” |
LANDING
| Situation | Flight says | Tower responds |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival | “Tower, Colt 1‑1, inbound for landing.” | “Report initial runway 27.” |
| Pattern | “Turning final.” | “Cleared to land runway 27.” |