A Study on Non-Compliance with Standard Phraseology and Communication Errors in Pilot-Controller Communication

Abstract

Purpose: In this study, in order to examine the correlation between non-compliance with standard phraseology and communication errors in pilot-controller communications, investigated the perception of standard phraseology. Methods: First, the definition and regulations of the standard phraseology were confirmed through document review. The Korea’s standard phraseology for air traffic control is based on the Air Traffic Control Procedure and the Manual of Radiotelephony. The standards regulated in these documents is derived from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and/or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Then, a questionnaire containing 8 test items suitable for checking compliance with the standard phraseology was prepared through expert advice. A total of 55 pilots and controllers including trainees were surveyed. Results: As a result of the survey, most of the respondents thought that the standard phraseology should be complied, but they showed poor results in the test questions about whether their phraseology were appropriate. Overall average score was 3.67 points out of perfect score of 8.00 points. Based on the respondents’ improper answers, the possibility of communication errors and linguistic background were examined through consultation with aviation experts and language experts. Conclusion: Even though they knew the need to comply with standard phraseology, they often used non-standard phraseology because they did not know the exact standard, and some communication errors were likely to occur. In order to supplement this, it is necessary to define accurate standard phraseology and make efforts at the government level as well as aviation workers and the aviation industry to train and learn properly.

Keywords

• standard phraseology
• aviation language
• radiotelephony
• miscommunication