Communication within the air traffic system relies heavily on
the verbal interaction between pilots and air traffic controllers
(controllers) to ensure the safe and efficient operation of air
traffic. The use of standard phraseology and radio telephony
procedures, such as readbacks, minimises the opportunity for
misinterpretation between pilot and controller.
Some sectors of the industry have raised concerns regarding the
use of excess or non-standard phraseology in readbacks on the
surface movement control (SMC) frequency, resulting in radio
congestion. The purpose of this report was to explore the
relationship between excess or nonstandard
words in readbacks and its effect on frequency congestion.
A review of the Sydney SMC frequency tapes concluded that most
users complied with the readback requirements stipulated in the
Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), with only the
occasional radio transmission containing excess or non-standard
verbiage. Overall, the tapes identified a high level of compliance
with the AIP readback requirements; however, it was noted that the
use of pleasantries was commonplace. While these did not appear to
affect frequency congestion adversely, in times of high traffic
density it seems inappropriate.