Pilots across the globe rely on a unique language—a code, if you will—that allows them to convey critical information swiftly and without room for misinterpretation. This language comes to life as callouts, or standardized statements, made by pilots during a flight. Let’s start with understanding what is a callout that pilots make and why is it important?
A callout in aviation refers to a standardized verbal phrase used by pilots to announce or confirm specific operational or flight status information. These callouts are an integral part of cockpit resource management, designed to ensure that both the pilot flying and the pilot monitoring are aware of key stages in the flight profile.
For example, during takeoff, pilots might make callouts like “V1,” which means the aircraft has reached the speed beyond which takeoff cannot be safely aborted. By saying it out loud, both pilots confirm their awareness of this critical point.
Without these callouts and other tools of communication that pilots use like phonetic alphabets, there could be confusion, miscommunication, or oversight, potentially leading to disastrous outcomes.
Do the callouts pilots make vary with stages of flight and different flights?
Callouts, while universal in their purpose, are not identical across all stages of a flight or all types of civil aviation flights. Instead, they are tailored to the specific situations that arise throughout a journey. In the initial stages of a flight, for instance, callouts may pertain to engine start procedures, taxiing, and takeoff speeds.
Mid-flight, pilots might communicate about engine performance, altitude adjustments, or turbulence. As the flight draws to a close, callouts revolve around descent rates, landing gear, and touchdown procedures.
Furthermore, the complexity and variety of callouts can differ based on the type of flight. For instance, a commercial long-haul flight might have more complex callouts compared to a short-haul flight due to the extensive use of autopilot systems, the need for fuel management, and long periods at cruising altitude.
Similarly, callouts used during a flight on a small private plane will differ from those used on a large commercial jet due to the differences in the aircraft’s systems and handling characteristics. Thus, while the use of callouts is universal in aviation, the specifics can vary widely depending on context.
In addition to the standard terms that pilots use in different stages of flight on a normal flight, there will be situations that will need pilots to use critical words with more significance than just information. Check here for such critical signals pilots make sometimes during flight.
How do pilot callouts in airlines vary in different stages of the flights?
In a typical airline operation, there are different stages of the flight and the callouts pilots use vary a lot based on the phase of the flight. So what are the callouts pilots use in different stages of flight?
Callouts by pilots during Pre-flight:
The pre-flight phase is the initial stage in which pilots conduct a thorough inspection of aircraft systems and weather conditions, ensuring everything is functioning properly and safe for the journey ahead. During this stage, pilots perform various checks and communicate about the status of the aircraft’s systems.
- “Fuel Quantity Check” callout verifies the amount of fuel loaded onto the aircraft, crucial for flight duration and safety.
- “Flight Instruments Check” callout ensures that all navigation and flight instruments are working correctly.
- “Pre-flight check complete” callout confirms that the pre-flight checks have been completed and gives permission for passengers to board.
Callouts by pilots during Taxi:
This is the phase where the aircraft moves along the ground under its own power.
- “Taxi Lights on/off” Communicates the activation or deactivation of taxi lights, helping other aircraft and vehicles to notice the plane’s movements on the ground.
- “Nav Lights on/off“ Communicates the activation or deactivation of navigation lights, allowing air traffic controllers to track the plane’s position.
- “Brakes release” callout informs other crew members that brakes are released and the aircraft is ready for takeoff.
Callouts by pilots during Takeoff:
This is the phase where the aircraft lifts off the ground and begins its ascent into the sky.
- “Rotate” callout informs other crew members that the aircraft has lifted off of the ground and is now in an ascent.
- “Positive Rate of Climb” Communicates to other crew members that there is a positive rate of climb, meaning the plane is ascending steadily and not in danger of stalling.
- “Gear Up” callout lets other crew members know that the landing gear is now being retracted into the aircraft to reduce drag during flight.
Callouts by pilots during Climb:
This is the phase where the aircraft accelerates to its cruising altitude and stabilizes.
- “Airspeed Check” callout ensures that the airspeed of the aircraft is consistent with what was expected from the flight plan.
- “Altitude Change” callout informs other crew members that there has been a change in altitude, either due to an increase or decrease in altitude.
- “Flaps Up” callout lets other crew members know that the flaps are being retracted to reduce drag during flight.
Callouts by pilots during Cruise:
This is the phase where the plane travels at a constant altitude and speed for an extended period of time.
- “Engine Check” callout ensures that the engines are running smoothly and efficiently.
- “Fuel Check” callout informs other crew members that the fuel levels in the aircraft have been checked to ensure they remain at a safe level.
- “Course Change” callout lets other crew members know that there has been an alteration in the plane’s course due to weather or air traffic.
Callouts by pilots during Descent:
This is the phase where the aircraft descends to its destination.
- “Speed Check” callout ensures that the aircraft is descending at a safe speed for descent.
- “Descend Confirmation” callout informs other crew members that the plane is now beginning its descent and should be monitored closely.
- “Landing Gear Down” callout lets other crew members know that the landing gear is being lowered as the plane approaches the destination.
Callouts by pilots during Approach:
This is the phase of the flight where the aircraft is close to its destination and approaches the runway.
- “Check for Traffic” callout ensures that there are no other airplanes in the vicinity of the plane’s approach trajectory.
- “Altimeter Check” callout informs other crew members that the altimeter is double-checked to ensure accurate altitude readings.
- “Booster Set” callout lets other crew members know that the throttle has been set to a certain level for landing.
Callouts by pilots during Landing:
This is the phase of the flight where the aircraft touches down and comes to a full stop.
- “Full Stop” callout ensures that all systems are turned off and the plane has come to a complete stop on the runway.
- “Brakes Check” callout informs other crew members that brakes have been engaged and are working properly.
- “Flaps Set” callout lets other crew members know that the airplane’s flaps have been set to the proper position for landing.
Callouts by pilots post Landing:
This is the phase of the flight where all systems are powered down and the plane has come to a complete stop on the runway.
- “Parking Brake Set” callout ensures that the parking brake has been set and will remain engaged until takeoff.
- “Ground Clearance Complete” callout informs other crew members that all ground clearance checks have been completed.
- “Flight Completed” callout lets other crew members know that the flight is officially over and all systems are powered down.
Each of these stages will have more specific callouts depending on the aircraft type, flight conditions, and air traffic control instructions. Check FAA’s STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR FLIGHT DECK CREWMEMBERS for an extensive list of callouts that pilot make in different stages of flight and in different kinds of aircrafts
How do pilot callouts in aviation vary based on the type of flight?
The variation in pilot callouts in aviation largely depends on the type of flight, as the nature of operations and the complexities involved differ significantly. In commercial aviation, pilots adhere to a highly stringent set of standards and callouts, owing to the massive sizes of the aircraft, passenger safety concerns, and greater regulatory scrutiny.
Callouts range from the mundane, such as “cabin secure” or “flaps set,” to urgent ones like “engine failure” or “evacuate.”
Conversely, in general aviation – usually involving smaller aircraft – callouts tend to be more flexible and less formal. For instance, a pilot might simply say “fuel check” instead of a more formal “fuel quantity check.”
Military aviation has its own specific set of callouts, varying with the type of mission. A reconnaissance flight would have callouts focusing on navigation and surveillance, like “target in sight” or “radar contact,” while a combat mission would include callouts such as “weapons armed” or “missile launch.”
Therefore, it’s evident that pilot callouts are tailored to the specific operational environment, aircraft type, mission requirements, and regulatory frameworks. These callouts play an integral role in maintaining communication, coordination, and safety in diverse aviation scenarios.
Some other frequently asked questions about callouts in aviation:
What does the “minimums” callout mean?
The “minimums” callout in aviation refers to a critical point during an instrument approach where the pilot must make a decision to either continue the approach or initiate a missed approach based on the visibility conditions and whether the runway environment is in sight.
This is typically based on altimeter settings, with certain altitude being designated as the “minimums”. If the pilot cannot see the runway, its lights, or specific markings at this point, they must execute a missed approach for safety reasons.
What does the callout “100 above” mean in an airplane?
The callout “100 above” in an airplane is an important part of the approach and landing process, typically uttered by the co-pilot or the aircraft’s automated system. This callout signifies that the aircraft is 100 feet above the pre-determined decision height or minimum descent altitude during an approach.
The decision height or minimum descent altitude is the specific point at which a pilot must decide whether to proceed with landing or execute a missed approach if the necessary visual references (such as the runway or its lights) are not clearly visible.
Why do pilots callout “speeds”?
The “speeds” callout in aviation is a safety procedure followed by pilots during takeoff and landing and it refers to critical airspeeds that determine various stages of these operations. Some of these speeds include V1 (the critical engine failure recognition speed), VR (rotation speed), and V2 (takeoff safety speed).
These callouts help ensure that the aircraft is operating within safe speed ranges during critical phases of the flight. They also facilitate effective crew coordination and workload management, thereby enhancing overall flight safety.