“For safe air traffic control operations, it is crucial to have effective pilot-controller communication. The readback-hearback process is a fundamental part of that. ICAO defines this process as follows:
‘The receiving station repeats the received message or appropriate part thereof back to the transmitting station to obtain confirmation of correct reception.’
Typically, errors occur when the controller does not detect and correct any errors in the readback with obvious consequences. That’s why ICAO states that:
- safety related parts of all messages must always be readback,
- readback must be complete and clear,
- controllers must keep their transmissions simple and clear.”
From: Readback Hearback (Skyclip video)
Eurocontrol – Skybrary
February 2018
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