Pilot communications have a huge significance to both the passengers and other airlines. You may be wondering how significant such communication is. Well, worry no more as this well-researched will fully enlighten.
Here are some of the significance of aviation communication.
- It helps to connect an aircraft to another; pilots connect with other pilots through communication. This communication is key to enhancing a smooth trip. Remember that a pilot can connect with both those on the ground as well as other aircraft crews.
- Communication helps reduce the chances of aircraft accidents; although there is so much space in the sky, planes may collide. For this reason, pilot communication enables pilots to be in communication with other airlines.
- Aviation communication helps to enhance passengers’ safety; a pilot can quickly get an alert about impending danger in time. Consequently, they can take appropriate action before it gets too late. For instance, if the people on the control tower notice a sudden weather change, they may advise the pilot to land at the closest airport or an airstrip.
- It enables customers to get guidance; sometimes, pilots may not be in the know of weather conditions. For this reason, aviation communication will enable the people on the ground to advise the pilot accordingly. For instance, they may advise him or her to change the coordinates to avert a disaster.
Pilot Communication Devices and their Importance
- Military headsets: these are communication devices used by military pilots. They enable such people to connect with other pilots while in the air. A pilot must always wear them throughout the flight.
- Aircraft hand microphone; this device is essential for the cabin crew to communicate with the passengers on board. Remember that most aircraft have a large capacity of as high as 250 passengers or more. Therefore it may be unwise to try to communicate with such a population with no special equipment.
- ENC headsets; DC ONE-X ENC headsets are the most common communication devices. The beauty of these devices is that they are both comfortable and reliable. Most captains use them for effective pilot communications with aircraft marshallers, at the airport.
- Ground support headsets: as the name suggests, these are devices for aircraft marshallers. They help to ensure that both the captain and the people on the ground communicate efficiently.
Common Pilot Communication challenges
Unfortunately, pilot communication may not be effective, owing to a few reasons. For instance;
- Mispronunciation of words; aviation communication may be ineffective if either party mispronounce words. Normally, if one fails to pronounce words correctly, they may end up leading to deadly eventualities.
- Prejudgment; in some cases, one of the parties may prejudge. As a result, they may end up taking the wrong action. All parties, including the pilots, cabin crew, and people on the ground, must have sharp listening skills.
- Non–functional communication equipment; if any equipment does not function well, it may hamper effective communication. Therefore, the cabin crew needs to test the radio equipment before take-off.
- Noise; unfortunately, some aircraft produce too much noise, especially the old ones. This noise may create a huge barrier between the pilot and other pilots. Similarly, the people on the ground may be in a noisy environment. The later is easier to resolve than the former. Nonetheless, all parties must ensure that they have a conducive environment for effective communication between each other.
- Fast speaking problem; another common barrier of aviation communication is fast speaking. If one speaks too fast, it may be hard for the listeners to comprehend them. As a result, the pilot may not get the information that they urgently need. On the other, if the pilot is a fast speaker, it may be hard for the person on the ground to get essential information for them to offer sound advice.
- In closing, the cabin crew needs to test the aviation communication devices early. Pilot communications can only be effective if the captain and his or her crew use functional devices. If a communication device is non-functional, do not insist on using it.