When flying on the VATSIM network, one of the most crucial things to consider is how we speak on the “radio”. The “radio” is how we communicate to Air Traffic Control and other pilots to let them know of our intentions, follow instructions, and readback instructions. Here are some radio etiquette tips that we highly recommend:

• Wait five seconds after a break in the transmissions before keying up your push to talk.
• When starting a transmission, know what to say before you say it. A helpful way to remember is to write (or type) the thing you want to say so that you can get it out more easily and with less errors
• Do not have private conversations or topics not relating to the operation of your aircraft on the frequency.
• When reading back an instruction, make sure that you have all the information needed prior to giving your readback.
• When you finish a transmission, be ready for ATC to relay information to you. You could do this by taking notes or try and expect what they are going to say, such as a STAR assignment