In this guide, we will go over each term, its importance, and how air structure helps modern pilots be highly efficient and effective.
Whether you are going for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), knowing about radiotelephony best practices and jargon is crucial for success. According to the Civil Aviation Authority or CAA, technical jargon is the cornerstone of modern aviation that enables smooth flights and safer skies.
Radio communication and its practices enable pilots to keep in touch with ground personnel and obey the laws of the skies, which leads to higher safety and a significant decrease in the risk of air disasters.
An example of such terms can be TMZ, RMZ, MATZ and ATZ. These terms highlight various airspace structures and the best practices to follow within them. These terms exist to give clear expectations for pilots about what equipment or communications are required.
In this guide, we will go over each term, its importance, and how air structure helps modern pilots be highly efficient and effective.
AIRSPACES AND RADIO PRACTICES
Aviation is a highly regulated industry which is built upon rules and regulations that enable safer flights.
You might already be familiar with airspaces. Airspaces can be thought of as invisible lines in the skies where different rules apply. This separation is important because it allows different types of aircraft to fly appropriately and without incident.
Each airspace is defined into a class, and each class has its own rules of how aircraft should fly. For example, airspaces define the type of aircraft allowed to fly, the altitude, and even special instructions.
They also cover various radio practices that need to be followed. This is where terms like TMZ, RMZ, MATZ and ATZ come in.
TMZ, RMZ, MATZ & ATZ—A Plain-English Guide with Real Local Examples
In a nutshell, these terms help pilots know the requirements of radio practices within each airspace class.
Let’s go through all the terms in detail:
TMZ – Transponder Mandatory Zone
Transponders are devices fitted into aeroplanes that enable pilots to remain connected to the ground crew; this mostly relates to ATC personnel.
The transponder is tasked with receiving a signal and sending out a specific and automatic reply. Transponders can help locate and communicate with aircraft while they are in the air.
When we talk about TMZ, it refers to how pilots should communicate when flying in a specific airspace, in this case, a Class G (uncontrolled) or controlled airspace.
A Transponder Mandatory Zone simply means that pilots need to ensure that their transponder is active and working before entering, while flying, and when exiting an airspace.
By enabling the transponder to work throughout the flight, ATC can monitor the aircraft and always be aware of air traffic. TMZ is usually required when flying in areas where VFR and IFR flights mix or in areas where ATC needs enhanced visibility for safety reasons.
TMZ zones prohibit the flight of drones or smaller aircraft without transponders unless special permission is obtained.
So, when pilots see TMZ on their chart, they must check if the aircraft has a functioning transponder with accurate altitude reporting before entry. TMZ zones do not necessarily require pilots to communicate via radio, just that they need to have the transponder active so that they can be accurately tracked while flying.
The ATC can then monitor their position in the sky and safely manage or communicate with the pilot if needed, especially if the aircraft’s trajectory is in the way of other nearby aircraft.
An example of TMZ can be found at the London Stansted Airport. The Stansted area has two Transponder Mandatory Zones (TMZ-1 and TMZ-2) beneath the lateral confines of the Stansted Control Areas (CTA-1 & CTA-2).
RMZ – Radio Mandatory Zone
A Radio Mandatory Zone or RMZ is a requirement where all flights must establish and maintain two-way radio communication on the appropriate frequency before entering and while flying inside an airspace.
The RMZ ensures that all traffic is within radio contact, which greatly improves coordination, awareness, and safety. This is especially important when flying in busy or complex uncontrolled airspaces.
RMZ often appears around aerodromes or in Class G airspace where a high traffic density warrants radio communication.
Please note that this doesn’t mean that the pilot needs to always communicate when flying within an RMZ zone. The RMZ just ensures that the pilot is always reachable when required. In most cases, pilots follow a pre-defined and approved path, but if things go wrong, ATC can quickly communicate with the pilot for remedial actions.
Since pilots might communicate with the ground crew, it is important that they not only have the equipment but also know about all the required procedures for effective radio communication.
While pilots will not always need full ATC clearance, unless they are flying in a controlled airspace, they will, however, need to call in, state their current position and intention, and wait for further instructions from the ATC.
An example of RMZ can be found in Hawarden Airport. Located in North Wales, the airport is the site of the UK’s first permanent overland Radio Mandatory Zone (RMZ).
MATZ – Military Aerodrome Traffic Zone
As the name suggests, a MATZ is established around a military installation or aerodrome. This could be either a military-controlled airfield or airbase. The MATZ is designed to protect military aircraft during critical phases such as take-off, landing, and circuits.
The MATZ is established around a radius of about 5 nautical miles from the aerodrome. Although MATZ is used frequently for military operations, civil pilots can also fly in this area, provided that they make radio contact with the ATC for safety and coordination.
An example of MATZ can be found in RAF Fairford. RAF Fairford has a MATZ (Military Aerodrome Traffic Zone) extending from surface to 3,000 ft AAL (Above Aerodrome Level), with a stub extending from 1,000 to 3,000 ft along the runway’s final approach track.
ATZ – Aerodrome Traffic Zone
The ATZ is a cylindrical volume of airspace around a civilian aerodrome. It is established to protect aircraft taking off, landing, or flying in the vicinity of that aerodrome.
ATZ requires pilots to communicate with the aerodrome’s ATC or Flight Information Services (FIS) and obtain permission before entering. When flying around an ATZ zone, pilots must continuously watch and maintain the aerodrome’s radio frequency.
An example of ATZ can be found in Biggin Hill Airport. At Biggin Hill, the Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ) is clearly defined with a radius of 2.5 NM, up to 2,000 ft AAL (Above Aerodrome Level) around the aerodrome.
RADIO BEST PRACTICES
Aviation communication is not like regular vernacular. Pilots communicate in short form and use jargon and phrases to communicate ideas, location, and issues. This makes sense because while flying, the pilot is expected to put all their attention towards flying the aircraft instead of establishing a lengthy communication with the ground crew.
Mastering this language is of the utmost importance since the safety of the crew and passengers is heavily reliant on communication with people on the ground.
There are many cases where radio communication comes in handy:
- For example, in case of an emergency, such as rerouting or emergency landings, pilots are expected to communicate the issue in the shortest way possible, which covers every detail of the problem.
- If a passenger becomes ill while on the flight, the pilot will be required to establish contact with the ground crew and communicate the extent of the medical emergency. The ground crew will make all the arrangements necessary while the pilot can focus on safely but quickly landing the aircraft.
- If a pilot needs information about their location, especially if their onboard instruments fail or during bad weather conditions, they can use radio communication to steer the flight in the right direction and reach the required destination safely.
REQUIREMENTS FOR RADIO COMMUNICATION
Apart from understanding the technical details about the transponder, its use, and the best practices that are required for using the transponder during flights, pilots must also understand all the requirements for effective radio communication.
The first and foremost requirement is to acquire proficiency in the English language. The communication over the radio is universally in English, and it is the language of choice of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Furthermore, pilots must also obtain a Flight Radiotelephony Operator's Licence, which is a UK-specific license required to operate a radio on a UK-registered aircraft. The holder of the FRTOL must be at least 16 years of age, which is the minimum requirement for a learner’s pilot licence. In addition to this, the applicant will have to pass a theoretical and practical exam to qualify for an FRTOL.
TRAINING AND EXAMINATIONS
To the layman, aviation jargon and technical vernacular may seem complex and confusing. However, mastering flight radiotelephony is not difficult, so long as you pay attention to the basics.
In most cases, passionate aviators are already well versed with all the terms, often even before they enter the cockpit, making it easier for them to ace their FRTOL exams. For the average Joe, the FRTOL training is an excellent way to establish the first step in becoming a successful pilot.
In most cases, simulator training is an excellent way to get exposure and learn various jargon. This type of training can also help you later in the practical exam, which will also be held on a simulator.
The practical exam will likely include emergency scenarios to test how you perform under pressure and respond to unexpected news via radio.
The theoretical exam component is relatively simple, and it has the official CAA radiotelephony manual as required reading. This manual will help familiarise you with certain phraseology and words used during radio communication to streamline and simplify the process. The exam is around 45 minutes long.
STANDARD PHRASEOLOGY
There are several common phrases that you may already be familiar with if you are exposed to the media or even movies!
For example, “How do you read?” is used when either the pilot or the ground crew on the radio wishes to inquire if their message has been transmitted clearly.
Similarly, the word “maintain” is commonly used to let the pilot or radio operator on the other side know that something should be continued in accordance with the most recent instruction or command.
You may also hear the term “negative”, which is used when a request, idea, or instruction by the pilot or ATC is rejected due to circumstances. When the operator says “affirm” or “affirmative”, it indicates that permission to proceed has been granted. When an operator says “roger”, it means the message was received and understood.
When asked to “stand by”, the operator is basically being asked to wait for further instruction before taking any action. The word “willco” means the operator has understood and “will comply” with the message sent their way.
If an operator asks the person on the other side to “read back” a message, it means they wish for the person to repeat what has been told to them to ensure that the message has been relayed correctly.
So, most of the terms used in aviation are the same as we use in the real world, but they are designed to communicate ideas in short form so that pilots can quickly and effectively relay information while focusing on their aircraft.
FRTOL COURSE AT SHERBURN
Sherburn Aero Club offers a dedicated Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s course every first Sunday of the month. In order to book your place for the day-long course, you will have to contact the flight desk, which will then reserve your spot.
The course covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of training and is bound to help you gain confidence in your ability to communicate clearly over the radio.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licenses, along with pilot medicals, to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation for the long run.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us on 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on the private pilot training services, as well as Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s licence requirements and training available in the United Kingdom.
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