The approach phase is where many pilot communication errors occur. Understanding common mistakes helps you avoid them.

Error: Reading back an altitude restriction incorrectly.

ATC: "Altitude restriction at MALEV two thousand feet."

Pilot: "Altitude restriction at two thousand feet." (Fails to specify MALEV)

Prevention: Always read back the fix name, altitude, and any sequencing. "Altitude restriction at MALEV two thousand feet."

Error: Agreeing to an approach clearance when your descent rate cannot meet the required profile.

ATC: "Descend to five hundred feet at MALEV." (Only 8 miles away, requiring 3,500 feet/minute descent)

Pilot: "Descend to five hundred feet at MALEV." (Accepts an impossible profile)

Prevention: If you cannot meet the profile, immediately declare UNABLE and request an alternative. "UNABLE, request descent at rate two thousand five hundred feet per minute."

Error: Forgetting to set the QNH on the altimeter before descending below the transition altitude.

Prevention: Always read back the QNH. Set your altimeter the moment you hear the QNH from Approach. As you descend below the transition altitude, cross-check that your altitude is still valid.

Error: Beginning a descent on final approach before ATC explicitly says "DESCEND ON THE [approach]."

ATC: "Expect vectors to final, ILS Runway two-five left."

Pilot: (Begins descending on the ILS immediately, before vectors are complete)

Prevention: Do not descend on the final approach course until ATC says "DESCEND ON THE ILS" or equivalent. Follow the vectors provided.

Error: Continuing to circle in reduced visibility, hoping to find the landing runway.

Prevention: If you lose visual reference at any point during a circling approach, immediately go around and declare UNABLE. "GO AROUND, lost visual reference, request instrument approach."