Subchapter 10.5 – Common Readback Errors and Exam Traps

Error Category 9: Repeating the Frequency Change Instruction

The Trap: When ATC issues a frequency change, some pilots read back the entire instruction redundantly, when a simple readback is sufficient.

Example:

Issued: "OE-DMS, contact Salzburg Departure on one-nineteen decimal four-five-zero." Wrong readback: "Salzburg Departure on one-nineteen decimal four-five-zero, will contact now, OE-DMS." Correct readback: "One-nineteen decimal four-five-zero, OE-DMS." (or just "Salzburg Departure one-nineteen decimal four-five-zero")

Rule: Frequency changes can be acknowledged briefly. You may repeat the frequency and callsign, or just acknowledge "Roger."