Part 5: Circuit Position Calls

Base and Final Calls

Once you have turned to base and are descending toward the runway, report base.

"[Callsign], right/left base [runway number]." or simply "[Callsign], base."

ATC may acknowledge or give you a traffic update: "ROGER, number two, Cessna on final."

When you roll out on final, aligned with the runway and at a stable descent, report final.

"[Callsign], final [runway number]" or "[Callsign], report final." (If ATC says this, respond with "final" when you reach it.)

Base and Final Approach

Borton Tower · HB-CDA

PILOT: HB-CDA, right base runway zero-six.

ATC HB-CDA, ROGER. Number two, continue approach.

PILOT: Continuing approach, HB-CDA. [pilot rolls out on final]

PILOT: HB-CDA, final.

ATC: HB-CDA, runway zero-six cleared to land, wind one-eight-zero degrees seven knots.

PILOT: Runway zero-six cleared to land, HB-CDA.

Once ATC says "cleared to land," you are cleared for the approach and landing. You should not acknowledge again unless there is a change. Continue your descent and land.