4 Must Download Communication Apps for Pilots

When it is time to make that call to air traffic control, just how comfortable are you? Unless you’ve logged plenty of flight time and used the radio frequently, the honest answer is probably “not very.” The good news is you’re not alone. Many other pilots have improved their on-air skills and confidence using tools like aviation communication apps.

Today we will share our four favorite aviation communications apps and how you can use them to get the most out of your comms practice.

LiveATC

Listen to real-world ATC communication in action with the LiveATC app. This app pulls together real-time aviation audio feeds from around the world and puts them within your reach from the comfort of home. Browse the top stations or specify which you want to listen to. You can even use the “nearby” feature to locate an airport near you and the “favorites” function to save channels for quick access.

Incorporate the LiveATC app into your communications training by using it to monitor airports you regularly fly into and out of or scope out new airfields you plan to visit. Notice how busy or quiet the channels are. Listen to other pilots make the same type of radio calls you will be making. Anticipate what they will say and ensure you understand the ATC response.

Download LiveATC for Android on the Google Play store or LiveATC Air Radio on the App Store.

Stratus Insight (Aerovie)

The Stratus Insight app (formerly known as Aerovie) is a feature-rich full electronic flight bag (EFB) program that includes everything from pre-flight weather planning functionality and vertical weather profile to a smart flight plan tool that considers such variables as fuel stop needs and day/night currency. 

Pilots seeking to improve their radio communications skills will benefit from the app’s ability to record, playback, and transcribe ATC recordings. The visual assist of the transcription makes it easier to refer back to clearance, ATIS, and other important communications in flight. The benefits don’t end there though. Save your transcriptions and repurpose them later as a study guide and real-world review of common ATC phraseology.

The Stratus Insight app is available from the App Store and is compatible with iPads, iPhones, and Apple Watches.

Lightspeed FlightLink

If you’re searching for the best pilot headset, put Lightspeed brand models on your short list. Lightspeed’s Zulu 3, Tango, Sierra, PFX, and Zulu.2 aviation headsets offer pilots a new level of communication when paired with the brand’s FlightLink app.  FlightLink records incoming and outgoing intercom transmissions for instantaneous playback in flight and allows pilots to save the recordings for later review.

With FlightLink, not only are you free from worry about missing any details of an ATC call, but you also have a very useful communications training tool. Practice recording the audio of your entire flight then playing it back later to review what went well and what areas you have room to improve on. Listen to how you sound on the air, noting your speed, use of correct phraseology, and level of articulation. Do you need to slow down or speed up? Is it easy for the ATC controller to understand you or could you use a refresher on certain communication scenarios?

Download the Lightspeed FlightLink App from the App Store. It is compatible with iPad and iPhone devices.

Aviation Radio Simulator (ARSim)

Other apps will help you listen to other pilots’ comms or record your own for later playback, but the Aviation Radio Simulator (ARSim) app from the crew here at PlaneEnglish takes communications training and skill development to the next level.

Learn new aviation phraseology and communication procedures, then practice ATC comms outside the cockpit with thousands of in-app scenarios spanning all phases of VFR and IFR flight. Our interactive, self-guided training is task-based and designed to help you build confidence and ATC comms muscle memory.

Listen and respond to the comms you hear, then get instantaneous personalized feedback with in-app speech rate analysis, phraseology corrections, and a radio proficiency scoring for each category. Work to build up all your scores and soon you will be comfortable and familiar with all types of ATC communications.

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