Communication Procedures Communication Facilities Flight Service Stations (FSS) Figure 9-5. Phonetic Pronunciation Guide.  Figure 2-5.  Phonetic pronunciation guide. ground communication outlets (GCOs), and by using duplex  transmissions through navigational aids (NAVAIDs). The  best source of information on frequency usage is the Airport/ Facility Directory (A/FD) and the legend panel on sectional  charts also contains contact information. Telephone contact with Flight Service can be obtained  by dialing 1-800-WX-BRIEF. This number can be used  anywhere in the United States and connects to the nearest  FSS based on the area code from which the call originates.  There are a variety of methods of making radio contact:  direct transmission, remote communication outlets (RCOs),  A pilot’s first contact with ATC is usually through FSS,  either by radio or telephone. FSSs provide pilot briefings,  receive and process flight plans, relay ATC clearances,  originate Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), and broadcast  aviation weather. Some facilities provide En Route Flight  Advisory Service (EFAS), take weather observations,  and advise United States Customs and Immigration of  international flights. The controller’s primary responsibility is separation of  aircraft operating under IFR. This is accomplished with ATC  facilities, to include the FSS, airport traffic control tower  (ATCT), terminal radar approach control (TRACON), and  air route traffic control center (ARTCC). Pilots should study the examples in the AIM, listen to  other pilots communicate, and apply the lessons learned  to their own communications with ATC. Pilots should ask  for clarification of a clearance or instruction. If necessary,  use plain English to ensure understanding, and expect the  controller to reply in the same way. A safe instrument flight  is the result of cooperation between controller and pilot. ATC must follow the guidance of the Air Traffic Control  Manual when communicating with pilots. The manual  presents the controller with different situations and prescribes  precise terminology that must be used. This is advantageous  for pilots because once they have recognized a pattern or  format, they can expect future controller transmissions  to follow that format. Controllers are faced with a wide  variety of communication styles based on pilot experience,  proficiency, and professionalism. Clarity in communication is essential for a safe instrument  flight. This requires pilots and controllers to use terms that  are understood by both—the Pilot/Controller Glossary in the  Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) is the best source of  terms and definitions. The AIM is revised twice a year and  new definitions are added, so the glossary should be reviewed  frequently. Because clearances and instructions are comprised  largely of letters and numbers, a phonetic pronunciation guide  has been developed for both.  [Figure 2-5] 2-4 R  0  q  Q  9  p  P  8  o  O  7  n  N  6  5  5  4  4  3  3  2  2  1  1  z  Z  y  Y  x  X  w  W  v  V  u  U  t  T  s  S  r  R  q  Q  p  P  o  O  n  N  m  M  L  L  k  K  j  J  i  I  h  h  H  g  G  f  F  e  E  d  D  c  C  b  B  a  A  a  b  A  Character  Phonic  (Pronunciation)  Morse Code  Telephony 