Improper use of radio protocol

[Mathew]

I've been listening to many archived ATC conversations.
One thing I noticed is that ATC's/Pilots sometimes start a conversation over the airways, or briefly discuss something irreverent to aviation.

Are there strict radio protocols which must be followed at ALL times? Is it sometimes 'laxed' when not busy (at night, etc)?



Cheers,
Mat

[jkaplan]

Radio comm is supposed to be related only to flight/ground ops, and as terse as possible to get the point across.   However, whether 'by the book' or not, it seems that folks will relax these regs a bit when things aren't busy, or when it doesn't present a problem... i.e. controllers will sometimes compliment a crew on a nicely executed maneuver, read weather data, etc...

[djmodifyd]

EVERY-ONCE in a while i'll say something...depends on whos around me usually.

sometimes i'll say...nice paint job or something like that...or see you next week.....

or sometimes...."SKW5955 wind 050 at 5 runway 5 cleared to land"

then i said...."wow..thats alot of 5's"...a few giggles here and there....

usually i don't say anything...but sometimes a couple words will slip out.

[joeyb747]

I recall something form my dispatch days...Onboard the aircraft, below 10,000ft, it is called a "Steriel Cockpit", and only items pertaining to the operation of the flight are to be discussed. Once above 10,000, anything can be discussed.

But at the same time, you know what they say..."all work and no play makes Jack...a very dull boy!" 

[sykocus]

I've been listening to many archived ATC conversations.
One thing I noticed is that ATC's/Pilots sometimes start a conversation over the airways, or briefly discuss something irreverent to aviation.

Are there strict radio protocols which must be followed at ALL times? Is it sometimes 'laxed' when not busy (at night, etc)?



Cheers,
Mat

The offical stance is this:
"Transmit only those messages necessary for air traffic control or otherwise contributing to air safety."
Found it 2-4-5 of the 7110.65. Taking that to the exact letter of the law means that  simple "good day" isn't allowed. Obviously as you've seen it isn't followed to the letter of the law. I don't go that far, but I usually try my best keep things official. I don't want to be "that guy" who said something that seemed harmless at the time. Then the tapes get pulled for something barely related and has to explain why. Everyone has stuff they say after they unkey the mic, but that's a whole other topic.