I was listening to an audio clip from Oshkosh and was surprised how hard it was for me to discern "Affirmative" from "Negative". What is the general consensus from ATC and experienced pilots about using these words?
This wikipedia article mentions the problem I'm discussing. I felt it necessary to clarify since the previous thread seemed to spiral into nonsense.
That audio clip is not something I would really compare "proper usage" of phraseology to. An air boss's function is much different that a FAA regulated towers. The air boss just needs to coordinate traffic for the show thats running, so a lot of the phraseology they use is nonstandard. As a commercial pilot I have used and heard the words "affirmative/afirm or negative" quite a lot and never have a problem understanding them.
There is a language to aviation and in my opinion there is also another language to air shows. Communication is all relative and based in the situation you are in. In my experience air show communication with the air boss is little more than a series of grunts, mumbled words and shouts, but all the pilots flying in that show understand whats going on.
Quick answer: that audio clip does NOT accurately represent the usage of approved phraseology and radio calls.
Short question long answer.