LISTENING GUIDE

What is ATC radio?

A beginner-friendly explanation of pilot and controller radio communications.

The purpose of ATC radio

Pilots and controllers use radio to coordinate clearances, traffic and airport movements. Calls vary by phase of flight and local procedure.

Who you might hear

An airport feed can contain aircraft calling ground, tower or approach. Automated airport information, called ATIS, may be available separately.

Listening in context

Airport codes and service labels help identify a conversation. Public streams are for listening and learning, never operational decisions.

Hear an airport for yourself.

Browse live feeds by region and service. Three tower feeds are free to play.

Explore live feeds ↗

Live ATC is for general listening and learning. Streams may be delayed or incomplete and must not be used for aviation operations.