Sent is not Received

Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to fly on a small, owner-operated plane while listening in on the conversation between the pilot and air traffic control. Besides geeking out as both a tech and aviation nerd, I observed a powerful communication technique that can be a game-changer for us all.

ATC: “989-Foxtrot-Echo, ascend to 9000 ft. and bear right 10 degrees.”

Pilot: “Ascend to 9000 ft., bear right 10 degrees. 989-Foxtrot-Echo”

Let’s unpack this. First, the plane is referred to by its ...