How Well Do You Know Pilot Talk?
As a pilot, I’m often asked about the unique language we use in the cockpit — a mix of shorthand, code words, and phrases that can sound like a secret dialect to those not in aviation. From “Zulu time” to “Wheels up,” this lingo keeps communication sharp, efficient, and safe. But how much of it do you actually recognize?
Take the test below and see how well you know the world of aviation shorthand. Answers are listed at the bottom — no peeking!
Questions:
1. What does "Cleared to the IAF, hold as published" mean?
2. What is “PAN-PAN”?
3. What’s the difference between "Roger" and "Wilco"?
4. What does "Line up and wait" mean?
5. What does "Negative contact" mean?
6. What is "Zulu time"?
7. What does it mean when a crew member is “deadheading”?
8. What is “Doors to arrival and crosscheck”?
9. What does “Contact departure on 124.35” mean?
10. Why do pilots say “Niner” instead of “Nine”?
11. What does “Pitch and power” refer to?
12. What is the “flight deck”?
13. What does “Final approach” mean?
14. What does “Crosscheck complete” mean?
15. What is a “Ground stop”?
16. What does “We’re in a hold” mean?
17. What does “Wheels up” mean?
18. Why do pilots say “Prepare the cabin for arrival”?
19. What does “We’re number two for departure” mean?
Answers:
1. What does "Cleared to the IAF, hold as published" mean?
It means the pilot has been told to fly to a specific navigation point (Initial Approach Fix) and enter a holding pattern exactly as shown on approach charts.
2. What is “PAN-PAN”?
It’s an urgent radio call signaling a non-life-threatening emergency — one level below “Mayday.”
3. What’s the difference between "Roger" and "Wilco"?
"Roger" means “I’ve received your message.” "Wilco" means “I will comply.” Saying both is sometimes redundant.
4. What does "Line up and wait" mean?
It’s an instruction to taxi onto the runway and hold position, but not take off yet. It’s often confused with a takeoff clearance.
5. What does "Negative contact" mean?
The pilot doesn’t see the traffic or runway they were told to look out for.
6. What is "Zulu time"?
It’s aviation’s universal clock — Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) — used so everyone speaks the same “time zone” in the air.
7. What does it mean when a crew member is “deadheading”?
They’re flying as a passenger to get to another city for work — not on duty during the flight.
8. What is “Doors to arrival and crosscheck”?
It’s a command for cabin crew to disarm the emergency slide system and confirm that others have done the same.
9. What does “Contact departure on 124.35” mean?
Switch radio communication to the departure controller on frequency 124.35 MHz.
10. Why do pilots say “Niner” instead of “Nine”?
To avoid confusion over the radio, especially with “five.” It’s part of the aviation phonetic system.
11. What does “Pitch and power” refer to?
It’s the foundation of flight: pitch controls altitude; power controls airspeed.
It’s a controlled release of cabin pressure — often done after landing. It’s normal, though it sounds dramatic.
12. What is the “flight deck”?
It’s the cockpit — just a more modern term.
13. What does “Final approach” mean?
It’s the last segment before landing, when the aircraft lines up with the runway.
14. What does “Crosscheck complete” mean?
Cabin crew have verified that safety systems like emergency slide arms are set correctly.
15. What is a “Ground stop”?
It’s when air traffic control temporarily halts departures to a specific airport, often due to weather or congestion.
16. What does “We’re in a hold” mean?
The aircraft is flying in a circular pattern while waiting for clearance to land.
17. What does “Wheels up” mean?
It’s pilot shorthand for takeoff — the moment the wheels leave the runway.
18. Why do pilots say “Prepare the cabin for arrival”?
It signals cabin crew to secure the cabin for landing — seats up, tray tables in, etc.
19. What does “We’re number two for departure” mean?
There’s one aircraft ahead in line for takeoff.
How Well Did You Do?
???? 20/20 - You Must Be a Commercial Pilot!**
Wow, you're a true aviation expert! You’re ready for takeoff — maybe it’s time to join the cockpit crew. **Come fly with us!** ✈️
????13-19/20 - You’re Cleared for Takeoff!
Nice work! You’ve got a solid understanding of aviation terms, but there’s still some ground to cover before you hit full cruising altitude. Keep studying, and you’ll soon be in the cockpit. ????
???? 6-12/20 - Uh Oh — We Need to Teach You About Aviation!
Looks like you’re a little “green” in the skies, but that’s okay! Aviation is full of fascinating jargon, and you’re on the right track. Time to get your head in the clouds and your feet off the ground. ???????? 20/20 - You Must Be a Commercial Pilot!**
Wow, you're a true aviation expert! You’re ready for takeoff — maybe it’s time to join the cockpit crew. **Come fly with us!** ✈️
????13-19/20 - You’re Cleared for Takeoff!
Nice work! You’ve got a solid understanding of aviation terms, but there’s still some ground to cover before you hit full cruising altitude. Keep studying, and you’ll soon be in the cockpit. ????
???? 6-12/20 - Uh Oh — We Need to Teach You About Aviation!
0-5/20 - You’re Grounded — Let’s Go Back to Flight School!**
It’s okay, we all have to start somewhere! Aviation lingo can be tricky, but with some study, you’ll be talking like a pro in no time. **Time to hit the books!** ????
