Plain Language vs Phraseology: When to Use Each

We have a vehicle in front of us on the taxiway. We cannot continue, so I would tell ground control that we are unable to taxi. I would keep the aircraft stopped and watch the vehicle. I need more informations about when it will move. Then I would listen to the controller and ask again if the next instruction is not clear.

The vehicle is stopped across our taxi route, so I would hold position and tell ground control that we are unable to continue. I would describe the vehicle’s position and ask whether the route will be cleared or whether another taxi route is available. While waiting, I would monitor the vehicle and check any new instruction carefully before moving. I would read back the clearance and include our call sign.

The immediate issue is that the vehicle blocks the route we have been cleared to use. I would remain stationary, report the obstruction to ground control and ask how they want us to proceed. There may be an alternative route, but I would not assume one has been authorised. Once the vehicle has moved or a revised clearance is issued, I would confirm the instruction and read it back before resuming taxi.

There is smoke in the cabin. I would tell the controller what the cabin crew can see and say that we do not know the source. I would explain what we need and keep the controller informed. The situation can change quickly, so I would ask the cabin crew for more detail. We need to communicate clear with everyone involved.

The cabin crew can see a light haze, so I would report possible smoke in the cabin and say that the source has not yet been identified. I would tell ATC what assistance or routing we need as the situation develops. At the same time, the crew would follow the applicable procedures and obtain further information from the cabin. I would update the controller if the condition changes.

I would separate the observation from the diagnosis: the cabin crew can see haze, but we cannot yet say where it is coming from. I would tell ATC that we have possible smoke in the cabin, state our intentions and request the assistance we need. The crew’s assessment and applicable procedures govern the next decision; I would keep the controller updated as we learn more or if the situation deteriorates.

There is a big dark cloud ahead, with rain under it. I do not want to fly into this weather, so I would tell the controller what we can see. I would request a deviation to the side with clearer sky. We must wait for the answer and listen careful. If the route is not available, I would explain what other direction we need.

There is a dark cloud with a rain shaft ahead, and the clearer area appears to be off to one side. I would tell the controller that we need to avoid the weather and request a deviation in that direction. I would listen to the response, read back any clearance and report when we are clear if requested. If the proposed route is unavailable, I would discuss another option.

The cloud and rain shaft appear to lie across our present path, so I would describe what we can see and request a deviation towards the clearer area. The picture does not establish the distance or the full extent of the weather, so I would avoid giving either as fact. I would read back the controller’s response, clarify any restriction and keep ATC informed if our assessment or needs change.

I can see birds on the runway. I would tell the pilot to hold position and explain that there are birds on the runway. I would listen to the readback and contact the people responsible for the runway. Then I would watch the area and wait for more information. I will not say the runway is clear before I know it is clear.

I would instruct the aircraft to hold position and inform the pilot that birds are on the runway. After checking the readback, I would arrange for the appropriate airport team to deal with the hazard and monitor the runway. I would update the pilot as information becomes available. Before issuing any further movement instruction, I would confirm the runway status using the information available to me.

My first message would be concise: hold position, followed by the information that birds are on the runway. I would check the pilot’s readback and coordinate with the relevant airport team, while continuing to monitor the situation. Seeing the birds move away would not necessarily tell me everything about the runway status, so I would establish that status before deciding on the next clearance and keep the pilot informed of any delay.

The visibility is poor and the runway is difficult to see in the fog. I would tell the controller what we can see and ask for the latest available weather information. I do not know the exact visibility from this picture. I would discuss the situation with the other pilot and follow our procedures. If we need a different plan, I would inform the controller.

The runway is only partly visible through the fog, so I would report the limited view without inventing a distance. I would ask ATC for the latest relevant visibility information and compare it with the information available to the crew. If our assessment meant that we could not continue as planned, I would say so and tell the controller what we needed next, following the applicable procedures.

The picture suggests a restricted view in fog, but it cannot tell us the reported visibility or whether the approach may continue. I would describe the conditions as observed and ask ATC for the latest relevant information. The crew would assess that information against the applicable requirements and our procedures. If we needed to change our plan, I would state our intentions clearly and confirm the controller’s response.