PRACTICE 01
Hearback 1
Transcript
- ATC
Skyline two fife one, descend flight level one two zero.
- Pilot
Descending flight level one one zero, Skyline two fife one.
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Readback Errors: Listen, Spot and Correct
Practise spotting readback errors and repairing the exchange. Compare an instruction with the pilot’s response, then type the correct detail.
BRIEFING
How to catch a readback error
Readback errors can change a level, direction, runway or restriction even when most of the response sounds right. Listen to the original instruction and the response as separate messages; compare the full call sign and each important detail, including what the instruction actually permits.
The controller’s hearback is the check on what the pilot said. If a response is wrong or the responding station is uncertain, make the correction or ask for clarification and listen to the new readback. The visual tasks also practise comparing a report with what can be seen; a photograph does not establish a clearance.
- Listen to both sides before choosing the mismatch.
- Type the original instruction detail, not the mistaken readback.
- Inspect the scenes and identify any conflict with the spoken report.
PRACTICE
Work through the exercise
0 done
PRACTICE 02
Hearback 2
Transcript
- ATC
Nordair tree six two, turn left heading two four zero.
- Pilot
Right heading two four zero, Nordair tree six two.
PRACTICE 03
Hearback 3
Transcript
- ATC
Coastal fife one niner, descend altitude four thousand feet, QNH one zero zero eight.
- Pilot
Descending four thousand feet, QNH one zero one eight, Coastal fife one niner.
PRACTICE 04
Hearback 4
Transcript
- ATC
Fastair two zero six, fly heading two seven zero.
- Pilot
Heading two eight zero, Fastair two zero six.
PRACTICE 05
Hearback 5
Transcript
- ATC
Lakeair one seven fife, contact Approach one two four decimal tree fife.
- Pilot
Approach one two four decimal fife tree, Lakeair one seven fife.
PRACTICE 06
Hearback 6
Transcript
- ATC
Skyline six tree one, squawk four two one six.
- Pilot
Squawk four two six one, Skyline six tree one.
PRACTICE 07
Hearback 7
Transcript
- ATC
Nordair fife zero two, taxi to holding point runway two four via Alpha and Bravo.
- Pilot
Taxi to holding point runway two four via Bravo and Alpha, Nordair fife zero two.
PRACTICE 08
Hearback 8
Transcript
- ATC
Coastal seven two niner, taxi via Alpha, hold short of Bravo.
- Pilot
Via Alpha, hold short of Charlie, Coastal seven two niner.
PRACTICE 09
Hearback 9
Transcript
- ATC
Fastair four tree eight, runway two four, cleared to land.
- Pilot
Runway two two, cleared to land, Fastair four tree eight.
PRACTICE 10
Hearback 10
Transcript
- ATC
Lakeair niner one fife, reduce speed to two one zero knots.
- Pilot
Reducing speed to one niner zero knots, Lakeair niner one fife.
PRACTICE 11
Hearback 11
Transcript
- ATC
Skyline two six fife, climb altitude fife thousand feet.
- Pilot
Climbing altitude four thousand feet, Skyline two six fife.
PRACTICE 12
Hearback 12
Transcript
- ATC
Fastair tree fife two, runway zero niner, line up and wait.
- Pilot
Runway zero niner, cleared for take-off, Fastair tree fife two.
PRACTICE 13
Type the original detail
Listen to the instruction and enter the value the controller actually gave.
PRACTICE 14
Compare the picture with the report
These are visual cross-checks, not clearances. Listen to the report and inspect the picture before answering.
Check your answers and compare your speaking with the model, then see your practice debrief.
DEBRIEF
Your practice debrief
KEEP PRACTISING
More free ICAO English exercises
FAQ
Common questions
What are readback errors in ATC communication?
They are differences between an instruction and what the pilot repeats, such as a changed level, direction or runway. Listen to both messages before deciding which detail needs correction.
What does hearback mean?
Hearback is the controller listening to the pilot’s response and checking it against the instruction. If a detail is wrong, the exchange needs a clear correction and another checked readback.
What if the call sign in the readback is different?
Do not assume which aircraft transmitted. Ask the responding station to confirm its full call sign, then resolve who the instruction was intended for.
How can I practise spotting readback mistakes?
Play the instruction and response without the transcript. Note the important values and restrictions, compare each one, then replay and explain the mismatch aloud.
Does a correct readback alone make an instruction clear?
A correct readback is a useful check, but an unresolved ambiguity still needs clarification. These are original practice exchanges; follow the procedures that apply to your operation.
