Learn the language of the radio, one lesson at a time

Radio phraseology is a small language with strict grammar, and it is easiest to learn in order. TowerTalk's course is twenty-six lessons in seven modules, from the phonetic alphabet to a full VFR flight, each written from the FAA Aeronautical Information Manual with the paragraph to check, and each finishing with a graded exercise against an AI controller.

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Seven modules in order

Getting started; the language of the radio; building a call; airport communications; airspace, services and transponders; abnormal and emergency communications; consolidation and a full flight.

Read, then say it

Every lesson pairs a study card with its AIM paragraph and an exercise where you make the call and the controller answers.

Progress that follows you

Lesson completion syncs to your account, and the recommended-next card on your dashboard always knows where you are.

Finish with a radio check

The last lesson is a checkride-style radio check: a full VFR flight, every call graded.

How it works

1
Module 1
How the course works and what an examiner listens for.
2
Modules 2 and 3
Numbers, call signs, standard words, readbacks, and building a call.
3
Modules 4 and 5
Ground, Tower, the pattern, the CTAF, Class B, C and D, squawks.
4
Modules 6 and 7
MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, forced landings, then the whole flight.

Frequently asked

How long does the course take?

Most students take two to four weeks alongside their flight training, doing a lesson or two a sitting. Each lesson is a ten-minute read plus a graded exercise.

Is it written from the AIM?

Yes, in our own words with paragraph references to the FAA AIM (Change 3, 7/9/26), the Pilot/Controller Glossary and Order JO 7110.65. It does not reproduce those documents and is not FAA approved.

Can my instructor see my progress?

If your instructor or flight school enrolls you on TowerTalk, yes: they see lesson completion and graded results for each student.

Is it free?

The study library is free with a free account, along with the free assessment and one free mock exam. Plans unlock every graded exercise in the course.

Start with the alphabet, finish with a full flight

Free to start. Twenty-six lessons, each one ending with a call you actually make.

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