Your radio course
A guided path from the alphabet to a full flight — read, practise with the AI controller, then test. Work through it in order, or jump to any module.
Start free — lessons 1–5 are open to everyone
Work through the first 5lessons without paying anything, and browse the whole path below. Plus opens the rest — and all the revision material is free either way.
See plans →Module 1 · Getting started
0/2- Welcome to TowerTalkFreeHow the course works — learn, listen, practise, then test — and a reminder that TowerTalk is a training aid, not a replacement for CAP 413 or an instructor.Open lesson →
- What you're training for — the FRTOLFreeWhat the FRTOL permits, the communications written exam and the practical test, and what the examiner assesses: accuracy, clarity, brevity and confidence.1 min read · written examOpen lesson →
Module 2 · The language of aviation radio
0/5- The phonetic alphabetFreeSpelling letters, callsigns and registrations phonetically until it's automatic.1 min readOpen lesson →
- Saying numbersFreeFrequencies, altitudes, headings, runways, squawks and time — and decimal pronunciation.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
- CallsignsFreeCallsign structure and placement, when (and when not) to abbreviate, the STUDENT prefix, and restoring the full callsign.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
- Standard words — Roger, Wilco, Report & StandbyPlusWhat each standard word means and when to use it — and the difference between acknowledging, complying and answering a question.1 min read · written examOpen lesson →
- What must be read backPlusThe safety-critical instructions you must read back word-for-word — runway, clearances, level, heading, squawk, QNH, frequency — and what doesn't need a full readback.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
Module 3 · Building a radio call
0/8- Who you are talking toPlusTower, Approach, Radar, Information and Radio — what each station can and cannot provide.1 min read · written examOpen lesson →
- The four air traffic servicesPlusBasic, Traffic, Deconfliction and Procedural services — what to expect from each and your responsibilities under them.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
- Initial contact — ADDPAAPlusYour initial message, after the station name and callsign: Aircraft type, Departure, Destination, Position, Altitude, Additional (request). A learning aid, not a phrase to recite mechanically.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
- Pass your message — CARPAIPlusThe fuller report when a unit says “pass your message”: Callsign, Aircraft type, Route, Position, Altitude (& QNH), Intentions — and how it differs from an initial call.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
- Position reports — CPTANEPlusA procedural position report: Callsign, Position, Time, Altitude, Next point, Estimate — full and shortened, and reports requested by ATC.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
- Common requestsPlusThe requests you'll make most — radio check, taxi, a service, MATZ penetration, zone transit, joining, QDM and frequency change.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
- Responding to traffic informationPlusLooking, traffic in sight, negative contact — answering a traffic call without ambiguity, and that traffic information isn't an avoiding-action instruction.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
- Changing frequency & ending a servicePlus“Contact” vs “freecall”, advising a unit before you leave, listening squawks, and when an acknowledgement or readback is required.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
Module 4 · Aerodrome communications
0/3- Joining and the circuitPlusObtaining aerodrome information, joining instructions and the standard overhead join — circuit direction, runway in use, QFE and QNH.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
- The circuit callsPlusEvery call around the circuit — taxi, ready, line-up, take-off, downwind, base, final, touch-and-go, go-around and vacating.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
- SAFETYCOM & unattended aerodromesPlusWhen SAFETYCOM is used, blind position-and-intention calls, that no clearance is being issued, and air-ground limitations.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
Module 5 · Airspace, services & transponders
0/4- Crossing controlled airspace & Special VFRPlusRequesting a zone transit, entry clearance, routing and altitude restrictions, reading back the clearance, and Special VFR principles.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
- MATZ penetrationPlusThe penetration request, position and level, routing and squawk — and how a MATZ differs from controlled airspace.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
- Mandatory zones — RMZ & TMZPlusRadio and Transponder Mandatory Zones — entry requirements, radio and transponder failures, and the calls and permissions needed.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
- Transponder squawk codesPlusAssigned squawks, Mode C altitude reporting, listening squawks, and the emergency codes — confirming and reading back a squawk.5 graded callsComing soon: Verify the 2000 conspicuity code against a source before adding it.Open lesson →
Module 6 · Abnormal & emergency communications
0/2- Emergencies — PAN and MAYDAYPlusDistress vs urgency, the MAYDAY and PAN-PAN structure, 121.500 MHz, emergency squawks and cancelling an emergency.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
- Forced landing — engine failurePlusAviate, navigate, communicate — the initial emergency call, position and intentions, and practice forced-landing calls.1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
Module 7 · Consolidation & full-flight practice
0/2- Essential reference topicsPlusThe topics best studied with the page in front of you — pressure settings, ATIS, Morse identification, METARs and getting a bearing (VDF).1 min read · 5 graded callsOpen lesson →
- A flight from start to finishPlusBring the whole course together through one realistic journey — from pre-flight and taxi to position reports, a MATZ or zone, the join and landing — then sit the exams.1 min read · mock examOpen lesson →