Aviation radio for drone pilots in Canada: MF, ATF and phraseology

Drone pilots in Canada are not required to carry an aviation radio, but listening helps you see the traffic you cannot see yet. To transmit on aviation frequencies you need the Restricted Operator Certificate with Aeronautical Qualification (ROC-A).

Frequencies around aerodromes

• Mandatory frequency (MF) areas surround busier uncontrolled aerodromes, usually within 5 NM and up to 3,000 ft above the aerodrome. Aircraft with radios must report there, normally 5 minutes before entering.
• Aerodrome traffic frequency (ATF) areas work the same way, but reporting is not mandatory. Pilots with radios are expected to treat them like MF areas, and some aircraft fly without any radio.
• At an uncontrolled aerodrome with no published MF or ATF, pilots use 123.2 MHz.
• 126.7 MHz is the general frequency for uncontrolled airspace away from aerodromes.
• 121.5 MHz is the emergency frequency.

Find the frequencies on VNC and VTA charts and in the COMM section of the Canada Flight Supplement. When an aerodrome's flight service station closes, the MF usually switches to ATF procedures.

Standard words

• ROGER: I have received your message. It does not mean yes.
• WILCO: I understand and will comply.
• SAY AGAIN: repeat; use it when you heard but did not understand.
• STAND BY: wait, I will call you back.
• AFFIRMATIVE and NEGATIVE: yes and no.
• BREAK BREAK: separates messages to different aircraft.

Air traffic services say the number 9 as "NINER". A Cessna registered C-GABC calls itself "Cessna Golf Alfa Bravo Charlie" at first contact. "Heavy" after a call sign means a large aircraft with strong wake turbulence. Traffic is given by clock position: "two o'clock" is ahead and to the right.

Distress and urgency

• MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY signals distress: serious and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance.
• PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN signals urgency: a safety concern that does not need immediate help.

If you hear a Mayday, keep the frequency clear, and land your drone if emergency aircraft may be heading to the area.

Good habits

Listen before you talk, think about what to say, keep it short, and give your call sign each time. In VFR, instructions to hold short of a runway must always be read back. In Quebec and at Ottawa you may use English or French.