PODCASTS

‘The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place’ George Bernard Shaw

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SayAgain

Podcast

Communication Matters in Aviation

Standard Phraseology and the Paradox of Native Speakers

A podcast which explores the importance of Standard Phraseology in aviation radiotelephony and why native English speakers are not always the most proficient in its use.

HOW QUICKLY DO U.S. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS SPEAK?

This short podcast explores: • How quickly U.S. air traffic controllers speak • How this compares to speech in movies and news broadcasts • The impact of fast speech on understanding • Possible ways to improve clarity and efficiency

WHY AND HOW DID ENGLISH BECOME THE SHARED LANGUAGE OF INTERNATIONAL AVIATION?

In this episode of the SayAgain podcast, we explore this question, the critical role of communication in aviation safety, and ways it could be improved.

Is Aviation Communication Stuck on VHF?

Aviation has changed remarkably over the past decades. We’ve seen significant improvements in technology, efficiency and safety. However, one aspect has remained largely unchanged … radio communication between pilots and air traffic controllers. This 5-minute podcast discusses these issues, CPDLC (Data Link) and what the future might look like.

READBACK / HEARBACK

This podcast explores one of the most essential parts of aviation communication … readback and hearback. • What is it? • Why is it so important? • What happened in Tenerife when it went wrong?

Is THERE A PLACE FOR MAVERICKS IN AVIATION?

Aviation thrives on structure - strict procedures, standardization, checklists. But ‘innovation comes from the edges’. So, is there a place for mavericks in Aviation? Capt. Sully Sullenberger landing on the Hudson River was not exactly ‘Standard Operating Procedure’ but his actions saved lives. This podcast explores this paradox.

‘CONFIDENCE SMILES, ARROGANCE SMIRKs’

Is it better to be over-confident or under- confident? This podcast explores: • Imposter syndrome in aviation communication • The Dunning-Kruger Effect – 'Little do they know how little they know'

THE ‘SAY AGAIN’ DILEMMA

‘If part of a radio transmission is unclear, pilots and controllers simply ask for repetition'. But is it really that simple? Sometimes there's pressure to avoid asking for repetition. This podcast discusses why sometimes we may choose to guess instead of clarifying ... • Expectation bias • Ego • Workload • Radio discipline

COMMUNICATION STYLES - DIRECT vs INDIRECT

Cultural styles can influence how pilots and controllers communicate. How we speak - and how directly we speak - can depend a lot on where we come from. In this 6-minute podcast, we explore how different communication styles play out in the cockpit and the control tower. We’ll look at two tragic examples where culture and communication may have contributed to disaster: the Tenerife runway collision in 1977, and the crash of Avianca Flight 52 in 1990.

assertiveness and communication apprehension

‘Communication apprehension’ – should I say something? In aviation, ‘assertiveness’ means having the confidence and skills to communicate your concerns about something you believe may be incorrect or problematic. But speaking out is difficult ... hierarchy, gender, age and culture can all play a part. Language too is a factor. This 6-minute podcast discusses these issues.

WHY ARE NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS NOT BETTER COMMUNICATORS?

'Communication was too fast, unclear and the communicator was impatient' - FRENCH PILOT We hear it all the time - native English speakers speak too quickly, they don’t always stick to Standard Phraseology, they use idiomatic, colloquial English ... • Why are native English speakers not better exemplars of safe, efficient communication? • What can they do to improve?

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ITS ROLE IN AVIATION

‘AI will assist pilots and controllers - not replace them’. We hear this all the time - from regulators, airlines, and tech companies. It’s a comforting message: “Don’t worry. Humans will stay in control. We’re essential - because we have intuition, judgment, empathy.” But is that really how it will play out? But is that really how the future of aviation will evolve?"