‘Say Again, Please’ Remains a Must-Read for Pilots

Now in its seventh edition, Bob Gardner’s Say Again, Please: A Pilot’s Guide to Radio Communications was first published in 1995. [Courtesy: ASA]

One of the most intimidating aspects of learning to fly is learning how to communicate on the radio. You need to know what to say, when to say it, and understand what air traffic control is saying in reply.

For years, Bob Gardner's Say Again, Please: A Pilot's Guide to Radio Communications has been an educational resource for pilots. The seventh edition of the popular book, first published in 1995, has just been released by Aviation Supplies & Academics Inc. The information reflects Gardner’s decades of experience as a flight instructor and designated pilot examiner as he explains how ATC works, and how to ask for what you want or need.

Say Again, Please has been recommended reading for aspiring pilots for the past 28 years. The new edition has been updated to reflect current aircraft equipment, navaids, changes in airspace infrastructure, rules, and procedures.

Gardner's prose is conversational and concise. You feel as though you are sitting across the table from a favorite instructor as he lays out scenarios and presents typical radio transmissions and appropriate pilot procedures. The book takes the mystery out of pilot-to-controller speak.

This is more than a what-to-say book. Gardner goes into detail explaining how radio equipment works, radio etiquette and rules, the differences between VFR and IFR communications, emergency communications, the role of ATC facilities, and who to call when, as well as differences in procedures in different airspace. There is also a pilot/controller communication section with terms and phrases you will hear and need to use.

Say Again, Please is available in softcover from FBOs, online retailers of asa2fly.com for $24.95.

The book can also be purchased as an e-book viewed on both small and large screens for use with the ASA Library app for $19.95.

For more information, visit asa2fly.com.

ASA Aviation Supplies & Academics Bob Gardner Communication coms Flight Training learning to fly radio

Meg GodlewskiAuthor

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.