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ATC comms

What to say on the radio, when to key the mic, and what ATC (air traffic control) will say back, phase by phase, for US FAA procedures. The VFR sheets fly a Cessna 172, N123AB ("Skyhawk one two three alpha bravo"); the IFR sheets fly a Cirrus SR22, N45CD ("Cirrus four five charlie delta"). Start with radio fundamentals, then open the sheet for the phase you're flying.

Phase of flightSheet
any call: structure, numbers, readbacks, key phrases, squawk codes, airspace, ICAO differences, MSFS ATCRadio fundamentals
VFR at a towered field: ATIS, clearance delivery, ground, tower, flight following, Class B, C and DVFR at towered airports
VFR at a field with no tower (or a closed one): CTAF calls, pattern legs, flight plans with Flight ServiceVFR at untowered airports
IFR clearance, taxi, takeoff and the departure frequencyIFR departure
IFR with Center and Approach: altitudes, reroutes, approach clearances, canceling IFRIFR en route & arrival
Mayday, pan-pan, squawk 7600 and lost-comms rulesEmergencies & lost comms
1 Departing ATIS Clearance Ground Tower Departure VFR towered ATIS Clearance B or C only Ground Tower Departure flt following VFR untowered AWOS/ASOS — CTAF self-announce CTAF self-announce Approach flt following IFR ATIS Clearance Ground Tower Departure 2 En route and arriving Center ATIS Approach Tower Ground VFR towered Center flt following ATIS Approach required B, C Tower call ~15 NM Ground VFR untowered Center flt following AWOS/ASOS Approach flt following CTAF call 10 NM CTAF clear of rwy IFR Center ATIS Approach Tower Ground you call or listen optional, or only in some airspace
Who you talk to, in order, for each kind of flight