How do pilots remember all the numbers ATC tells them?

Question

For example, "Frasca 141, cleared to Mesquite airport, via turn left heading 090, radar vectors
to Mesquite airport. Climb and maintain 2,000. Expect 3,000 10 minutes after
departure. Departure frequency 124.3, squawk 5270."
How would you remember all the numbers and stuff when you are focusing on taking-off?

Answer 1

Generally, pilots keep a notepad handy (in the USAF, we had one strapped to our thigh). As the clearance is provided, the pilot writes it down in a shorthand notation so he can read it back and keep it handy during departure. ADDED: Hopefully, you are not taking off as the clearance is being provided by the tower.

Answer 2

Write it down. I know it sounds like a lot at first, but it gets quite easy after a while. Eventually, you kind of know what to except. It also helps to develop a good short hand. For example, you can write all of that down like this:



090

2,000 3,000 , 10m

124.3

5270



Using a short hand like that makes it easy to write everything down without missing anything. As to how to remember it on take off, there's not much to remember. You setup the departure frequency and squawk code before hand. Then, all you really need to remember is "left 090" and "2000 feet". You can use things like the HSI needle, or VOR needle, to help you remember the heading. If you have an altitude alerter, then you'd set 2000 feet.



Keep practicing and it will get easier.

Answer 3

Pilots have the same memory capacities as anyone else. If they receive a complex clearance or instruction from ATC, they write it down. In aircraft with two pilots, one pilot may handle the primary flying duties while the other one communicates on the radio (and writes down instructions from ATC).



Pilots are especially prone to write down initial IFR clearances, since they are often long. They may use CRAFT to help them remember the type and sequence of information in the clearance, as follows:



C = clearance limit (usually the destination airport)

R = route (often a departure, transition, and then "as filed")

A = initial and sometimes subsequent altitude assignments

F = frequency for departure

T = transponder code (squawk)

Answer 4

Most pilots write it down on their kneeboard, at least some of it.

This sounds like a SID (Standard Instrument Departure). The pilots already know what they filed for on their flight plan.

They will have the SID plate right it front of them with all the same info on it.

Unless there is a deviation, they already have it. They only need to write down the next radio Freq to call. The Squawk they will put into the IFF immediately when given and push the IDENT button for ATC to see it.

They would get all this call at final take off clearance before they line up on the runway.

Answer 5

You would not be receiving your clearance and taking off at the same time. The clearance information would be transmitted by "clearance delivery" at a Stage 3 facility, or by Ground Control at a smaller facility.



So you would have time to digest the information before doing your run-up and advising ground control you are ready to taxi.



Some pilots write it all down on a note pad that is attached to them somewhere; others do things like dial in the squawk code on the transponder when they hear it, and the departure frequency on a second comm radio.



The expected headings and altitudes are pretty much standard, and as you gain experience you will know what to expect, and only need to jot down anything that is out of the ordinary.



Then you read it back to Clearance Delivery or whoever you are talking to, and then after all that you worry about getting the doors locked and the engine run up.

Answer 6

After gaining experience your learn to anticipate what the controller is going to say especially when you fly out of the same airport time and again. Also as mentioned in the above answers you can write it down.

Answer 7

I use a lapboard which contains a pad of paper. Hearing such, I might write "MSQ, L/090, RV dir, 2k x 3k in 10. 124.3 5270."

Answer 8

Larry is right and so is the person who got a thumbs down. Pilots keep a notepad or a kneeboard handy. Some pilots can recall from memory but it's not a special requirement. As long as it is read back correctly and clearly, then it's fine.

Answer 9

A lot is based on the information being given in a standard format. That way the pilot picks out the important items and notes them down if necessary.



Before I started in the industry I struggled to understand the automated weather and airport information reports (ATIS), but once I became familiar with the format it was easy.

Answer 10

you can either use a kneeboard, or notepad, i use notepads for flight simulator, and the pilot taking off will be taking off, and the pilot dealing with ATC will be writing them down, and telling the pilot in command what actions to do.

Answer 11

The clearance is received and copied legibly before the plane is started.



It is kept in plain sight.



--Nothing to memorize.

Answer 12

They are written down and read back to the controller.

Answer 13

You have to have a good memory to be a pilot (so i wont be a pilot i guess) then sometimes they just are used to saying that.

Answer 14

practice practice practice