How do you issue a frequency change for a pilot?

How do you issue a frequency change for a pilot?

• A. <Callsign>, contact <frequency> on <frequency>
• B. <Callsign>, switch to <frequency> now
• C. <Callsign>, contact <frequency> on <frequency>
• D. <Callsign>, change to <frequency> on <frequency>

Answer: (C)

Handing off to a new frequency uses concise, standardized phraseology: you tell the pilot to contact the next controller on the specified frequency. This makes it clear that the pilot should cease talking to the current controller and establish communications with the next one on the given frequency. The best form of this instruction is exactly that structure: address the aircraft by its callsign, then say to contact the next controller on the specified frequency. Using the word contact emphasizes establishing a connection with the new controller, and using on with the frequency leaves no doubt about which frequency to tune to. The phrases that say switch to or change to are less precise about initiating contact with the other controller and can be interpreted more ambiguously in a fast-moving radio environment. So, the instruction that uses contact and on together is the most clear and standard way to issue a frequency change.

Handing off to a new frequency uses concise, standardized phraseology: you tell the pilot to contact the next controller on the specified frequency. This makes it clear that the pilot should cease talking to the current controller and establish communications with the next one on the given frequency.

The best form of this instruction is exactly that structure: address the aircraft by its callsign, then say to contact the next controller on the specified frequency. Using the word contact emphasizes establishing a connection with the new controller, and using on with the frequency leaves no doubt about which frequency to tune to. The phrases that say switch to or change to are less precise about initiating contact with the other controller and can be interpreted more ambiguously in a fast-moving radio environment. So, the instruction that uses contact and on together is the most clear and standard way to issue a frequency change.