Context and Functions of Turn Prefaces in Aviation Communication: A Conversation Analytic Investigation of Pilot-Controller Radio Talk

While pilots and Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel are trained to use standardized “scripted” modes of communication to manage routine situations during flights, there are a number of ways in which participants may depart from these expectations. In this paper we examine the use of and-prefaces to initiate turns at talk in radio transmissions between pilots and ATC. While not part of approved aviation communication procedures, our analysis shows and-prefaces can perform a variety of functions aiding communication. We discuss several of these uses of and-prefaces, including connecting a turn to a previous action rather than to an immediately prior turn, announcing a “first contact” with a particular ATC, summoning the attention of ATC for a special request, or managing an other-repair. We discuss these findings in terms of their implications for how standard aviation communication practices should be implemented to maximize both efficiency and safety.