AIM Text
- Calls to air traffic control (ATC) facilities (ARTCCs, Towers, FSSs, Central Flow, and Operations Centers) over radio and ATC operational telephone lines (lines used for operational purposes such as controller instructions, briefings, opening and closing flight plans, issuance of IFR clearances and amendments, counter hijacking activities, etc.) may be monitored and recorded for operational uses such as accident investigations, accident prevention, search and rescue purposes, specialist training and evaluation, and technical evaluation and repair of control and communications systems.
- Where the public access telephone is recorded, a beeper tone is not required. In place of the “beep” tone the FCC has substituted a mandatory requirement that persons to be recorded be given notice they are to be recorded and give consent. Notice is given by this entry, consent to record is assumed by the individual placing a call to the operational facility.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 4-1-4.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance stating that radio and operational telephone calls to ATC facilities—ARTCCs, towers, FSSs, Central Flow, and Operations Centers—may be monitored and recorded for uses such as accident investigation, prevention, search and rescue, training, and system repair. Placing a call to an operational facility implies consent to be recorded.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Are pilot communications with ATC recorded?
Yes. Per this AIM guidance, calls to ATC facilities (ARTCCs, towers, FSSs, Central Flow, and Operations Centers) over radio and ATC operational telephone lines may be monitored and recorded for operational uses including accident investigation, accident prevention, and search and rescue.
Why isn't there a “beep” tone when I call a Flight Service Station?
Where the public access telephone is recorded, a beeper tone is not required. The AIM explains the FCC substituted a mandatory requirement that persons be given notice they are to be recorded and give consent; consent is assumed by the individual placing the call.
What are recorded ATC communications used for?
The AIM lists operational uses such as accident investigations, accident prevention, search and rescue purposes, specialist training and evaluation, and technical evaluation and repair of control and communications systems.