Talking to ATC isn't my strong side. Does anyone have tips to help?
sure!
First off, and this is probably going to be the hardest one to do, though the most important:
RELAX. To paraphrase Mr. Miyagi in
The Karate Kid, Pt. II:
Rule #1: Relax.
Rule #2: First, learn Rule #1.
You already have enough to do with flying your aircraft without having to build up the anxiety of also talking to ATC. But if you've read and understood the AIM and what phrases and phraseology you are recommended to use you will do fine.
Not sure how new you are to the network, but you could always put "New Pilot" or "Working on talking to ATC" in the comments section. While ATC is bound by the 7110.65 for phraseology, that doesn't mean that that is the only thing we must use on frequency. Case in point: one of the controllers at Lake Charles Regional (KLCH) was helping a student pilot to land, as the pilot failed two previous attempts to land. The controller combined ATC phraseology with straight English (helped that he was a pilot as well) and talked her all the way down.
http://www.liveatc.net/forums/atcaviation-audio-clips/archie-awards-klch/Additionally, have a listen to a couple of LiveATC feeds, or just sit, observe, and listen to other pilots on frequency and how they interact with ATC. You'll get a feel for what to say and how to say it (I'd prefer the LiveATC feeds to be honest).
And if all else fails, just picture ATC doing a silk scarfed belly dance in front of Simon Cowell for a <insert country here>'s Got Talent audition. Better yet, imagine if you're Simon having to sit there and watch it. That laughter alone will help you overcome your fear
(or perhaps reinforce it!
)
BL.
