Unable

Unable is the standard word for an instruction or clearance you cannot follow. You see when to say it, how it differs from negative, and how the crew of US Airways 1549 used it on the way to the Hudson.

What you learn

• Say unable at once, followed by the reason
• Tell unable from negative
• Recognise unable in everyday calls from pilots and ATC
• Explain why you never read back a clearance you can't fly

In playlists

• Radio calls and phraseology

Also on

• Glossary: Unable
• Wiki: Phraseology
• Video course: VFR Radiotelephony