Definition
The ability of an aircraft to transmit and receive radio communications with stations on the ground, typically air traffic control facilities, using onboard radio equipment on assigned frequencies.
Plain English
Whether the aircraft can talk to people on the ground by radio, and how well that radio is working.
Context Anchor
Seen in ATC reports and equipment-status discussions when a pilot or controller needs to know whether the aircraft can still communicate with the ground.
Why Pilots Care
Enables pilots to receive clearances, report position or emergencies, and maintain two-way contact with ATC as required by regulation.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as general communication ability. In this context, it means a usable aircraft-to-ground link, normally with air traffic control, not passenger phones, intercom, or crew conversation inside the aircraft.
Example Sentence 1
After the number two radio failed, the pilot reported a loss of air-to-ground communications capability on that frequency to the controller.
Example Sentence 2
Before departure the pilot confirmed the airplane had working air-to-ground communications capability for the planned IFR flight.