Definition
The exchange of information between aircraft and ground stations, between aircraft, or within an aircraft, typically by radio. In aviation references, COM appears as a shorthand label for radio equipment, frequencies, panels, and procedures used for voice and data exchange.
Plain English
Talking and listening, usually by radio, between pilots and controllers or between aircraft. COM is just a short way of writing communications.
Context Anchor
Seen in cockpit radio labels, aircraft equipment lists, airport notices, and FAA abbreviation lists.
Derivation
Communications comes from the Latin idea of making something common or shared. That helps here because aviation communication is about sharing clear information between the people and facilities involved in a flight.
Why Pilots Care
Reliable communications are how pilots receive clearances, traffic advisories, weather updates, and emergency assistance. A failed or misused COM radio can lead to missed instructions, airspace violations, or loss of separation from other traffic.
Intuition Check
COM does not mean any casual conversation here. In aviation, it means the communication needed to operate safely, usually through aircraft radio or related communication systems.
Example Sentence 1
Before takeoff, the pilot tuned the tower frequency on COM1 and set the ground frequency on COM2.
Example Sentence 2
Review the published COM frequencies for each airport on your route before departure.