Definition
The cockpit controls used to tune, select, and manage the aircraft's communication radios (typically VHF voice radios) on an electronic flight display or radio panel. They allow the pilot to set active and standby frequencies, swap between them, adjust volume, and select which radio is being used for transmission.
Plain English
The knobs and buttons the pilot uses to set and switch the radio frequencies for talking to air traffic control and other stations.
Context Anchor
Seen on electronic flight displays, radio panels, and integrated avionics when setting or changing communication frequencies.
Derivation
COM is shorthand for 'communication' as used on avionics labels. The label is kept short because panel space is limited and pilots scan it quickly.
Why Pilots Care
Proper use ensures reliable communication with ATC without diverting attention from attitude instruments.
Intuition Check
COM controls are not flight controls; they do not steer or move the airplane. They control the radios used for talking and listening.
Example Sentence 1
Before contacting tower, the pilot used the COM controls to load the tower frequency into the standby window and pressed the swap key to make it active.
Example Sentence 2
After switching COM controls to the standby radio, the pilot confirmed the new frequency with the controller.