Definition
Avionics equipment in the aircraft that receives voice radio transmissions from air traffic control, other aircraft, and ground stations on aviation communication frequencies (typically VHF, 118.000–136.975 MHz). Communications receivers are the listening half of a two-way radio (transceiver); the transmitter is the speaking half.
Plain English
The radios in the aircraft that let the pilot hear ATC and other pilots talking on aviation frequencies.
Context Anchor
Seen in system malfunction and electrical load discussions, especially when deciding which radio equipment to keep powered during an electrical problem.
Derivation
From Latin communicare (to share) and recipere (to take in or receive). A communications receiver literally takes in shared messages — in this case, voice transmissions sent over the airwaves.
Why Pilots Care
Loss of communications receivers prevents the pilot from receiving instructions, traffic advisories, or clearances, requiring backup procedures such as following light gun signals or squawking a specific code.
Intuition Check
Do not read “receiver” as the whole radio system. A receiver is the listening side; the transmitting side is what sends your voice out.
Example Sentence 1
When both communications receivers went quiet, the pilot suspected an electrical problem and checked the avionics master switch.
Example Sentence 2
Before departure the crew verified both communications receivers were tuned to the ground frequency for taxi instructions.