Definition
A request from ATC for a pilot to establish two-way radio communication with another controller or facility on a specified frequency. Also used as a pilot report indicating a target, runway, airport, or other traffic is visually acquired.
Plain English
When ATC says 'contact,' they're telling you to switch frequencies and start talking to a different controller. When you say 'contact,' you're telling ATC you can see something they asked you about, like another aircraft or the runway.
Context Anchor
Heard in radio instructions such as tower, approach control, or center handoffs during taxi, departure, cruise, or arrival.
Derivation
From Latin contactus, meaning 'a touching' or 'to make connection with.' In aviation, it carries the same idea: making the connection — by radio with a controller, or visually with traffic or terrain.
Why Pilots Care
Allows a shorter, more efficient path to the runway when weather permits visual reference, reducing fuel use and approach time while maintaining safety.
Intuition Check
Do not read contact as physical touching here. In this radio context, contact means establish communication with the named controller or facility.
Example Sentence 1
Approach said, 'N123AB, contact Tower on 118.3,' so I switched frequencies and checked in with Tower.
Example Sentence 2
Once in visual contact with the airport environment, the pilot canceled IFR and proceeded visually to the ramp.