Definition
An instruction or notation directing a pilot to establish radio communication with a specified facility, controller, or station. Commonly used in NOTAMs and ATC phraseology to indicate which agency the pilot should call and on what frequency.
Plain English
A short way of saying "get in touch with" — usually telling you who to call on the radio.
Context Anchor
Seen in shortened aviation notices, airport information, and instructions where space is limited.
Derivation
From Latin contactus, meaning "a touching" or "connection." In aviation radio use, it carries the sense of making a connection — establishing a working radio link with someone.
Why Pilots Care
Properly following contact instructions keeps the aircraft inside the ATC system for traffic separation and routing.
Intuition Check
Contact does not mean physical touching here. It means communicating with the named facility, agency, or person.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM read "CTC TWR 118.3" — meaning contact the tower on 118.3.
Example Sentence 2
After landing, contact ground on 121.7 for taxi instructions to the ramp.