Definition
A momentary switch, typically mounted on the control yoke or side stick, that the pilot presses and holds to transmit voice over the aircraft radio. While the switch is pressed, the radio is in transmit mode; when released, the radio returns to receive mode.
Plain English
A button you press and hold while talking on the radio. Press to talk, release to listen.
Context Anchor
Found in cockpit communication equipment and used any time the pilot makes a radio call.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents simultaneous transmissions on the same frequency, ensuring clear two-way communication and avoiding blocked or garbled messages.
Intuition Check
Do not think of it as the radio itself. The push-to-talk switch only turns the pilot’s microphone transmission on while it is being held down.
Example Sentence 1
She pressed the push-to-talk switch on the yoke and called, "Tower, Cessna 8412 Romeo, ready for departure."
Example Sentence 2
Releasing the push-to-talk switch immediately after the transmission keeps the frequency open for other aircraft.