Definition
A word used by ATC, when used in conjunction with a frequency change, meaning to discontinue any radio communications or transmissions on the frequency the aircraft is currently operating on, and to switch to a different specified frequency. It is used to mute an aircraft that is inadvertently transmitting or causing interference on a frequency.
Plain English
An ATC instruction telling a pilot to stop transmitting on the current radio frequency and switch to a new one. Controllers use it when an aircraft is unintentionally jamming or stepping on the frequency.
Context Anchor
Usually encountered in ATC traffic-management coordination. Pilots may notice its effect as a departure delay, a delayed clearance, or a wait for release.
Derivation
The phrase combines 'stop' (cease) and 'stream' (a continuous flow). In radio use, an unintended continuous transmission is sometimes called a 'stream' of carrier or audio, so 'stop stream' literally tells the pilot to end that flow.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents conflicts and gives time to fix problems before the next aircraft reaches the runway.
Intuition Check
Do not read Stop Stream as stopping radio transmissions or stopping airflow. In this FAA use, it means stopping the flow of aircraft into a particular place or route.
Example Sentence 1
Approach called 'November One Two Three Alpha, stop stream, contact tower on one one eight point three' after the pilot's mic appeared to be stuck open.
Example Sentence 2
The controller called stop stream to allow extra spacing after a go-around.