A practical explanation to pilots of how and why ATC procedures, working methods and RT phraseology is used. Aimed at pilots from trainees through to experienced professionals it is written in a very practical sense with a view on the real world with real people. As such, it is not a lecture-like reproduction of the rules, but explains the meanings and reasons for ATC procedures, clearances and phraseology. The intention is that it will give pilots a better understanding of the environment they are operating in, improve airmanship, improve pilot-controller understanding and consequently improve safety by giving pilots an understanding of how and why ATC use certain methods and phraseology. The author is an ex-air traffic controller, now a commercial pilot, and so is in the ideal position to explain what pilots are not taught about ATC including the ATC related issues that are useful and, in some cases, necessary for pilots to know. Real life examples and questions from fellow pilots are used to explain the subjects in a practical method. Consequently many examples are given of how to prevent incidents by including in the explanations how incorrect perceptions and misunderstandings can arise without such knowledge of ATC procedures and the issuing of clearances. Subjects include: IFR, VFR, Special VFR, collision prevention, operations inside and outside controlled airspace, weather, emergencies, explanations of clearances and how responsibilities change between the controller and the pilot with certain clearances.