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Experiment – Communicate by radio like a pilot

Talking over a two-way radio is very important when you’re flying an aircraft. Pilots can use the radio to talk to other people. Are you dreaming of becoming a pilot one day? Then you also need to learn how to communicate in this way.

With this craft idea, you can already learn the rules for talking over the radio. We show you step by step how to make a two-way radio out of tin cans. Ask someone for help – it’s easier and more fun with two people.

How to make a two-way radio

  1. Fetch two empty tin cans and a long piece of string.

  2. Using a hammer and a nail, make a hole in the bottom of each can. Be careful not to injure yourself. Ask an adult to help you.

  3. Poke the end of the string through the hole in one can and knot on the inside so that it can’t slip back through the hole. Do the same with the other end of the string and the second can.

  4. Your two-way radio is now ready for use.

  5. It’s best to test your radio outside.

  6. You and your friend should each take a tin can and move apart until the string is taut. Make sure that the string isn’t touching anything.

  7. Now hold your tin can to your ear and tell your friend to speak directly into their can. Can you hear anything?

Now you can start practising

When you’re using a two-way radio, only one person can speak at a time. There are some basic rules that you need to follow.
 

  • Speak clearly and calmly, and in a normal tone.
     
  • Talk and answer in short sentences.
     
  • When you’ve finished saying something, you should end with “over”. Then your friend knows that it’s their turn to speak.
     
  • When your friend has said something, you should answer with “roger that” to show that you’ve understood them – provided, of course, that you have understood everything.
     
  • If you haven’t understood something, say: “Not understood, say again, over”.
     

If you spend a lot of time practising, you’ll be able to radio like pro in no time at all. Have fun!