Airports Classification Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic of Commercial Service Airports?

They have at least 2,500 passenger boardings each calendar year. (correct)

They can only provide general aviation services.

They primarily serve cargo flights.

They are exclusively privately-owned.

What does 'landed weight' refer to in the context of Cargo Service Airports?

The weight of aircraft transporting only cargo. (correct)

The total weight of aircraft regardless of cargo.

The weight of aircraft transporting passengers.

The maximum takeoff weight of the aircraft.

Which type of airport is designated to relieve congestion at Commercial Service Airports?

Seaplane Bases

Cargo Service Airports

Reliever Airports (correct)

General Aviation Airports

What distinguishes General Aviation Airports from the other types of airports?

They serve a variety of flight operations not categorized under the other types. Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the definition of an airport?

Areas used for both takeoff and landing of aircraft. Signup and view all the answers

Seaplane bases are classified under which category of airport?

General Aviation Airports Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Passenger Boardings is correct?

It can include passengers continuing on international flights for non-traffic reasons. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes Cargo Service Airports?

They provide services specifically for aircraft transporting cargo over 100 million pounds annually. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of taxiway centerline lead-off lights?

To provide visual guidance for exiting the runway Signup and view all the answers

How far beyond the landing threshold do steady-burning white lights extend?

3,000 feet or to the midpoint of the runway Signup and view all the answers

What color lights are installed for taxiway centerline lead-on lights?

Green Signup and view all the answers

What do land and hold short lights indicate?

The hold short point on certain runways approved for LAHSO Signup and view all the answers

How can a pilot control lighting at selected nontowered airports?

By using the airport control radio frequency Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of clearance bar lights?

To indicate the holding position in low visibility conditions Signup and view all the answers

What do runway guard lights enhance at taxiway/runway intersections?

The visibility of taxiway/runway intersections Signup and view all the answers

What color light is associated with stop bar lights?

Red Signup and view all the answers

What are obstructions marked or lighted to do?

Warn pilots of their presence at all times Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical component of the FAA's priority concerning airport safety?

Reducing runway incursions Signup and view all the answers

What lighting is used for daytime obstruction visibility?

High intensity white lights Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a taxiway holding position?

A row of in-pavement yellow lights Signup and view all the answers

Which light color pattern is used for lead-off and lead-on functions?

Alternate green and yellow Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the enhanced taxiway centerline marking?

To extend 150 feet prior to a runway holding position marking. Signup and view all the answers

When should an aircraft hold only at an ILS critical area boundary?

When specifically instructed by ATC. Signup and view all the answers

What do yellow 'Xs' indicate on runways?

They mark permanently closed runways. Signup and view all the answers

What color is a mandatory instruction sign at an airport?

Red with white inscription. Signup and view all the answers

What type of sign identifies a taxiway or runway location?

Location sign. Signup and view all the answers

Which sign provides information on locating other areas such as terminals?

Destination sign. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken when there are no holding position markings present at a taxiway intersection?

Stop at a safe distance from the intersection. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the purpose of an airport beacon?

To identify the airport at night. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sign is black with yellow inscription and no arrows?

Location sign. Signup and view all the answers

What does a lighted 'X' on a runway signify?

The runway is temporarily closed. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sign is used to provide information on radio frequencies?

Information sign. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary color of the direction signs at airports?

Yellow with black inscription. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of airport operations, what do runway distance remaining signs show?

The distance of remaining runway in thousands of feet. Signup and view all the answers

What must a pilot do if they cannot comply with LAHSO instructions?

Advise ATC of their inability to comply Signup and view all the answers

LAHSO operations are generally not authorized during which of the following conditions?

Low visibility due to fog Signup and view all the answers

What color and character format does a taxiway direction sign use?

Yellow background with black characters Signup and view all the answers

How are destination signs structured at an airport?

With black characters on a yellow background and directional arrows Signup and view all the answers

What do enhanced taxiway centerline markings indicate?

There’s an upcoming runway holding position Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about ILS critical area signs is true?

They mark areas that must remain clear for ILS signals. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a clearance involves holding short of another runway?

Pilots must either stop or exit the runway. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is incorrect regarding student pilots and LAHSO?

Student pilots can participate in LAHSO operations. Signup and view all the answers

When taxiing, where are direction signs typically located?

On the left side prior to the intersection Signup and view all the answers

What separates multiple destinations on taxiway signs that share a common taxi route?

Vertical black message divider Signup and view all the answers

How can you identify a runway holding position sign?

Red background with white characters Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of LAHSO operations?

To expedite landings and departures. Signup and view all the answers

Which color is NOT associated with taxiway direction signs?

Blue Signup and view all the answers

What color are the Runway Status Lights (RWSL) when it is unsafe to enter a runway?

Red Signup and view all the answers

What do Takeoff Hold Lights (THL) indicate to pilots?

The runway is occupied and it is unsafe to take off Signup and view all the answers

What color flashes identify a military airport?

Two quick white flashes alternating with a green flash Signup and view all the answers

Which visual indicator can help pilots determine wind direction when ATC is not available?

Tetrahedron Signup and view all the answers

Which visual glidepath system provides two glidepaths?

Three-bar VASI Signup and view all the answers

At airports without a control tower, a segmented circle visual indicator provides information on what?

Traffic pattern information Signup and view all the answers

Which runway status light provides warnings to aircraft crossing or entering a runway?

Runway Entrance Lights (REL) Signup and view all the answers

What do the runway centerline lights display when viewed from the landing threshold for the last 3,000 feet?

Alternating white and red lights Signup and view all the answers

How can pilots estimate wind velocity in addition to direction?

Watching a wind sock Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lighting is used to indicate the touchdown zone on some precision approach runways?

Touchdown zone lights (TDZL) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical traffic pattern altitude for propeller-driven aircraft?

From 600 feet to 1,500 feet AGL Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended pattern altitude for traffic patterns?

1,000' AGL Signup and view all the answers

What color light indicates that a pilot is on the glidepath in a typical VASI system?

Steady white Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of approach light systems?

To transition from instrument flight to visual flight for landing Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of landing strip indicators?

To provide alignment of landing strips Signup and view all the answers

When should a pilot commence the turn to the crosswind leg if remaining in the traffic pattern?

Within 300 feet of pattern altitude Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate action after takeoff or a go-around?

Continue straight ahead until beyond the departure end of the runway Signup and view all the answers

When should pilots consult wind direction indicators even if ATC provides information?

Even when ATC information is available because accuracy is not guaranteed Signup and view all the answers

What type of lights outline the edges of runways during night operations?

Runway edge lights Signup and view all the answers

What special care should be taken when using a tetrahedron at airports with control towers?

Control tower instructions take precedence over its indications Signup and view all the answers

How is a 'below glidepath' condition indicated in a tri-color visual approach slope indicator system?

Steady red light Signup and view all the answers

What spacing is used in the 8.33 kHz channel plan implemented in certain countries?

8.33 kHz spacing Signup and view all the answers

Which VASI installation provides visual glidepath and obstruction clearance primarily within 10° of the runway centerline?

Two-bar VASI Signup and view all the answers

What should a pilot do if they experience a malfunction of their radio before landing at a towered airport?

Remain outside or above Class D airspace until traffic is identified Signup and view all the answers

Where are traffic pattern indicators typically installed?

On or near the end of the runway Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of wind direction indicator?

Segregated light Signup and view all the answers

What type of communication capability is required to operate at a towered airport?

Two-way radio communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of runway end identifier lights (REIL)?

To provide rapid identification of the approach end of a runway Signup and view all the answers

When entering the traffic pattern, where should a pilot be at pattern altitude?

Abeam the midpoint of the runway Signup and view all the answers

What should pilots do regarding traffic patterns during flight?

Avoid traffic patterns whenever possible Signup and view all the answers

What type of lighting indicates when an aircraft is 'slightly below glidepath' in a pulsating VASI?

Steady red light Signup and view all the answers

In what configuration do traffic pattern indicators appear?

In pairs with landing strip indicators Signup and view all the answers

What type of information do aeronautical charts provide about airports?

Communication frequencies and services available Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lighting system helps pilots during adverse visibility conditions on some precision approach runways?

Runway centerline lighting system (RCLS) Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct response if an aircraft is departing the traffic pattern?

Exit with a 45° turn beyond the departure end of the runway Signup and view all the answers

Which type of radio is most commonly used in general aviation?

VHF radio Signup and view all the answers

How often is the Chart Supplement U.S. published and revised?

Every 56 days Signup and view all the answers

What color lights are used at the end of runways to indicate the conclusion of the runway?

Red lights Signup and view all the answers

Why was the 8.33 kHz channel plan adopted by ICAO?

To alleviate frequency congestion in Europe Signup and view all the answers

What key type of information is included in NOTAMs?

Time-critical aeronautical information Signup and view all the answers

What visual indicator is typically used to signify 'above glidepath' in a tri-color visual approach slope indicator?

Amber light Signup and view all the answers

What does ATIS stand for and what is its primary purpose?

Automatic Terminal Information Service for weather and non-control information Signup and view all the answers

What should a pilot use when communicating with ATC?

Standard terminology and phonetic alphabet Signup and view all the answers

What does the ATIS code signify when a pilot makes initial contact with air traffic control?

The version of the ATIS message received Signup and view all the answers

What action is prohibited when completing a turn to final in a traffic pattern?

Overshooting final approach Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options is NOT a common source of airport data?

Pilot Operating Handbook Signup and view all the answers

When should a pilot maintain pattern altitude during a downwind leg?

Until abeam the approach end of the runway Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for pilots to review NOTAMs before a flight?

To identify time-critical aeronautical information affecting the flight Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action if a pilot loses communication?

Look for visual signals from the tower Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of surface painted runway holding position signs?

To indicate where to stop when approaching a runway Signup and view all the answers

What kind of markings and signs are used at airports?

Vertical and surface signs along with painted surface markings Signup and view all the answers

What information may you find in a Chart Supplement U.S. that is not specific to airport operations?

Federal Aviation Administration contact numbers Signup and view all the answers

When is it permissible to taxi past a runway holding position sign at a nontowered airport?

When the runway is clear of aircraft Signup and view all the answers

When is the ATIS information typically updated?

Once every hour, or more frequently if needed Signup and view all the answers

What do the markings consist of at the runway holding position?

Four yellow lines, two solid and two dashed Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'squawk' refer to in transponder operation?

A code request or function for the transponder Signup and view all the answers

Which transponder mode is activated for automatic altitude reporting?

MODE C Signup and view all the answers

What does the runway distance remaining sign indicate?

The remaining landing runway length in thousands of feet Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using ATIS before calling air traffic control?

It ensures that pilots have up-to-date information without overloading the frequency. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by runway numbers at an airport?

The orientation of the runway relative to magnetic north Signup and view all the answers

The term 'STOP SQUAWK' is used to indicate what action?

Switch off specified mode Signup and view all the answers

Which description accurately states the runway designation marking rules?

Runway designations are determined from the approach direction Signup and view all the answers

What action must you take before crossing the double solid lines at a runway holding position?

Stop and ensure no part of the aircraft intersects the first solid line Signup and view all the answers

Which publication would you refer to for an example of runway markings?

Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of Automatic Dependent Surveillance−Broadcast (ADS-B)?

To increase the capacity and efficiency of airspace Signup and view all the answers

What frequency do ADS-B equipped aircraft typically exchange information on?

978 or 1090 MHz Signup and view all the answers

What must you do if you receive a land and hold short (LAHSO) clearance?

Ensure that no part of the aircraft extends beyond the hold markings Signup and view all the answers

Why are surface markings and signs important for pilots at airports?

To assist in safe navigation and operation on the airport grounds Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can you cross the runway holding position markings when exiting the runway?

No clearance is needed to cross the marking Signup and view all the answers

Which transponder code is used for emergency situations in civil aviation?

Code 7700 Signup and view all the answers

What information is provided to pilots during traffic advisories?

Azimuth, distance, and type of the target Signup and view all the answers

What minimum conditions are required to receive a LAHSO clearance?

Minimum ceiling of 1,000 feet and visibility of 3 statute miles Signup and view all the answers

What should a pilot do before accepting a LAHSO clearance?

Verify reduced runway distances and compliance capability Signup and view all the answers

What is a common risk associated with wake turbulence generated by large aircraft?

Rolling moments exceeding control authority Signup and view all the answers

What should you observe when getting ready to cross or taxi onto the runway?

Always look both ways before proceeding Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Traffic Information Services-Broadcast (TIS-B) in the ADS-B system?

To enhance situational awareness of users Signup and view all the answers

What does 'SQUAWK VFR' command the transponder to do?

Operate on Code 1200 for VFR Signup and view all the answers

What is a relocated threshold?

A temporary threshold marked during runway maintenance. Signup and view all the answers

How are parallel runways designated differently?

By letters L, R, or C beneath the number Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Traffic Advisories' refer to?

Notifications about nearby aircraft Signup and view all the answers

How are parallel runways identified?

By adding a directional letter to the runway number. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about runway holding position signs?

They should never be disregarded under any circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that you have completely crossed the runway when exiting?

The entire aircraft must cross both the dashed and solid lines Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does the runway safety area (RSA) serve?

To reduce risk during runway excursions and enhance emergency access. Signup and view all the answers

When 'SQUAWK Low/Normal' is mentioned, what action is being commanded?

Adjust sensitivity of the transponder Signup and view all the answers

What additional feature does the 1090 MHz frequency provide for transponder operations?

Extended squitter messages with additional information Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the yellow arrowheads placed on the runway?

The spot prior to the relocated threshold bar. Signup and view all the answers

What color and dimensions define a standard threshold bar?

White and 10 feet wide. Signup and view all the answers

Which sign is used to indicate a runway holding position?

A red background sign with white characters outlined in black. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a displaced threshold?

To decrease the landing distance available. Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of the runway safety area boundary sign?

It faces the runway only when exiting. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a portion of the runway is closed and the threshold is relocated?

The length of the opposite direction runway is shortened. Signup and view all the answers

What visual cue helps pilots recognize they're clear of the runway safety boundary area?

A yellow sign with black markings and surface painted markings. Signup and view all the answers

What is marked on the runway to indicate a taxiway's intersection with a runway?

A runway holding position sign with runway designations. Signup and view all the answers

What are the directional letters added to runway numbers in parallel runways?

Left, Center, Right. Signup and view all the answers

When should an aircraft not enter the runway safety area?

Without ensuring adequate separation from other aircraft. Signup and view all the answers

What should a pilot do if both receiver and transmitter are inoperative?

Remain outside of Class D airspace and watch for light signals. Signup and view all the answers

How can a pilot acknowledge ATC transmissions during daylight hours?

By rocking the wings. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding radar signals?

Radar signals typically degrade over distance. Signup and view all the answers

What does a steady green light signal indicate for aircraft in flight?

Clear to land. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the transponder in the ATC radar beacon system?

To transmit aircraft position information. Signup and view all the answers

What should a pilot do when communicating with ATC is not possible?

Contact ATC by telephone for VFR departure. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of radar provides better visibility around mountainous terrain?

Automatic Dependent Surveillance−Broadcast (ADS−B). Signup and view all the answers

What does a flashing red signal indicate for vehicles on the ground?

Stop and clear the taxiway. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is incorrect regarding no radio communications at non-towered airports?

All traffic is aware of your presence. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ATC Radar Beacon System assist with?

Alleviating limitations of primary radar. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if ATC allows a VFR departure without two-way communication?

Monitor the frequency or watch for light signals. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of radio waves can cause them to not travel in a straight line?

Temperature inversions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the 'alternating red and green' light signal?

Exercise extreme caution. Signup and view all the answers

How many possible codes can a transponder transmit?

4,096 possible codes. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when radar signals encounter heavy precipitation?

They degrade. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a towered airport?

It has a control tower and requires two-way radio communication. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a nontowered airport?

There is no operating control tower. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) is true?

CTAF is used for advisory communications at nontowered airports. Signup and view all the answers

What is a private airport?

An airport owned and operated by a single individual or group, restricted for private use. Signup and view all the answers

When approaching a nontowered airport, what is the preferred method of entering the traffic pattern?

Join the pattern at midfield on a 45-degree angle to the downwind leg. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of Air Traffic Control (ATC) at towered airports?

To provide safe and orderly flow of air traffic. Signup and view all the answers

What should pilots do if they cannot comply with ATC instructions?

Request amended instructions as soon as possible. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common safety practice when flying in the pattern of a nontowered airport?

Announce intentions and adjust speed as necessary. Signup and view all the answers

How high should pilots remain above the traffic pattern altitude when large or turbine aircraft are present?

2,000 feet AGL. Signup and view all the answers

What does UNICOM do at a nontowered airport?

Offers airport information and weather updates. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of nontowered airports compared to towered airports?

Nontowered airports cannot issue clearances. Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a type of airport mentioned?

Commercial airport. Signup and view all the answers

How should a pilot handle a radio communication failure at a nontowered airport?

Use self-announce procedures on CTAF. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of pattern altitude, usually specified at nontowered airports?

It facilitates safe traffic separation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended speed range for fixed-gear singles in the traffic pattern?

70 to 80 knots. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Airport Operations

Airports range from small sod fields to large carrier complexes.
Airports are defined as any land or water area used or intended for aircraft landing/takeoff, encompassing seaplane bases, heliports, and tiltrotor facilities. Also includes airport buildings, facilities, and rights of way.
Airports are categorized by activity:
- Commercial Service: Publicly owned, 2,500+ passenger boardings annually, scheduled passenger service (including international layovers for non-passenger activities, like refueling). Enplanements are also used to denote passenger boardings
- Cargo Service: Airports served by cargo-only aircraft with >100 million lb annual landed weight.
- Reliever: Designated by FAA to relieve commercial airport congestion, improve general aviation access.
- General Aviation: Remainder of airports in U.S.; largest category; includes private, public-use airports, with 2,500+ annual passenger boardings and scheduled service.

Types of Airports

Airports are categorized as towered or non-towered.
- Civil: Open to the general public.
- Military/Federal: Operated by military, NASA, or other federal agencies.
- Private: Restricted use, not open to the general public.

Towered Airport

Has an operating control tower.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) manages air traffic flow.
Pilots must communicate with ATC via two-way radio, follow instructions, and report deviations, even in emergencies.

Non-Towered Airport

Lacks a control tower.
Two-way radio communication is not mandatory but recommended.
Pilots should use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to communicate intentions.
Frequencies for CTAF are identified in aviation publications (UNICOM, MULTICOM, Flight Service Station (FSS), or tower frequency).
- UNICOM: Provides weather, wind, runway recommendations, etc.; available at public use airports without a tower or FSS.
Entry patterns at standard altitude (normally 1,500 ft AGL) – 2,000 ft AGL if large or turbine aircraft operate at the airport.
Entry points (downwind side): 45° approach to the downwind leg; join at midfield.
Entry from the upwind side: Announce intentions, cross midfield at least 500 ft above pattern altitude.

Recommended Communication Procedures

Table summarizing communication procedures at various airport facilities (no tower or UNICOM; no tower or FSS; no tower or UNICOM/FSS closed) before taxiing, 10 miles out, entering downwind, base, and final, leaving a runway.

Airport Data Sources

Aeronautical Charts: Specific airport information.
Chart Supplement U.S.: Comprehensive airport, heliport, and seaplane base data, revised every 56 days, available digitally and in printed format. Lists special notices, FAA and NWS contacts, IFR/VFR routing, VOR checkpoints, NOTAMs, land and hold short operations, airport diagrams, EFAS, and facility phone numbers.
Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs): Temporary or time-critical information affecting flights; includes taxiway/runway closures, construction, navigation aid changes, etc. Pilots should always check NOTAMs before every flight.
Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS): Recorded local weather, non-control information (runways in use, ATC procedures, construction) updated hourly or more frequently, ATIS Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc. are identifiers for recorded broadcasts.

Airport Markings and Signs

Airport markings and signs are used for surface navigation.
- Runway markings vary based on VFR operations (centerline, runway numbers, parallel runways with letters (L,C,R))
- Relocated threshold: White bar to mark the new threshold, yellow arrowheads prior to the threshold bar.
- Displaced threshold: White threshold bar, white arrows on the runway.
Runway Safety Area (RSA): Defined area surrounding a runway to reduce damage in undershoots, overshoots, or excursions. Dimensions given by AC 150/5300-13.
Runway holding position signs and markings: Red/white painted signs and lines instructing taxiing aircraft to stop to prevent runway incursions (towered/non-towered airport procedures).
Runway distance remaining signs (black background, white numbers): Indicate landing distance remaining in thousands of feet.
Runway designation markings: Runway numbers/letters determining from approach direction (parallel runways using letters L, R, or C).
Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO): ATC procedure for simultaneous operations on intersecting runways. Pilots must comply or obtain an exemption.
Taxiway markings and signs: Yellow background, black characters (indication of taxiway designation, direction, and intersection directions with arrows).
Destination signs (yellow background, black characters and arrows): Indicate taxi routes to airports, terminals. cargo, and military areas.

Airport Lighting

Airport lighting is standardized by the use of light colours.
Airport beacons are normally used from dusk to dawn, or when VFR minimums are met (ceiling below 1,000 ft or ground visibility below 3 miles).
- Civilian land airports: Flashing white and green.
- Water airports: Flashing white and yellow.
- Heliports: Flashing white, yellow, and green.
  - Military airports: Two quick white flashes alternating with a green flash.
Approach light systems: Facilitate transitions from instrument to visual flight for landing (precision/nonprecision runways).
Visual Glideslope Indicators (VASI): Provide glidepath information (Obstruction clearance, specify touchdown points on runways)
- 2-bar VASI: One glidepath at 3° angle.
- 3-bar VASI: Two glidepaths (lower at 3°, upper ¼ degree above.)
Other Glidepath Systems (PAPI): Lights in a single row.
Runway Lighting (REIL, runway edge lights, in-runway, taxiways): Identifying elements of runway complex.

Wind Direction Indicators

Wind information is provided by ATC, FSS personnel, or remote communication outlets, or indirectly via CTAF (at airports with appropriate infrastructure capacities).
For those without these services, visual wind indicators are used (wind cones, wind socks, tetrahedrons, wind tees).

Traffic Patterns

Traffic patterns vary at airports with and without operating towers
Pattern altitudes for propeller-driven aircraft generally range from 600 ft to 1,500 ft AGL. Traffic pattern altitudes for military turbojet aircraft sometimes extend up to 2,500 ft AGL.
- Pilots should check the Chart Supplement U.S. for traffic pattern altitudes.
At airports without control towers, segmented circles, if installed, provide pattern information with wind/landing indicators, strip indicator, and traffic indicators.

Radio Communications

Pilots operating at towered airports (and in many parts of the airspace system) require two-way radio communication.
Radio station license requirements and procedures should be understood. International operations require a restricted radiotelephone permit from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). General aviation aircraft are usually exempt from station license requirement, unless other circumstances apply.
VHF radios (720 or 760 channels) are common.
ICAO adopted 8.33 kHz channel spacing for VHF ATC channels to address shortages; applicable to western Europe and UK.
Radio phraseology and procedures are key for safe and efficient operations. The Pilot/Controller glossary in the AIM is a helpful resource.
Pilots must know how to handle lost communication situations (with or without tower).

Air Traffic Control (ATC) Services

Primary Radar: Range, azimuth, and elevation information on objects, but it has limitations regarding maintaining a continuous position update for any part of the aircraft under non-control conditions.
ATC Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS/Secondary Surveillance Radar): Consists of an interrogator, transponder, and radarscope. Reinforces radar targets, allows rapid target identification, and provides a unique display of selected codes.
Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B): More accurate and rapid surveillance in the National Airspace System (NAS) by broadcasting aircraft position information to ground stations and nearby ADS-B equipped aircraft. Includes 1090ES and UAT.

Wake Turbulence

All aircraft generate wake turbulence.
Wake from larger aircraft poses problems to encountering aircraft. Pilots must anticipate wake turbulence and adjust flight paths.

Other Markings/Signs

Other airport markings, including vehicle roadway markings, VOR receiver checkpoint markings, and non-movement area boundary markings, are discussed (their general layout and location on airport markings).

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on various types of airports and their characteristics with this quiz. Explore key concepts such as cargo service airports, commercial service airports, and general aviation airports. Challenge yourself to see how well you understand airport definitions and classifications.