Aviation Communication Procedures Quiz

Radio Telephony (RT) and Communications

• VHF-COM: 720 VHF radio transceiver for two-way communication. Frequency range: 118.0MHz – 136.975 MHz (25kHz). Emergency frequency: 121.5MHz.
• VHF-NAV: VHF receiver for ground-based radio navigation aids (VOR, ILS, DME, ADF).
• Transponder: Aircraft component of secondary surveillance radar (SSR).
• Other Navigation Aids: Fan Marker (MKR), Ground Controlled Approach System (GCA), Locators (L), Non-Directional Beacons (NDB), Terminal Area Radar (TAR).

Transmission Technique

• Getting ready to transmit: Select desired frequency, adjust volume, and squelch.
• Before transmitting: Listen out on the channel, decide what needs to be said.
• To transmit: Activate the "press-to-talk" function, speak clearly and deliberately, and maintain microphone proximity to lips. Be prepared to write down received messages.
• If radio malfunctions: Continue flight (stay in VMC), check frequency, switches, headset, circuit breakers, and squawk 7600 for comms failure. Transmit intentions without comms, stay in visual meteorological conditions, and land as soon as possible.

Phonetic Alphabet

• Used for clear communication of words and numbers over radio. Example: alpha, bravo, charlie, etc.

Standard Words and Phrases

• Includes terms like "Acknowledge," "Affirm," "Cleared," "Expedite," "Line up," "Downwind," "Base leg," "Final," "Go round," "Hold," "Mayday," "Pan," "Radio check," and "Verify."

The Traffic Pattern

• Diagram showing the typical traffic pattern around an airport runway, including crosswind, downwind, base, and final approach legs.

Air Traffic Service Units

• Air Traffic Control (ATC): Provides control and information service for controlled airspace. Issues clearances.
• Flight Information Service (FIS): Provides information only. No ATC clearances issued (contact still required).
• Air/Ground (A/G) radio: Provides basic information only.
• Type of ATSU varies based on the time of day.

Controlled Airspace

• Control Zone: Airspace around aerodromes. ATC service provided to all flights (surface to specified altitude).
• Control Area: Portion of airspace with ATC service (specific altitude boundaries).
• Terminal Control Area: An established Control Area around major aerodromes.
• Airway: Corridor extending five miles each side of a straight line between places. Designated with a code (e.g., LIMA 975). Delineated by radio navigation aids.
• Military Airspace: Airspace with specific restrictions.

Airfield and En-route Procedures

• Parked Position: (See page six of notes).
• Holding, Downwind, Final, Runway vacated
• En-route Communications: Employ a standard format, including callsign, aircraft type, followed by PHACER (position, heading, altitude, conditions, estimate, request)

Arrival and Traffic Pattern Procedures

• Before entering the ATZ, listen to ATIS if available and obtain an ATC route clearance if required.
• Call at 15 nautical miles or 5 minutes flying time with call sign, aircraft type, and PHACER.
• Plan entry into the circuit pattern.

COMMS FAILURE (Transmitter only)

• Carrier wave transmission (single 1-second transmit for "yes" and 2-second transmit for "no").
• Transponder squawks and heading changes as requested.
• Transit blind (others may still hear).
• Continue assigned squawk unless instructed to change to 7600 or another number.

Receiver only comms failure

• Implement alternative communication methods via NDB and VOR.
• Transmit blind if necessary.
• Be visible.
• Return to parking area if applicable.

Distress and Urgency Procedures

• Mayday: Used for imminent danger to pilot and/or the aircraft Specific situations to use Mayday: single pilot incapacitation, engine failure, fire, structural damage, forced landing, low fuel, extreme weather conditions.

• Pan-call: Used for situations that are urgent but don't immediately threaten the pilot or the aircraft

• Pan call includes: navigation difficulties, serious illness of passengers, rough engine or electric problems, deteriorating weather, and an aircraft in trouble.

• Emergency Voice procedure information required by ATC: Name of airfield, your callsign, aircraft type, nature of emergency, pilot intentions, current position, altitude, and heading, and pilot qualifications.