Military Flight Call Signs Quiz

A code word used by air traffic controllers to identify military aircraft.

The military service that operates an aircraft, such as the Army, Navy, or Air Force.

A prefix used before a military aircraft call sign to indicate the type of aircraft.

In military call signs, the aircraft's call sign is always prefixed with the name of the military service.

A letter 'Z' added to a military call sign to indicate that the flight is being piloted by a student.

The prefix 'E' is used for medical air evacuation flights.

The prefix 'VM' is used for U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft.

A special call sign assigned to Presidential aircraft to alert controllers that special handling is required.

A clearance issued to a pilot to maintain Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions. This is essentially an advisory clearance reminding the pilot that IFR clearance is not issued or active, and the aircraft must remain in VFR conditions.

Used by pilots who wish to depart on an IFR clearance but then proceed VFR once they reach VFR conditions. It allows them to cancel the IFR clearance and continue on visual flight rules.

A type of flight where a pilot remains on an IFR clearance but maintains flight in VFR conditions and can deviate from the assigned altitude. The pilot avoids canceling IFR clearance for potential later use.

When a pilot requests "Maintain VFR on Top" clearance, they relinquish the controller's responsibility for separating the aircraft from other IFR aircraft. The pilot takes on the responsibility for remaining in VFR conditions and seeing and avoiding other aircraft.

When the President of the United States is onboard a military aircraft, the call sign is the military service name followed by "one" (e.g., "Air Force One").

When the President of the United States is onboard a civilian aircraft, the call sign is "Executive One."

When a member of the President's family is onboard an aircraft, but the President is not, the call sign is suffixed with the letter "F" (for "foxtrot").

When the Vice President of the United States is onboard an aircraft, the call sign is the military branch name followed by "Two" (e.g., "Navy Two").

The Vice President's family traveling in an aircraft has the call sign suffixed with the letter "F" (for "foxtrot").

It is preferred for an airplane to be cleared to its filed destination airport. This allows the pilots to plan the entire route in case of radio failure.

If the controller cannot issue a clearance to the destination airport, the pilot should be cleared to an intermediate fix and then informed of the expected route.

Every departing IFR aircraft must be issued an initial route that leads from the airport to the route contained in the clearance. This can be a published SID route or a heading.

A controller instruction for an aircraft to fly in a holding pattern, waiting for further clearance.

A specific point in the sky where an aircraft begins or ends a holding pattern.

A series of turns and straight legs flown by an aircraft in a holding pattern.

The aircraft's route from the holding fix to the next waypoint.

A phrase used in air traffic control communications when an aircraft is cleared for takeoff or landing.

The phrase used when the aircraft's route has not changed since entering the holding pattern.

The expected behavior of a pilot after being cleared to depart from the holding pattern.

A statement by the controller, informing the pilot of the altitude to maintain.

An IFR clearance that allows a pilot to fly at any altitude between a specified minimum and maximum altitude.

An IFR clearance that requires an aircraft to cross a specific navigational fix at a predetermined altitude. The pilot can change altitude at a desired rate, but the crossing restriction must be met.

A phraseology used by air traffic controllers when an aircraft is required to descend at the aircraft's optimal rate of climb or descent.

When a new altitude is assigned to an aircraft, the pilot is expected to climb or descend at a rate suitable for their aircraft's performance.

An initial IFR Clearance that allows the pilot to operate at any altitude between the assigned altitude and the minimum IFR altitude, provided the clearance is verbally cleared by ATC.

When a pilot requests that an IFR clearance be reissued at a future time, air traffic controllers must grant the request and assume separation responsibility for that aircraft.

IFR stands for Instrument Flight Rules, a set of regulations that pilots must follow when flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and in controlled airspace.

ATC stands for Air Traffic Control, a system of regulations and procedures used to manage air traffic and ensure safe and efficient air travel.

A navigational fix is a specific location in the airspace that is used for navigation and air traffic control purposes.

A communication phrase used by air traffic controllers to inform pilots that a specific instruction is expected in a later clearance.

A phrase used by pilots to inform the controller of their intended actions after completing a maneuver.

An affirmative response, used instead of "yes" in radio communication.

A negative response, used instead of "no" in radio communication.

Communication procedures using standardized phrases and abbreviations to reduce miscommunication in aviation.

Specific instructions for pilots, provided by air traffic controllers to maintain flight safety and efficiency.

The pilot provides a detailed plan of intended flight route after receiving instructions from ATC.

A communication technique used by air traffic controllers to provide advance notice about future instructions, helping pilots prepare for potential radio failures.