Military Flight Call Signs Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the pronunciation for the call sign R23956?

Navy two three nine five six

Air Force two three nine five six

National Guard two three nine five six

Army two three niner five six (correct)

Which prefix corresponds to the U.S. Coast Guard?

C (correct)

What is the significance of the suffix 'Z' when used with military training flights?

Alerts controllers that special handling may be required (correct)

Signifies a delay in the flight schedule

Designates a civilian flight

Indicates a flight number is invalid

Which military service is represented by the prefix 'M'?

Military Airlift Command (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which call sign indicates a Canadian Armed Force aircraft?

CAF95 (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of operation does the prefix 'E' denote?

Medical Air Evacuation (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which prefix is assigned to the U.S. Army?

R (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the call sign VV1963 signify?

U.S. Navy (B) Signup and view all the answers

What call sign is used when the president is aboard a civilian aircraft?

Executive One (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which suffix is added to the call sign when a family member of the president is on board without the president?

F (B) Signup and view all the answers

When the vice president is aboard an aircraft, what prefix is used for the call sign?

Two (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should a pilot be cleared to if the controller cannot issue clearance to the final destination?

Intermediate fix (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase must precede a heading issued to a departing IFR aircraft?

Fly heading (C) Signup and view all the answers

What action must a pilot take when issued a 'turn right heading' directive?

Turn right towards any heading (A) Signup and view all the answers

What term is used for the type of route every departing IFR aircraft must be issued?

Standard Instrument Departure (SID) (C) Signup and view all the answers

If a pilot is assigned a 'fly heading' instruction, what is expected?

Turn in the direction that results in the shortest turn (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a "cruise" clearance for an IFR aircraft?

To allow the pilot to choose any altitude between the assigned altitude and the minimum IFR altitude (A) Signup and view all the answers

When a pilot receives a "cruise" clearance to a destination airport with an operating ATC tower, what is the most likely reason for this?

The airport is a smaller, less busy airport without a tower (D) Signup and view all the answers

If a pilot has been issued a "cruise" clearance and subsequently begins to descend, what is the requirement for returning to a previously vacated altitude?

The pilot must request a clearance to return to the vacated altitude from ATC (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the "cross" (X) clearance instruction in air traffic control communications?

To ensure the aircraft meets a specific altitude restriction for separation or ATC procedures (C) Signup and view all the answers

When a controller issues a crossing restriction, what options does the pilot have regarding altitude change?

The pilot may climb or descend at any rate but must maintain the restricted altitude at the fix (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard phraseology used by a controller to instruct a pilot to descend at their optimal rate?

Descend now (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would NOT typically be a reason for a controller to issue a "cross" (X) clearance?

To allow the pilot to descend at their optimal rate (A) Signup and view all the answers

When a new altitude is assigned to an aircraft, what is the pilot's responsibility regarding climb or descent?

Climb or descend at the aircraft's optimal rate (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step a controller should take when permitting an aircraft to leave the holding fix?

Issue the new clearance limit. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If the route has not changed since entry into the holding pattern, what phrase may be used?

Cleared via last routing. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What must pilots do after being cleared to leave the holding pattern?

Wait until they cross the holding fix. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the example provided, what altitude was Jetstream nine alpha victor instructed to maintain?

Five thousand feet. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'acknowledge' signify when used by a controller?

The pilot should inform the controller that the message has been received. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When issuing a clearance, what is the correct sequence of communication?

New clearance limit, route of flight, assigned altitude. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In standard phraseology, how should a controller refer to an aircraft cleared to land?

Cleared to land. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary expectation of a pilot after being cleared to leave a holding pattern?

To follow the assigned route without shortcuts. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'maintain VFR' signify for pilots on an IFR flight plan?

It is an advisory clearance reminding pilots to stay in VFR conditions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario typically leads a pilot to request a VFR clearance while on an IFR flight plan?

The pilot has reached VFR conditions and plans to cancel IFR clearance. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'VFR on top' allow a pilot to do?

Change altitudes while maintaining visual flight rules. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What key responsibility does the pilot assume when given a VFR on top clearance?

To separate the aircraft from other IFR aircraft. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When can air traffic controllers issue a 'maintain VFR' clearance?

Only upon the pilot's specific request. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one condition where an IFR clearance may remain in effect while intending to maintain VFR?

When the pilot anticipates needing IFR clearance later in the flight. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does a VFR clearance differ from an IFR clearance in terms of separation responsibilities?

Pilots under VFR clearance are solely responsible for maintaining separation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does FAR 91 state regarding VFR pilots flying IFR in controlled airspace?

They are not allowed to fly IFR without a clearance in controlled airspace. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these phrases would be used by an air traffic controller to inform a pilot about a potential upcoming instruction, providing them a sense of anticipation and preparation in case of communication failure?

Expect the ILS runway one seven approach at Danville (C) Signup and view all the answers

When would an air traffic controller typically use the phrase 'say intentions'?

Following a maneuver performed by a pilot (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using standardized phrases and abbreviations in air traffic control communication?

To reduce the risk of miscommunication and potential accidents (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'affirmative' in the context of air traffic communications?

It is a more concise way to express a positive response over the radio, ensuring clarity in challenging communication environments. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why would a pilot appreciate being given advance notice about potential future instructions through the use of the word 'expect'?

It allows the pilot to plan and adjust their flight path accordingly, especially if radio communication fails. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a clear example of the use of standardized phrases in air traffic control communications?

Pilot: 'Roger that, I'll climb to six thousand.' Controller: 'Affirmative, expect the ILS runway one seven approach at Danville.' (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial for air traffic controllers to resist using slang or colloquial language when communicating with pilots?

It can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of instructions, potentially compromising flight safety. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a pilot hears the phrase 'descend and maintain one zero thousand, expect lower altitude in five miles' from an air traffic controller, what should the pilot understand from this instruction?

That the pilot is being instructed to descend to one zero thousand feet and may receive further instructions to lower their altitude in the next five miles. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aircraft Phraseology and Identification

Pilot clearances permit various maneuvers (landing, touch-and-go, low approach) during training or flight evaluation.
"Cleared" is used for IFR clearances before departure, including necessary details (aircraft identification, departure instructions, route, altitudes, holding instructions, etc., if needed).
Aircraft are identified using standard procedures to prevent confusion and incorrect instructions. Correct identification is crucial for safe air traffic control.
Airlines use unique designated names and flight numbers.
Aircraft use distinctive call signs for identification (e.g., airline name followed by flight number).
FAA-approved aircraft identification consists of the airline name followed by the flight number.

General Aviation Aircraft Call Signs

General aviation aircraft have call signs consisting of the aircraft type and a unique serial number.
Call signs use a serial number assigned by the FAA, up to five numbers or letters
The letter N signifies U.S.-registered aircraft.
Serial numbers are enunciated individually during communications
Aircraft types and serial numbers (e.g., N number followed by the aircraft type).

Military Aircraft Call Signs

Military aircraft use a variety of call signs that include numbers, letters, and words.
Call signs often begin with the military service name (e.g., Army, Navy, Air Force).
The prefixes identify the particular military service (e.g. US Air Force).
Call signs are often composed of a combination of letters and numbers.

Presidential Aircraft Call Signs

Special call signs are assigned to alert controllers to any special handling needed, when the president or vice president is aboard.
The call sign (e.g., Air Force One, Marine One) is displayed as a combination of the military service and "one", indicating the president is on board.

Destination or Intermediate Fix

Presidential aircraft clearances are typically to destination airport.
Controllers may issue alternative routing if the destination airport is not possible
Clearances may be issued with intermediate fixes, telling the pilot expected route and estimated hold time

Departure Instructions

IFR aircraft are issued an initial route (e.g., SID route or heading) from the departure airport.
Headings can either be a turn right (TR), turn left (TL), or fly heading (FH)
Pilots are often assigned a heading to fly until they reach a specific airway or navigation aid (e.g., airway).

Altitude Assignments

Altitude assignments are provided to pilots that specify whether specific altitude should be used or if climbing and descending are allowed based on pilot discretion.
Maintain VFR altitudes require pilots to stay within VFR weather conditions.

Route of Flight

IFR routes consist of an airway or navaids leading to a clearance limit.
"Cleared as filed" (CAF) is used when the route matches the filed ICAO flight plan. For aircraft operating with out radar the first airway is added to the clearance.
If the route needs to change, only the changed part of the clearance is issued or "unable routing requested" is added if major changes are required.
Once aircraft is in flight, any amended clearance portions are issued and pilot is told exact time of departure based on controller information

Holding Instructions

Holding patterns are required when aircraft must remain clear of traffic congestion; a holding pattern follows a specific designated path.
Holding instructions usually include direction of holding from a navigation aid, name of holding fix, specific route/radial, leg length (in miles or minutes), direction of turns, and/or expected exit time.

Required Reports

Reports are required by controllers to provide updated information on aircraft crossing points, reaching specific altitude, or leaving previously assigned altitude.
Controller frequently asks for report of crossing a navigational fix or achieving a specific altitude.

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Description

Test your knowledge of military flight call signs and their meanings. This quiz covers prefixes and suffixes associated with different branches of the military, as well as specific call signs used for various officials. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand military aviation terminology!