Communications (VFR and IFR)
Core concepts
Know standard phraseology, call signs, the phonetic alphabet, readback requirements, distress and urgency calls (MAYDAY and PAN PAN), position reporting, and the structure of a typical VFR or IFR radio call. Understand the difference between a clearance, an instruction and information, and the meaning of standard words such as "roger", "wilco", "standby" and "affirm".
Traps
Questions test whether you know which items must be read back: clearances and instructions affecting safety, runway assignments, altimeter settings and hold short instructions. Do not confuse "roger" (received) with "wilco" (will comply). Frequency and phraseology errors are common distractors. Also know that distress has priority over urgency, and that a MAYDAY should include position, nature of problem and intentions.
Worked example
You are asked to "report downwind". Rule of thumb: acknowledge with your call sign and report at the specified point, not immediately. If given "line up and wait", read back the instruction and hold position until cleared for takeoff. If a clearance is unclear, ask for clarification rather than assuming.
Exam technique
Prefer standard phraseology and complete readbacks. Answers that omit the call sign or use non-standard words are usually wrong.