Communications: Radiotelephony, Phraseology and Readback
What you must know
Communications questions cover standard radiotelephony phraseology, call signs, readback requirements, distress and urgency procedures, and the use of the transponder. Understand the structure of a standard transmission: who you are calling, who you are, position, altitude, and intention. Know the phonetic alphabet, standard words (ROGER, WILCO, AFFIRM, NEGATIVE, STANDBY, CORRECT), and the readback of clearances, runway and altitude instructions. Understand the emergency frequencies, the meaning of squawk codes 7500, 7600 and 7700, and the procedure for radio failure in the circuit and en route.
Traps in questions
- Omitting the readback of a clearance that must be read back.
- Confusing ROGER (received) with WILCO (will comply).
- Using plain language where standard phraseology exists.
- Forgetting to set the transponder to 7600 on radio failure.
Worked rule of thumb
Use the "who, where, what, when" formula. Example: "Bahrain Tower, A9-ABC, Cessna 172, holding short runway 30, ready for departure." Speak slowly and pause between elements so the controller can copy.
Study approach
Practise transmissions aloud with a timer, and rehearse the distress call until it is automatic.