Communications: VFR and IFR
Standard phraseology and procedures
Know the standard structure of a radio call: station addressed, aircraft identification, position, altitude, intentions. Understand the difference between VFR and IFR communications: VFR uses position reports and requests for traffic information, while IFR uses clearances, readback requirements and position reporting on airways. Know the phonetic alphabet, standard words (ROGER, WILCO, AFFIRM, STANDBY, CLEARED, HOLD SHORT), and the readback requirements for clearances and runway instructions.
Frequencies and emergencies
Know the emergency frequency 121.5 MHz, the VHF and HF bands used, and the distress and urgency prefixes MAYDAY and PAN PAN. Understand transponder codes: 7700 emergency, 7600 radio failure, 7500 unlawful interference. Know the lost-communication procedures for VFR and IFR.
Traps
Examiners test whether you read back a clearance exactly, whether you use the correct phraseology, and whether you know when to request rather than assume. A common trap is confusing MAYDAY (distress, immediate danger) with PAN PAN (urgency, no immediate danger). Another is failing to include the aircraft call sign on every transmission.
Worked example / rule of thumb
Rule of thumb: if a clearance is unclear, never guess - say "SAY AGAIN" and read back the full clearance. For lost communications in IFR, follow the last acknowledged clearance and the published procedure, squawk 7600, and continue to the destination or alternate as applicable.
Study strategy
Practise transmitting each standard call aloud; fluency in phraseology prevents most communication errors.