Communications
Communications questions test standard phraseology, readback discipline, and the use of radio equipment. Learn the phonetic alphabet, standard numbers, and the structure of a radio call: station called, station calling, position, and request. Understand the difference between ground, tower, approach, and area control frequencies and when to contact each.
Know the readback requirements: clearances, runway assignments, hold short instructions, and altitude assignments must be read back. Understand the meaning of standard words such as "roger", "wilco", "affirm", "standby", and "unable", and when each is appropriate. Learn distress and urgency procedures: MAYDAY and PAN PAN, the frequencies used, and the content of a distress message.
Understand transponder codes and their meaning, and the loss of communication procedures. Practise the phonetic alphabet and number pronunciation, including the pronunciation of decimals and individual digits.
Worked example
A controller says "Cleared to land runway 27, wind 270 at 10." The correct readback repeats the clearance and runway: "Cleared to land runway 27." Omitting the runway number is a common error.
Traps include using non-standard phraseology, failing to read back a hold short instruction, and confusing MAYDAY with PAN PAN.