Communications: VFR and Radiotelephony
Standard phraseology
Learn the standard structure of a radio call: station called, own call sign, position, altitude, intention. Know the phonetic alphabet, number pronunciation, and standard words such as ROGER, WILCO, AFFIRM, NEGATIVE, STANDBY, SAY AGAIN, CORRECTION, and the readback requirement for clearances. Understand the use of the ICAO spelling alphabet and time in UTC.
VFR communications
Study ground, tower, approach and area control frequencies, the initial call, taxi, take-off, downwind, final and departure calls, and position reporting at uncontrolled aerodromes. Know the distress and urgency formats, the meaning of SQUAWK, and the correct response to a radio failure (light signals, transponder 7600, and the applicable rules).
Light signals and phraseology traps
Know the tower light signals: steady green (cleared to land / cleared for take-off), flashing green (return for landing / cleared to taxi), steady red (stop / give way), flashing red (taxi clear of runway in use), flashing white (return to starting point), alternating red and green (exercise extreme caution).
Traps
Questions often test whether to read back a clearance (always for clearances and runway instructions) or whether to say "over" (not used in standard ICAO phraseology). Another trap is confusing "cleared to land" with "cleared for the option".
Worked example call
"Tower, November-One-Two-Three-Alfa-Bravo, Cessna 172, holding short runway 27, ready for departure, request take-off clearance." Keep it short, standard and read back the clearance with your call sign.