ATC Clearances, Communications, and Radio Procedures
Communications questions test whether you can talk on the radio and, more importantly, whether you understand what you were told. Most PSTAR items here concern readback requirements, mandatory frequencies, transponder codes and where a VFR flight plan fits into the system.
Clearances
- A clearance is an authorization; it never authorizes you to break a regulation.
- Read back runway assignments, altitude instructions, headings, frequency changes, and all hold-short instructions.
- If you cannot comply, say Unable and give a reason. You are never required to accept a clearance you cannot fly safely.
Frequencies and services
- 121.5 MHz: emergency (guard) frequency.
- 126.7 MHz: en route frequency for position reports and traffic information.
- 123.2 MHz: standard aerodrome traffic frequency (ATF).
- 122.8 MHz: UNICOM.
- A mandatory frequency (MF) zone extends 5 NM from the aerodrome.
Transponder codes
- 7700 emergency, 7600 radio failure, 7500 unlawful interference.
Flight plans
- A VFR flight plan is filed with a flight service station; a flight itinerary is left with a responsible person. Both trigger search and rescue action if you become overdue.
Worked example
You hear: 'Cessna 172, cleared to land runway 27, hold short of runway 22 on Alpha.' A correct readback repeats both elements: 'Cleared to land runway 27, hold short of runway 22 on Alpha, Cessna 172.' After landing you stop before the hold-short line. If you cannot stop in time, you call 'Unable' before crossing; you never cross a hold-short line without a clearance.
Traps that cost marks
- 'Roger' and 'Wilco' are acknowledgements, not readbacks of an instruction.
- A takeoff clearance does not permit you to ignore traffic you can see but ATC has not resolved.
- The ROC-A is required to use the aircraft radio and is separate from your pilot permit.
- Do not use the emergency frequency for routine calls.