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EASA090 aviation-communications foundations study materials
EASA090 aviation-communications foundations study resources

EASA090 aviation-communications foundations practice questions

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Question 1Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

Under ICAO radiotelephony procedures, abbreviation of an aircraft call sign may only be initiated by the:

  1. Air traffic control unit Correct answer.
  2. Aircraft, once it has established initial two-way contact
  3. Aircraft, at any time after the first transmission
  4. Flight information service officer only

Explanation

An aircraft call sign may be abbreviated only after satisfactory communication has been established and only if the ground station initiates the abbreviation; the aircraft may then use the abbreviated form thereafter. The pilot must not abbreviate on their own initiative.

Question 2Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

Which of the following items must ALWAYS be read back in full by the flight crew?

  1. The current surface wind passed by the tower
  2. An SSR (transponder) code assignment Correct answer.
  3. The reported cloud base in the ATIS
  4. A traffic information message

Explanation

ICAO requires mandatory readback of safety-related clearances/instructions including SSR codes, level instructions, heading/speed instructions, runway-in-use, clearances to enter/land/take off/cross/hold short of a runway, altimeter settings and transition levels. An SSR code falls in this mandatory readback list.

Question 3Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The phrase 'READ BACK' is used by a controller to request that the receiving station:

  1. Repeat all, or the specified part, of the message back exactly as received Correct answer.
  2. Confirm receipt by saying ROGER
  3. Pass the message on to another station
  4. Reduce transmission speed

Explanation

Per ICAO standard phraseology, 'READ BACK' means 'repeat all, or the specified part, of this message back to me exactly as received'. It verifies the message was received correctly.

Question 4Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The standard word 'WILCO' means:

  1. I have received your message
  2. Please repeat your message
  3. I understand your message and will comply with it Correct answer.
  4. Wait, I will call you back

Explanation

'WILCO' is the contraction of 'will comply'. Under ICAO it means 'I understand your message and will comply with it'. It carries both understanding and intention to act.

Question 5Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

After an initial call has established contact, the controller passes a clearance. The standard phrase the pilot should use if the controller's transmission was not understood is:

  1. NEGATIVE
  2. CORRECTION
  3. DISREGARD
  4. SAY AGAIN Correct answer.

Explanation

'SAY AGAIN' is the ICAO standard phrase used to ask another station to repeat all or part of a transmission that was not understood or not heard correctly.

Question 6Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The aircraft registration 'G-ABCD' belongs to a flight using a full call sign of type A (registration only). Using the ICAO phonetic alphabet, this is transmitted as:

  1. Golf Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta Correct answer.
  2. Gulf Able Baker Charlie Delta
  3. Golf Alpha Bravo Coca Delta
  4. George Alpha Bravo Charlie David

Explanation

Each letter is transmitted using the ICAO spelling alphabet: G=Golf, A=Alpha, B=Bravo, C=Charlie, D=Delta. The full registration call sign G-ABCD is therefore 'Golf Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta'.

Question 7Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

An aircraft uses a telephony call sign consisting of the operating agency's designator followed by the flight identification, e.g. 'SPEEDBIRD 245'. This is which ICAO type of call sign?

  1. Type A
  2. Type B
  3. Type C Correct answer.
  4. Type D

Explanation

ICAO defines three call-sign types: Type A is the registration; Type B is the operating-agency telephony designator followed by the last four characters of the registration; Type C is the operating-agency telephony designator followed by the flight identification. 'SPEEDBIRD 245' is Type C.

Question 8Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

A controller transmits 'CLIMB FL250 REPORT REACHING FL200'. The correct readback by the pilot is:

  1. ROGER, climbing
  2. Climb flight level two five zero, report reaching flight level two zero zero Correct answer.
  3. WILCO
  4. Copied, level two five zero

Explanation

Level instructions are subject to mandatory readback. The clearance and the reporting instruction must be read back so the controller can confirm correct receipt: 'climb flight level two five zero, report reaching flight level two zero zero'.

Question 9Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

On first contact with an aerodrome control tower for departure, the pilot should normally:

  1. State the station being called and the aircraft call sign Correct answer.
  2. Transmit only the assigned squawk
  3. Begin with the words 'request clearance' before identifying
  4. Transmit the full flight plan

Explanation

An initial call comprises the designation of the station being called followed by the designation of the station calling (the aircraft call sign). This identifies both parties before any message content is passed.

Question 10Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

An aircraft hears 'STATION CALLING, SAY AGAIN YOUR CALL SIGN'. This indicates that the ground station:

  1. Has the call sign but wants the message repeated
  2. Is instructing the aircraft to change frequency
  3. Did not receive or understand the call sign of the calling aircraft Correct answer.
  4. Cannot accept the flight plan

Explanation

When the ground station hears a call but cannot identify the caller, it uses 'STATION CALLING (station), SAY AGAIN YOUR CALL SIGN' to ask the unidentified aircraft to repeat its call sign so positive identification can be made.

Question 11Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

SELCAL (Selective Calling) is a system that allows a ground station to:

  1. Transmit weather automatically to all aircraft
  2. Provide datalink clearances over VHF
  3. Replace the transponder for identification
  4. Alert a specific aircraft using a unique four-letter code so the crew need not continuously monitor HF audio Correct answer.

Explanation

SELCAL allows a ground station to alert a particular aircraft by transmitting that aircraft's unique four-character SELCAL code, which triggers a chime/light in the cockpit. This relieves the crew from continuously listening to noisy HF frequencies.

Question 12Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

A SELCAL code is composed of:

  1. Two letters
  2. Four letters (two pairs of tones) Correct answer.
  3. A four-digit number
  4. The aircraft registration

Explanation

A SELCAL code consists of four letters, transmitted as two pairs of audio tones. The code is assigned to the aircraft and checked with the ground station after establishing HF contact ('SELCAL check').

Question 13Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

Before an oceanic crossing, a crew is told 'SELCAL CHECK' by the controlling HF station. The purpose is to:

  1. Confirm the aircraft's flight plan
  2. Assign a new oceanic clearance
  3. Verify the SELCAL system works so the crew can rely on it instead of monitoring HF audio Correct answer.
  4. Test the transponder

Explanation

A SELCAL check confirms that the ground station can selectively call the aircraft. Once a satisfactory check is obtained, the crew may turn down the HF audio and rely on the SELCAL alert to be called.

Question 14Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

An aircraft establishing initial HF contact with an oceanic control area should normally pass a position report that includes the present position, time, level, and:

  1. The fuel state only
  2. The destination weather
  3. The cabin temperature
  4. The next position with its ETA and the ensuing significant point Correct answer.

Explanation

A standard ICAO position report contains: identification, position, time, level, next position and time over it, and the ensuing (following) significant point. This allows procedural separation where radar is unavailable.

Question 15Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The phrase 'CLEARED TO ... VIA ...' used by ATC constitutes:

  1. An air traffic control clearance authorizing a flight to proceed under specified conditions Correct answer.
  2. A traffic information message
  3. A weather advisory
  4. A request for the pilot's intentions

Explanation

An ATC clearance is authorization for an aircraft to proceed under conditions specified by an ATC unit. 'CLEARED' is the operative word indicating that authorization is granted.

Question 16Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

A pilot is instructed 'DESCEND TO ALTITUDE 5000 FEET QNH 1011'. The correct readback is:

  1. Descend five thousand, QNH ten eleven
  2. Descending, QNH set
  3. Descend to altitude five thousand feet, QNH one zero one one Correct answer.
  4. ROGER, leaving present level

Explanation

Both the level instruction and the altimeter setting are subject to mandatory readback. The altitude is read using the words 'thousand', and the QNH digits are read individually: 'descend to altitude five thousand feet, QNH one zero one one'.

Question 17Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The transfer of communication from one ATC unit to the next is normally initiated by:

  1. The pilot calling the next unit whenever convenient
  2. The aircraft squawking 2000
  3. The ATIS broadcast
  4. An instruction from the transferring controller specifying the new unit and frequency Correct answer.

Explanation

Transfer of communication is initiated by the controlling unit, which instructs the aircraft to 'CONTACT (unit) (frequency)' or 'MONITOR (unit) (frequency)'. The pilot reads back the frequency and changes only when so instructed.

Question 18Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

A controller transmits 'CONTACT DIRECTOR 119.350'. The correct readback is:

  1. Roger, switching
  2. Director one one niner decimal three five zero Correct answer.
  3. Contact 119 point 35
  4. WILCO

Explanation

A frequency change instruction requires the frequency to be read back. The frequency 119.350 is read digit by digit with 'decimal': 'one one niner decimal three five zero' (the unit name may be included).

Question 19Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The number '118.105' (a VHF frequency) is transmitted as:

  1. One eighteen point one zero five
  2. One one eight decimal one zero five Correct answer.
  3. One hundred eighteen decimal one hundred five
  4. One one eight decimal one zero

Explanation

Each digit of a frequency is pronounced separately and the decimal point is spoken as 'decimal'. 118.105 is transmitted as 'one one eight decimal one zero five'.

Question 20Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The word 'AFFIRM' in ICAO radiotelephony means:

  1. Yes Correct answer.
  2. No
  3. Wait
  4. Correction follows

Explanation

ICAO standardised 'AFFIRM' (replacing the older 'AFFIRMATIVE') to mean 'yes'. 'NEGATIVE' is used for 'no'.

Question 21Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

An aircraft on a VFR flight wishes to enter an aerodrome traffic circuit. The aerodrome control unit responsible for circuit and runway operations is:

  1. Area control (ACC)
  2. Flight information centre (FIC)
  3. Approach control (APP)
  4. Aerodrome control (TWR) Correct answer.

Explanation

Aerodrome control (Tower/TWR) is responsible for traffic in the aerodrome traffic circuit, on the runways and on the manoeuvring area. A VFR aircraft joining the circuit communicates with TWR.

Question 22Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The tower instructs 'LINE UP AND WAIT RUNWAY 27'. This instruction authorizes the aircraft to:

  1. Take off immediately
  2. Enter the runway and hold in position, awaiting take-off clearance Correct answer.
  3. Backtrack the runway
  4. Vacate the runway

Explanation

'LINE UP AND WAIT' authorizes the aircraft to enter the runway and line up on the centreline, but a separate take-off clearance is required before commencing the take-off roll. The runway designator must be read back.

Question 23Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

Which clearance/instruction must be read back in full because it relates to runway operations?

  1. 'Cleared to land runway 09' Correct answer.
  2. 'Report final'
  3. 'Surface wind 270 degrees 10 knots'
  4. 'Number two, follow the traffic ahead'

Explanation

Clearances/instructions to enter, land on, take off from, hold short of, cross, or backtrack any runway must be read back. 'Cleared to land runway 09' includes the runway designator and is therefore a mandatory readback.

Question 24Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The instruction 'HOLD SHORT OF RUNWAY 27' requires the pilot to:

  1. Enter and cross the runway expeditiously
  2. Line up on the runway
  3. Stop and wait before the runway-holding position and not enter the runway Correct answer.
  4. Vacate via the next taxiway after landing

Explanation

'HOLD SHORT OF RUNWAY 27' requires the aircraft to stop and hold at the runway-holding position without entering the runway. It is a critical safety instruction subject to mandatory readback.

Question 25Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

When a pilot wishes to indicate that a transmission has been completed and a reply is expected from the receiving station, the appropriate word at the end is:

  1. OUT
  2. END
  3. ROGER
  4. OVER Correct answer.

Explanation

'OVER' means 'my transmission is ended and I expect a response from you'. It is largely omitted in busy VHF working but remains the correct standard term when used.

Question 26Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The word 'OUT' at the end of a transmission means:

  1. I expect a reply
  2. This exchange of transmissions is ended and no response is expected Correct answer.
  3. Repeat your message
  4. Stand by

Explanation

'OUT' means 'this exchange of transmissions is ended and no response is expected'. By convention 'OVER' and 'OUT' are never used together.

Question 27Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

A pilot makes an error during a transmission. The correct standard procedure is to say:

  1. 'CORRECTION' and then transmit the correct version of the last group or phrase Correct answer.
  2. 'DISREGARD' then repeat the whole message
  3. 'NEGATIVE' then the correct value
  4. 'SAY AGAIN' and restart

Explanation

If an error is made in transmission, the word 'CORRECTION' is spoken, the last correct group or phrase is repeated, and then the correct version is transmitted.

Question 28Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

A controller transmits 'TURN RIGHT HEADING 080'. The correct readback is:

  1. Right zero eight
  2. Heading eighty
  3. Turn right eighty degrees
  4. Right heading zero eight zero Correct answer.

Explanation

Heading instructions are subject to mandatory readback and headings are spoken as three digits, each pronounced separately. The readback is 'right heading zero eight zero'.

Question 29Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

An aircraft is instructed 'REDUCE SPEED TO 210 KNOTS'. Under ICAO this speed instruction is:

  1. Information only, no readback
  2. Subject to mandatory readback Correct answer.
  3. Only read back in oceanic airspace
  4. Acknowledged with ROGER only

Explanation

Speed instructions are on the ICAO mandatory readback list, along with level, heading, runway, SSR code, altimeter setting, frequency change and transition level. The pilot must read back '210 knots'.

Question 30Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The phrase 'EXPEDITE CLIMB' instructs a pilot to:

  1. Comply with the climb instruction with the maximum practicable rate Correct answer.
  2. Climb at the pilot's discretion when ready
  3. Stop the climb at the next thousand feet
  4. Climb only after passing a reporting point

Explanation

'EXPEDITE CLIMB/DESCENT' requires the pilot to comply with the level change at the best practicable rate, usually to achieve separation from other traffic quickly.

Question 31Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

An aircraft cleared to a level is instructed 'REPORT PASSING FL150'. This requires the crew to:

  1. Report when cleared to climb above FL150
  2. Maintain FL150
  3. Make a report at the moment the aircraft passes through FL150 Correct answer.
  4. Request FL150

Explanation

'REPORT PASSING (level)' requires the crew to transmit a report at the instant the aircraft passes the specified level during a climb or descent, assisting the controller with vertical separation.

Question 32Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

In procedural (non-radar) airspace, an aircraft is normally required to make a position report:

  1. Only on first contact
  2. Only when requested by ATC
  3. Every 5 minutes regardless of position
  4. When passing each designated compulsory reporting point Correct answer.

Explanation

In a non-radar environment, position reports are made over designated compulsory reporting points (and when instructed), enabling the controller to maintain procedural separation.

Question 33Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The order of elements in a standard ICAO position report is:

  1. Level, position, time, next position
  2. Aircraft identification, position, time, level, next position and ETA, ensuing point Correct answer.
  3. Time, level, ATIS code, position
  4. Position, fuel, time, intentions

Explanation

The ICAO position report sequence is: aircraft identification; position; time; level (or supplementary instructions); next position and estimated time; then the ensuing significant point. This standard order avoids ambiguity.

Question 34Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

A 'transition level' passed by ATC is on the mandatory readback list because it:

  1. Is a safety-critical item determining when crews change between QNH and standard pressure setting Correct answer.
  2. Is information only
  3. Relates only to oceanic flight
  4. Concerns cabin pressurization

Explanation

Transition level is read back because it defines where crews change altimeter reference between QNH (altitude) and standard 1013.2 hPa (flight levels). An error could cause an incorrect altimeter setting and loss of vertical separation.

Question 35Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The instruction 'MONITOR TOWER 118.700' differs from 'CONTACT TOWER 118.700' in that 'MONITOR' means:

  1. Establish two-way contact immediately by calling
  2. Ignore the tower frequency
  3. Record the frequency for later use
  4. Select the frequency and listen only; do not call unless required Correct answer.

Explanation

'MONITOR (frequency)' instructs the pilot to set and listen out on a frequency without making an initial call, often used when the next unit will call the aircraft. 'CONTACT' requires an initial call.

Question 36Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The recommended microphone technique to avoid clipped transmissions is to:

  1. Begin speaking before pressing the transmit switch
  2. Press the transmit switch fully, pause briefly, then speak, and release after finishing Correct answer.
  3. Hold the microphone as far away as possible
  4. Whisper to reduce background noise

Explanation

Correct technique is to depress the press-to-transmit switch fully before speaking, pause momentarily, speak clearly, then release only after the last word, so the start and end of the message are not clipped.

Question 37Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

When the controller passes 'TIME 1357', the time is normally transmitted as:

  1. Thirteen fifty-seven
  2. One thousand three hundred fifty-seven
  3. Five seven (minutes only) unless confusion is likely, otherwise one three five seven Correct answer.
  4. Quarter to two

Explanation

Time is normally transmitted using the minutes only ('five seven'); the hour is added when there is any possibility of confusion ('one three five seven'). Each digit is pronounced separately.

Question 38Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The phrase 'ROGER' should NOT be used as a reply to a message that:

  1. Contains weather information
  2. Contains traffic information
  3. Is a routine acknowledgment
  4. Requires a definite answer (yes/no) or a specific readback Correct answer.

Explanation

'ROGER' merely means 'I have received all of your last transmission'. It must not be used to answer a question requiring 'AFFIRM'/'NEGATIVE', nor in place of a required readback.

Question 39Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The instruction 'STAND BY' from ATC means:

  1. You are cleared as requested
  2. Wait and I will call you Correct answer.
  3. Your request is denied
  4. Change to the standby frequency

Explanation

'STAND BY' means 'wait and I will call you'. It is not a clearance and does not authorize the pilot to act on the pending request.

Question 40Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

An aircraft transmits its request but the controller responds 'UNABLE'. This means:

  1. The request cannot be approved/complied with Correct answer.
  2. The request is approved with conditions
  3. The controller did not hear the request
  4. Stand by for a clearance

Explanation

'UNABLE' indicates that the requested clearance, instruction or option cannot be approved or complied with. It is normally followed by a reason and/or an alternative where practicable.

Question 41Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

Information that the QNH '0998' is to be passed. The correct transmission is:

  1. QNH nine hundred ninety-eight
  2. QNH nine nine eight
  3. QNH zero niner niner eight Correct answer.
  4. QNH ten oh two

Explanation

QNH below 1000 hPa is transmitted with each digit including the leading zero pronounced separately: 'QNH zero niner niner eight'. The leading zero is included to avoid confusion with four-figure values.

Question 42Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

The phrase 'HOW DO YOU READ' is used to:

  1. Ask the receiving station to spell a word
  2. Ask for the aircraft type
  3. Request the current QNH
  4. Request a report on the readability/quality of one's transmission Correct answer.

Explanation

'HOW DO YOU READ' requests a report on the readability of the transmission. The reply uses the readability scale 1 (unreadable) to 5 (perfectly readable).

Question 43Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

On the readability scale, a reply of 'READING YOU FIVE' means the transmission is:

  1. Unreadable
  2. Readable now and then
  3. Readable but with difficulty
  4. Perfectly readable Correct answer.

Explanation

The ICAO readability scale runs 1-5: 1 = unreadable, 2 = readable now and then, 3 = readable but with difficulty, 4 = readable, 5 = perfectly readable. 'Five' indicates a perfectly readable transmission.

Question 44Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

A 'CONDITIONAL CLEARANCE' such as 'BEHIND THE LANDING A320, LINE UP RUNWAY 27 BEHIND' must be read back including the word 'behind' because:

  1. It is optional information
  2. The conditional element is safety-critical and the readback confirms the pilot has correctly identified the condition and traffic Correct answer.
  3. Only the runway designator matters
  4. Conditional clearances do not require readback

Explanation

For a conditional clearance the condition (the specific traffic) and the word 'BEHIND' (repeated at start and end) are read back so that the controller is satisfied the pilot has identified the correct traffic before acting on the clearance.

Question 45Messages, identity, clearances and readbacks

When passing an aircraft type and registration on first contact with an ATS unit that has no flight-plan details, the message order is normally:

  1. Intentions, then call sign, then position
  2. Station addressed, own call sign, aircraft type, position and level, intentions Correct answer.
  3. Position only
  4. QNH first, then call sign

Explanation

An initial call to a unit without prior details follows the logical order: the station addressed, the aircraft call sign (and type as required), present position and level, and the pilot's request/intentions, enabling the controller to build a picture.

Question 46Radio systems and information services

ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) is best described as a service that provides:

  1. Two-way clearance delivery for IFR departures
  2. Distress and urgency relay on 121.5 MHz
  3. En-route weather for oceanic crossings
  4. A continuous broadcast of recorded aerodrome operational information Correct answer.

Explanation

ATIS is the automatic provision of current, routine information to arriving and departing aircraft by means of continuous and repetitive broadcasts of recorded aerodrome information (runway in use, surface wind, QNH, weather, etc.), reducing controller workload.

Question 47Radio systems and information services

On initial contact with approach, a pilot reports 'INFORMATION GOLF RECEIVED'. The primary purpose of doing so is to:

  1. Request a new ATIS broadcast
  2. Confirm the pilot has the current aerodrome information, reducing R/T workload Correct answer.
  3. Acknowledge a level clearance
  4. Request the latest QNH only

Explanation

Acknowledging the ATIS code letter on first contact tells the controller the pilot holds the current information, so the controller need not pass that data verbally. The controller will only pass amendments if the ATIS has since changed.

Question 48Radio systems and information services

When a new ATIS broadcast is recorded with updated information, the identification letter is:

  1. Advanced to the next letter of the ICAO spelling alphabet Correct answer.
  2. Kept the same until the runway changes
  3. Replaced by the time of issue only
  4. Always reset to 'Alpha'

Explanation

Each new ATIS message is given the next code letter of the ICAO spelling alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie ...). The letter change alerts crews that the information has been updated.

Question 49Radio systems and information services

VOLMET broadcasts provide:

  1. ATC clearances for en-route traffic
  2. A continuous distress-watch service
  3. Meteorological information (METAR/TAF/SIGMET) for a number of aerodromes Correct answer.
  4. Navigation warnings for oceanic tracks

Explanation

VOLMET is a continuous, scheduled broadcast of meteorological information for aircraft in flight, typically routine reports (METAR), forecasts (TAF) and SIGMET for a group of selected aerodromes, broadcast on HF and/or VHF.

Question 50Radio systems and information services

The transponder code to be selected to indicate an emergency is:

  1. 7500
  2. 7600
  3. 7700 Correct answer.
  4. 7000

Explanation

SSR code 7700 is the international code for a general emergency. (7500 = unlawful interference/hijack, 7600 = radio communication failure, 7000 = the VFR conspicuity code in many European States.)