Communications
Talking to air traffic control
Communications questions test standard phraseology, radio technique and the correct readback. Know the standard call sequence: who you are calling, who you are, where you are, and what you want. Understand readback requirements - clearances, runway assignments, altitudes, headings and frequencies must be read back - and the meaning of "say again", "standby", "roger" and "wilco".
Know distress and urgency calls, emergency frequencies, and the phonetic alphabet. Understand transponder codes (7500 unlawful interference, 7600 radio failure, 7700 emergency) and the procedures for radio failure. Know the difference between ground and tower frequencies, and the correct phraseology for taxi, take-off, landing and go-around.
Traps: reading back only part of a clearance; confusing "roger" (received) with "wilco" (will comply); and using non-standard phraseology under pressure. Also watch for frequency and callsign errors, and for the difference between a clearance and an instruction.
Rule of thumb
If unsure, ask: "Say again" is always acceptable and safer than guessing. Read back everything that affects your flight path, altitude or frequency.