Communications (VHF and Radiotelephony)
What the exam tests
Communications tests VHF radio use, standard phraseology, readback requirements, position reports, distress and urgency calls, phonetic alphabet and lost-communication procedures.
Core rules
- Use standard phraseology and identify the station called, your call sign and the message.
- Read back clearances and instructions involving runway, altitude, heading, speed, frequency and SSR code.
- “Roger” means the message was received; “affirm” means yes; “wilco” means will comply.
- MAYDAY is for grave and imminent danger; PAN-PAN is for urgency without immediate danger.
- If radio failure occurs in IMC, follow the published lost-communication procedure, squawk 7600 and continue according to the clearance or last acknowledged instruction.
Worked example
“Mayday, mayday, mayday, JA123, engine fire, 20 miles south of Nagoya, heading 090, FL120, one person on board.” Reasoning: repeat the distress signal three times, then call sign, nature of distress, position, heading/altitude and persons on board. Speak slowly and do not stop transmitting until ATC acknowledges.
Traps
Saying “roger” when a readback is required; confusing MAYDAY with PAN-PAN; omitting the call sign; failing to read back “hold short”; using obsolete phraseology.