Communications - VFR and IFR Radiotelephony
Communications - VFR and IFR Radiotelephony
This domain tests standard phraseology, readback, position reports, distress and urgency calls, and correct frequency use. Clear, concise radio work reduces runway incursions and airspace conflicts.
Core rules
- Standard calls: identify yourself, state position and intention, and read back clearances that affect safety. Use the phonetic alphabet and standard words: “affirm,” “negative,” “wilco,” “unable,” “standby,” “roger.”
- Readback: runway, hold-short, line-up, crossing, altitude, heading, altimeter and frequency changes must be read back. “Roger” acknowledges but does not read back a clearance.
- Distress/urgency: MAYDAY for distress, PAN-PAN for urgency; repeat three times, then callsign, nature of problem, position, altitude and intentions.
- Frequencies: use the published CFS frequency; 121.5 MHz is the emergency frequency. At uncontrolled aerodromes, use the published MF or ATF frequency and make standard position calls.
- IFR: read back clearances and hold instructions exactly; do not abbreviate a clearance in a way that changes its meaning.
Worked example
Tower: “Cessna ABC, taxi to runway 27 via Alpha, hold short runway 22.” Correct readback: “Taxi to runway 27 via Alpha, hold short runway 22, Cessna ABC.” Repeating both runways prevents a runway incursion. If you cannot comply, say “unable” and state the reason.
Traps that cost marks
Using “roger” as a readback, saying “affirmative” instead of “affirm,” and omitting the hold-short instruction are common. Do not transmit on a frequency until you have identified the correct aerodrome or service.