KCAA Flight Radio Telephony Operator Licence (FRTOL) flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Readback requirement

A pilot must read back ATC clearances, runway-in-use, hold-short instructions, altitudes, headings, speeds, frequencies and SSR codes; 'roger' alone is not an acceptable readback.

Meaning of wilco

I have received your message, understood it and will comply. It is used only when the pilot intends to carry out the instruction, never as a general acknowledgement.

Meaning of standby

Wait; the calling station will re-establish contact. It authorises no action and requires no acknowledgement beyond the call sign.

Correction in RTF

The word 'correction' precedes a corrected version of a transmission already made; the receiving station replaces the earlier content with the corrected version.

Shortened call sign

After initial contact, the last two characters of the registration may be used. ATC may use first and last characters only if no confusion exists.

Simultaneous transmission rule

When two stations transmit at once, both say 'station calling, say again'. The aircraft normally transmits second after ATC's call.

VHF airband range

117.975 to 137.000 MHz. Channel spacing is 8.33 kHz in much of the world; some assignments remain at 25 kHz, so conversion must be checked.

VHF line-of-sight range

Approximate range in nautical miles equals 1.23 times the square root of antenna height in feet. Range increases with altitude, not with transmitter power.

Emergency frequencies

121.500 MHz is the international civil aeronautical emergency frequency; 243.000 MHz is the military equivalent; 123.450 MHz is a common air-to-air frequency.

Squelch setting

Set the squelch just above the point where background noise disappears. Too high a setting removes weak but usable signals.

Frequency readback format

Digits are spoken individually with the word 'decimal' between MHz and kHz, e.g. 118.700 MHz is read as 'one one eight decimal seven'.

ATIS use

Aerodrome information broadcast on a discrete frequency or voice feature. The phonetic letter identifies the version and must be stated on first contact.

METAR versus SPECI

METAR is a routine aerodrome observation, typically hourly. SPECI is a special report issued when conditions change significantly between routine reports.

QNH definition

The altimeter setting that makes the altimeter read aerodrome elevation when on the ground. QFE reads zero at the reference point.

QNE and transition altitude

QNE is standard pressure 1013.25 hPa. It is used above the transition altitude, where altimeters are set to standard and flight levels are used.

Wind reporting criteria

Wind direction is magnetic, speed in knots, gusts after 'gusting'. Variation of 60 degrees or more and 3 kt or more is reported with both extremes.

ATS unit roles

Tower controls the aerodrome traffic circuit and manoeuvring area; approach handles arriving and departing traffic; area control handles en-route traffic.

RVR use

Runway visual range is reported in metres and, where the procedure specifies, is controlling for take-off and landing minima instead of meteorological visibility.

Radio failure in VMC

Continue in VMC, land at the nearest suitable aerodrome and report arrival by the most expeditious means. Squawk 7600.

Radio failure in IMC

Follow the last acknowledged clearance and the published communication failure procedure for the route, including the designated comms-failure level. Squawk 7600.

Transmitting blind

On radio failure in controlled airspace, transmit blind on the current frequency at assigned position reports, stating 'transmitting blind due to radio failure'.

Steady green light signal

From the tower: cleared to land for an aircraft in flight, or cleared for take-off for an aircraft on the ground.

Flashing red light signal

From the tower: taxi clear of the runway in use. A steady red means stop or give way.

Alternating red and green

Light signal from the tower meaning exercise extreme caution. It is distinct from flashing white, which means return to starting point.

MAYDAY prefix

Spoken three times before a distress message. It signals grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance.

PAN PAN prefix

Spoken three times before an urgency message. It concerns the safety of an aircraft or person but does not require immediate assistance.

Distress message content

MAYDAY three times, call sign, nature of distress, intentions, position, level and other useful information. It is repeated as necessary.

MAYDAY RELAY

Used by a station transmitting a distress message on behalf of a station unable to transmit, followed by the identity of the originating station.

Squawk codes

7700 for general emergency, 7600 for radio failure, 7500 for unlawful interference. These codes are distinct and must not be interchanged.

Emergency descent call

Transmit 'emergency descent' with call sign and the level being left, warning other traffic of a rapid descent.

FRTOL authorisation

The Flight Radio Telephony Operator Licence authorises the holder to operate radio equipment on board an aircraft, issued after examination and any required practical test.

Radio station licence

Issued by the State of registry for the aircraft radio station. The operator is responsible for use in accordance with licence conditions and national regulations.