NCAA PPL Communications case studies
NCAA PPL Communications · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The NCAA PPL Communications exam tests whether a private pilot candidate can use the radio safely and correctly across the whole flight, from the first ground call to the last taxi-in. It is aimed at student pilots preparing for their private licence, and at licence holders who want a structured refresher on standard radiotelephony. The NCAA PPL Communications case studies are 5 cases and about 2,459 words.
1Hold-Short Clearance and a Stepped-On Readback
You are taxiing a Cessna 172 at a towered Class D airport with two intersecting runways. Ground clears: “Cessna 12345, taxi to Runway 27 via Alpha, hold short Runway 17 at Alpha.” Your route along Alpha crosses Runway 17 before reaching Runway 27.
531 words, about 3 min2VFR Radio Failure Before Class D Entry
You are flying a Cessna 172 VFR at 3,500 feet, 15 nautical miles west of a Class D airport where you intend to land. The weather is 10 statute miles visibility with a 5,000-foot ceiling.
531 words, about 3 min3Partial Engine Failure: Distress Versus Urgency
You are pilot-in-command of a PA-28 at 4,500 feet MSL over rolling terrain, 12 nautical miles from a towered airport. The engine begins to run rough; oil pressure is dropping below the green arc, and cylinder-head temperature is rising.
481 words, about 2 min4Clearance Readback Reversal and a Premature “Readback Correct”
At clearance delivery in a Cessna 182T, you receive: “Cessna 182T, cleared to Podunk via Springfield VOR, then as filed, climb 4,000, expect 6,000 10 minutes after departure, departure frequency 125.7, squawk 4271.” You read back: “Cleared to Podunk via Springfield, then as filed, climb 6,000, expect 4,000 10 minutes after departure, departure 125.7, squawk 4271, Cessna 182T.” The controller, busy with several strips, replies “readback correct” and switches to another aircraft. You are number three for departure, the weather is VFR, and your planned cruise altitude is 6,500.
489 words, about 2 min5Similar Callsigns on Approach
You are N123AB, a Cessna 172 on a busy approach frequency, level at 4,500 feet. N123CB, a similar Cessna, is also on frequency.
427 words, about 2 min