NCAA PPL Communications flashcards

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

VHF aviation band

VHF communications for civil aviation use frequencies from 118.000 to 136.975 MHz, with 25 kHz or 8.33 kHz channel spacing depending on region.

Heterodyne interference

When two stations transmit simultaneously on the same AM frequency, the receiver produces a squeal or beat note, making both transmissions unreadable and revealing the conflict.

Squelch function

A receiver circuit that mutes audio output below a set signal strength, suppressing background noise; set it just above the point where noise disappears to avoid missing weak signals.

Niner pronunciation

The digit 9 is spoken as "niner" in aviation radiotelephony to avoid confusion with the German "nein" and to improve intelligibility over noisy radio channels.

Roger and Wilco

Roger means the transmission was received and understood; Wilco means the instruction will be complied with. Wilco implies Roger but adds a commitment to act.

Line up and wait

A tower instruction authorizing an aircraft to enter the runway and position for departure, but not to take off. It requires a full readback.

Initial call-up content

A standard initial call includes the facility name, aircraft identification, position, altitude, and request, letting ATC locate the flight and prepare a response.

SID clearance elements

A standard instrument departure clearance includes the procedure name, transition fix, initial altitude, and departure frequency, with altitude and frequency requiring readback.

Descend via STAR

An ATC instruction authorizing descent on a published arrival procedure while complying with its published altitude and speed restrictions unless ATC issues different instructions.

Approach clearance scope

A clearance for an instrument approach authorizes flying the procedure to the missed approach point but does not authorize landing; landing clearance comes separately from the tower.

Ground control responsibility

Ground control issues taxi clearances and manages movement on taxiways and inactive runways; the tower handles active runway crossings, takeoffs, and landings.

Runway hold-short markings

Two solid yellow lines paired with two dashed yellow lines mark a runway holding position; aircraft must stop before the solid lines unless explicitly cleared to cross.

Explicit runway crossing

A taxi clearance alone does not authorize crossing a runway. The controller must use the word "cross" with the runway number, and the pilot must read it back.

CTAF purpose

Common traffic advisory frequency, often 122.7, 122.8, or 122.9 MHz, used at non-towered airports for self-announced position reports and intentions to coordinate with other traffic.

Mayday call

The international distress signal, spoken three times, indicating imminent danger requiring immediate assistance; it takes priority over all other radio communications.

Pan-Pan call

The international urgency signal, spoken three times, used for situations that are serious but not immediately life-threatening, such as low fuel or minor mechanical trouble.

Squawk 7700

The transponder code for a general emergency, alerting ATC and other aircraft; the pilot should also attempt voice contact on 121.5 MHz if able.

Emergency information

ATC typically requests souls on board, fuel remaining in time, and pilot intentions after an emergency declaration, to coordinate rescue and priority handling.

Lost-comm squawk

Code 7600 alerts ATC to a radio failure. The pilot continues per the last clearance or published lost-communication procedure and attempts contact by other means.

Lost-comm in VMC

In visual conditions, a pilot experiencing radio failure should continue under VFR, land as soon as practicable at a suitable airport, and notify ATC by telephone.

Light gun steady green

A steady green light from the tower signals cleared to land for an aircraft on approach, or cleared for takeoff if the aircraft is holding on the runway.

Light gun flashing red

A flashing red light from the tower instructs the pilot to taxi clear of the active runway and then stop, used when radio contact is lost on the ground.

Class B airspace entry

Class B airspace requires an explicit ATC clearance before entry, with VFR minimums of 3 statute miles visibility and clear of clouds for the pilot.

VFR flight following

A service where ATC provides traffic advisories and safety alerts to VFR aircraft on request, but does not provide separation or IFR priority handling.

ATIS information code

A letter identifying the current automatic terminal information service recording; pilots include it in the initial call so ATC knows the weather and field information received.

Special VFR clearance

An ATC authorization allowing VFR flight in controlled airspace with 1 statute mile visibility and clear of clouds, requested by the pilot when weather is below basic VFR minimums.

121.5 MHz

The international VHF emergency frequency, monitored by ATC and many aircraft, used for distress and urgency calls and for lost-communication attempts.

Squawk 7500

The transponder code indicating unlawful interference or hijacking, alerting ATC to a security emergency requiring special handling and law enforcement notification.

Squawk 1200

The standard VFR transponder code in the United States when no other code has been assigned by ATC, used in controlled and uncontrolled airspace.

406 MHz ELT

A digital emergency locator transmitter frequency processed by the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system, providing more accurate position and identification than the legacy 121.5 MHz analog signal.

Transponder Mode C

A transponder mode that transmits the aircraft's pressure altitude along with the assigned squawk code, enabling ATC to display altitude information on radar.

ADS-B Out

Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast equipment that transmits aircraft position, altitude, and identification to ATC and other aircraft, required in most rule airspace.

Squelch adjustment

Set the squelch control so background noise just disappears; too high a setting can mask weak distant transmissions, while too low a setting lets continuous noise through.

Hearing what is expected

A communication error where a pilot perceives a clearance matching expectations rather than what was actually issued; full readback and confirmation reduce this risk.

Sterile cockpit rule

A rule prohibiting non-essential conversation and activity during taxi, takeoff, and landing, and below 10,000 feet, to reduce distraction-related communication errors.

Readback requirement

Pilots must read back clearances involving runways, altitudes, headings, frequencies, and transponder codes so ATC can verify the instruction was received correctly.

Querying a clearance

When a clearance seems incorrect or unsafe, the pilot should ask for confirmation rather than comply, using phrases such as "Confirm cleared to..." to resolve ambiguity.