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NCAA PPL Communications study materials
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NCAA PPL Communications practice questions

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Question 1Radio theory and communication fundamentals

In a VHF aviation band transmission, what does the term 'simplex' describe about the communication method?

  1. The signal is split between two separate antennas for redundancy
  2. Both stations transmit and receive on the same frequency, taking turns Correct answer.
  3. Two stations can talk and listen at the same time on paired frequencies
  4. One station transmits on a high frequency while the other receives on a low frequency

Explanation

Simplex operation means both parties use a single shared frequency and must alternate between transmitting and receiving. Because only one station can transmit on the frequency at a time, transmitting while another station is transmitting causes interference.

Question 2Radio theory and communication fundamentals

Why is amplitude modulation (AM) used for VHF aviation voice communications rather than frequency modulation (FM)?

  1. AM signals can be received simultaneously by multiple stations and degrade gradually with weak signals Correct answer.
  2. AM produces less static interference than FM in all conditions
  3. AM allows more channels to fit in the same bandwidth than FM
  4. AM permits longer transmission range than FM at the same power

Explanation

AM is retained because several aircraft on a common frequency can hear a transmission at once, and a weak AM signal fades gradually rather than abruptly dropping out. This capture-free behavior suits party-line airband use.

Question 3Radio theory and communication fundamentals

What is the primary propagation mode for VHF airband signals between an aircraft and a ground station?

  1. Line-of-sight propagation Correct answer.
  2. Ducting through tropospheric layers
  3. Skywave refraction off the ionosphere
  4. Ground wave following the earth's curvature

Explanation

VHF frequencies used in aviation propagate essentially by line of sight, so terrain and the horizon limit usable range. This is why aircraft at higher altitudes can communicate over greater distances.

Question 4Radio theory and communication fundamentals

An aircraft flying at higher altitude can communicate with a ground station at greater distance. What best explains this?

  1. Higher altitude increases transmitter output power automatically
  2. Higher altitude reduces atmospheric absorption of the signal
  3. The ionosphere reflects VHF signals more strongly at altitude
  4. The radio horizon extends as altitude increases, lengthening the line-of-sight path Correct answer.

Explanation

Because VHF propagates by line of sight, the usable range is set by the radio horizon, which extends as the aircraft climbs. Greater altitude therefore provides a longer unobstructed path to the ground station.

Question 5Radio theory and communication fundamentals

Which frequency band contains the civil VHF airband used for air-to-ground voice communication?

  1. 30.000 to 88.000 MHz
  2. 225.000 to 400.000 MHz
  3. 118.000 to 136.975 MHz Correct answer.
  4. 108.000 to 117.975 MHz

Explanation

The civil VHF airband for voice communication occupies roughly 118 to 137 MHz, with 25 kHz or 8.33 kHz channel spacing. Frequencies below 118 MHz are used for navigation aids such as VOR and ILS.

Question 6Radio theory and communication fundamentals

What does the 8.33 kHz channel spacing standard provide compared with 25 kHz spacing?

  1. Wider channels that carry higher-quality audio
  2. Greater transmitter power per channel
  3. Longer line-of-sight range per channel
  4. More available channels within the same frequency band Correct answer.

Explanation

Reducing channel spacing from 25 kHz to 8.33 kHz triples the number of assignable channels in the same band, relieving congestion. Audio quality, power, and range are not improved by the narrower spacing.

Question 7Radio theory and communication fundamentals

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

  1. Wavelength increases as frequency increases
  2. Wavelength is independent of frequency
  3. Wavelength equals frequency multiplied by the speed of light
  4. Wavelength decreases as frequency increases Correct answer.

Explanation

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related through the speed of light: wavelength equals the speed of light divided by frequency. Higher frequency therefore means shorter wavelength.

Question 8Radio theory and communication fundamentals

A transmission on 121.500 MHz has a wavelength of approximately what value in free space?

  1. About 2.5 meters Correct answer.
  2. About 25 meters
  3. About 250 meters
  4. About 0.25 meters

Explanation

Using wavelength equals 300 divided by frequency in MHz gives roughly 300/121.5, which is about 2.47 meters. This confirms the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency.

Question 9Radio theory and communication fundamentals

What is the main advantage of single-sideband (SSB) suppressed-carrier transmission over conventional AM?

  1. It eliminates the need for any frequency stability
  2. It allows simultaneous duplex operation on one frequency
  3. It concentrates power in one sideband and uses less bandwidth Correct answer.
  4. It uses more bandwidth but improves audio fidelity

Explanation

SSB removes the carrier and one sideband, so the same information is sent in roughly half the bandwidth of AM and all transmitter power goes into the remaining sideband. Efficiency and spectrum use improve as a result.

Question 10Radio theory and communication fundamentals

Why does pressing the transmit switch while another station is transmitting cause a problem on a shared VHF frequency?

  1. The transmission power is doubled to overcome interference
  2. The receiver's antenna switches to a navigation mode
  3. The frequency automatically changes to a backup channel
  4. The two signals combine and may be unintelligible at receiving stations Correct answer.

Explanation

On a simplex shared frequency, simultaneous transmissions combine at the receiver and can garble both signals. Operators therefore monitor before transmitting and take turns, which is the basis of good radio discipline.

Question 11Radio theory and communication fundamentals

What type of radio wave behavior allows VHF airband signals to be blocked when an aircraft is on the far side of a mountain?

  1. Refraction through the ionosphere
  2. Frequency shifting by the mountain
  3. Absorption by the aircraft skin
  4. Blocking of the line-of-sight path by terrain Correct answer.

Explanation

VHF signals travel essentially in straight lines, so terrain that intrudes into the line-of-sight path blocks or attenuates the signal. This is why terrain masking creates communication gaps in mountainous areas.

Question 12Radio theory and communication fundamentals

What does a squelch circuit do in an aviation VHF receiver?

  1. It automatically tunes to the strongest nearby station
  2. It increases transmitter power during weak-signal conditions
  3. It mutes the receiver output when no usable signal is present Correct answer.
  4. It converts AM signals to FM for clearer audio

Explanation

Squelch suppresses the audio output when the received signal falls below a set threshold, so the operator does not hear constant background noise. It affects reception only and does not alter transmitted power or modulation.

Question 13Radio theory and communication fundamentals

Why must radio transmissions on an airband frequency be kept brief and to the point?

  1. Longer transmissions are automatically cut off by the ground station
  2. Brief transmissions use less electrical power from the aircraft
  3. A busy common frequency must remain available for other stations and emergencies Correct answer.
  4. Long transmissions increase transmitter temperature and damage the radio

Explanation

Because many stations share one simplex frequency, lengthy transmissions block others and can delay urgent or emergency traffic. Concise, standard phraseology keeps the channel usable for everyone.

Question 14Radio theory and communication fundamentals

What is the purpose of the carrier wave in amplitude modulation?

  1. It doubles the audio frequency for clarity
  2. It carries the information as variations in its amplitude
  3. It removes noise from the received signal
  4. It provides a steady reference frequency that is modulated by the audio signal Correct answer.

Explanation

In AM the carrier is a steady high-frequency wave whose amplitude is varied by the audio information. The carrier provides the reference frequency that the receiver uses to recover the audio.

Question 15Radio theory and communication fundamentals

An aircraft is receiving a transmission but the audio is weak and noisy. Which factor is most directly related to received signal strength at VHF?

  1. The distance and obstacles between transmitter and receiver Correct answer.
  2. The phase of the audio waveform
  3. The number of channels programmed in the radio
  4. The color coding of the antenna connector

Explanation

At VHF, received signal strength depends largely on distance and on whether terrain or structures obstruct the line-of-sight path. Greater distance and obstruction both weaken the received signal.

Question 16Radio theory and communication fundamentals

Which of the following best describes the term 'frequency' as applied to a radio wave?

  1. The number of complete cycles passing a point per second Correct answer.
  2. The height of the wave's amplitude
  3. The speed at which the wave travels through space
  4. The physical length of one complete wave cycle

Explanation

Frequency is the number of complete cycles of a wave that pass a given point each second, measured in hertz. It is distinct from wavelength, amplitude, and propagation speed.

Question 17Radio theory and communication fundamentals

A pilot hears another station but that station cannot hear the pilot. What is the most likely explanation on a simplex VHF channel?

  1. The other station is transmitting in FM instead of AM
  2. The pilot's receiver squelch is set too high
  3. The frequency is being reflected by the ionosphere
  4. The pilot's transmitter or antenna is faulty while the receiver works Correct answer.

Explanation

On a simplex channel, hearing others but not being heard points to a transmit-side fault such as a failed transmitter, antenna, or microphone circuit. The receiver path is evidently working because incoming audio is heard.

Question 18Radio theory and communication fundamentals

What is the function of an antenna in a VHF communication system?

  1. It amplifies the audio signal before it reaches the speaker
  2. It converts radio-frequency electrical energy into radiated electromagnetic waves and vice versa Correct answer.
  3. It selects the operating frequency from the channel list
  4. It regulates the voltage supplied to the transmitter

Explanation

The antenna transforms electrical energy from the transmitter into radiated electromagnetic waves and, on receive, converts incoming waves back into electrical signals. It is the interface between the radio and free space.

Question 19Radio theory and communication fundamentals

Which factor most limits the maximum communication range of a VHF airband radio at a given altitude?

  1. The line-of-sight radio horizon Correct answer.
  2. The number of stations on the frequency
  3. The audio volume setting
  4. The length of the transmission

Explanation

Since VHF signals propagate by line of sight, the radio horizon sets the practical maximum range at a given altitude. Beyond that horizon, the signal is effectively blocked by the earth's curvature.

Question 20Radio theory and communication fundamentals

What does the term 'bandwidth' refer to in the context of an airband voice channel?

  1. The time duration of a single transmission
  2. The physical width of the antenna
  3. The range of frequencies occupied by the transmitted signal Correct answer.
  4. The maximum altitude at which the signal can be received

Explanation

Bandwidth is the span of frequencies a signal occupies around its center frequency. Narrower channel spacing such as 8.33 kHz requires the transmitted signal to fit within a correspondingly narrower bandwidth.

Question 21Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

On an initial radio call to a new ATC facility, which sequence correctly follows standard phraseology?

  1. Facility name, then the aircraft call sign and the request Correct answer.
  2. The request first, then the aircraft call sign
  3. Aircraft call sign, then the facility name and the request
  4. Facility name, the request, then the aircraft call sign

Explanation

Standard radiotelephony practice is to address the station being called first, then identify the calling aircraft, then state the request. This ordering lets the controller know immediately whether the call is for them and who is calling. Reversing the order wastes frequency time and risks confusion on busy channels.

Question 22Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

A pilot reads back a clearance and ATC responds "readback correct." What does this confirm?

  1. The pilot copied the clearance accurately Correct answer.
  2. The pilot should switch to ground control
  3. The clearance has been cancelled
  4. The pilot must repeat the clearance again

Explanation

"Readback correct" tells the pilot that the controller compared the readback with the issued clearance and found it accurate. No further readback is required unless something changes. It is an acknowledgement of correct copying, not a new instruction.

Question 23Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

Which phrase does a controller use to instruct an aircraft to stop transmitting on the frequency?

  1. "Stand by"
  2. "Stop transmission" Correct answer.
  3. "Say again"
  4. "Monitor frequency"

Explanation

"Stop transmission" is the standard instruction to cease transmitting immediately, typically used when a stuck microphone or continuous transmission is blocking the frequency. "Stand by" means wait and I will call you, which still permits later transmissions. "Say again" requests repetition of a transmission.

Question 24Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

An aircraft is told "taxi to runway 27 via Alpha, Charlie, cross runway 18." What must the pilot read back?

  1. Only the word "roger"
  2. Only the runway in use
  3. The full taxi route including the crossing instruction Correct answer.
  4. Only the crossing instruction

Explanation

Taxi instructions, and specifically any instruction to cross a runway, must be read back in full so the controller can verify the route and the crossing clearance. A partial readback or a simple acknowledgement does not satisfy the requirement. Runway crossing clearances are safety-critical and always require explicit readback.

Question 25Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

A controller transmits "Cessna One Two Three, traffic two o'clock, five miles, opposite direction, altitude indicates one thousand five hundred." How should the pilot interpret the traffic position?

  1. Thirty degrees left of the aircraft nose
  2. Directly ahead and slightly high
  3. Sixty degrees right of the aircraft nose Correct answer.
  4. Thirty degrees right of the aircraft nose

Explanation

Clock positions in traffic calls use the 12-hour clock face, where each hour equals 30 degrees. Two o'clock is therefore 60 degrees to the right of the nose. One o'clock would be 30 degrees right, and eleven o'clock would be 30 degrees left.

Question 26Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

What does the instruction "line up and wait runway 09" authorize a pilot to do?

  1. Hold short of the runway and await further clearance
  2. Enter the runway and begin the takeoff roll
  3. Backtrack the runway and exit at the next taxiway
  4. Enter the runway and hold in position without taking off Correct answer.

Explanation

"Line up and wait" authorizes the aircraft to enter the runway and position itself for departure but explicitly withholds takeoff clearance. The pilot must wait for an explicit takeoff clearance before starting the roll. It replaced the older phraseology that confused pilots about whether takeoff was authorized.

Question 27Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

A pilot receives "Descend and maintain four thousand, altimeter two niner niner two." Which readback is correct?

  1. "Roger, Cessna One Two Three"
  2. "Descend and maintain four thousand, Cessna One Two Three"
  3. "Descending to four thousand, Cessna One Two Three"
  4. "Descend and maintain four thousand, altimeter two niner niner two, Cessna One Two Three" Correct answer.

Explanation

Altitude assignments and altimeter settings are mandatory readback items, so both elements must be repeated with the aircraft call sign. Omitting the altimeter setting leaves a safety-critical item unconfirmed. A bare acknowledgement does not verify either item.

Question 28Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

How is the aircraft registration N738QT correctly spoken on the radio?

  1. "Seven three eight Quebec Tango"
  2. "N seven three eight Q T"
  3. "November seven three eight Quebec Tango" Correct answer.
  4. "November seven hundred thirty-eight Quebec Tango"

Explanation

US registrations are spoken using the ICAO phonetic alphabet for letters and individual digits for numbers, starting with "November" for the N prefix. Digits are never grouped into hundreds or spoken as single letters. Dropping the November prefix is not standard for a full registration.

Question 29Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

A controller says "Cessna Three Four Five, squawk four five one two." What is the pilot expected to do?

  1. Set 4512 in the transponder and confirm with a readback Correct answer.
  2. Report altitude at 4,512 feet
  3. Set 4512 in the transponder without any reply
  4. Change the radio frequency to 4512

Explanation

Squawk assigns a discrete transponder code, and the pilot must set that code and read it back so the controller can verify correct entry. A silent change risks an incorrect code going unnoticed. Squawk does not refer to frequency or altitude.

Question 30Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

An aircraft on approach hears "Cleared to land runway 22, wind two four zero at one two." Which element requires readback?

  1. Only the wind information
  2. Nothing, since landing clearances are not read back
  3. The landing clearance with runway and call sign Correct answer.
  4. Only the runway number

Explanation

Landing clearances are read back including the runway and the aircraft call sign so the controller can confirm the correct aircraft and runway. Wind information is advisory and is not a mandatory readback item. Omitting the readback of a landing clearance is not standard practice.

Question 31Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

What is the meaning of the phrase "correction" in an ATC transmission?

  1. The transmission will be repeated on another frequency
  2. The pilot should disregard all previous clearances
  3. An error was made in the preceding transmission and the corrected version follows Correct answer.
  4. The controller is asking the pilot to correct a readback error

Explanation

"Correction" signals that the controller misspoke and the correct information follows immediately, superseding the erroneous element. The pilot should apply the corrected version and read it back. It does not cancel unrelated clearances or move the exchange to another frequency.

Question 32Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

A pilot hears "Niner Five Charlie, say again." What is the controller requesting?

  1. Confirm the current altitude
  2. Change to a different frequency
  3. Identify the aircraft type
  4. Repeat the entire previous transmission Correct answer.

Explanation

"Say again" asks the other station to repeat its last transmission because it was not received clearly or was missed. It is not a request for new information or a frequency change. The pilot should repeat the previous transmission in full.

Question 33Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

How should a pilot report "unable" to an ATC instruction?

  1. Comply with the instruction regardless of safety
  2. State "unable" and, when practicable, briefly state the reason Correct answer.
  3. Request a frequency change instead
  4. Remain silent and continue with the original plan

Explanation

When an instruction cannot be complied with, the pilot states "unable" and may add a brief reason so the controller can adjust the plan. Silence leaves the controller believing the instruction was accepted. Safety and regulatory limits always take precedence over compliance.

Question 34Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

What does the phrase "stand by" mean when transmitted by ATC?

  1. Proceed with your request immediately
  2. Repeat your last transmission
  3. Change to the tower frequency now
  4. Wait; I will call you back Correct answer.

Explanation

"Stand by" tells the pilot the controller has received the call but cannot respond yet and will initiate the next exchange. The pilot should remain on frequency and wait rather than acting or re-calling. It is not an approval or a frequency instruction.

Question 35Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

An aircraft is instructed "Contact departure one two four point three five." What should the pilot do?

  1. Remain on the current frequency and wait
  2. Request a new frequency from the current controller
  3. Switch to 124.35 without making a call
  4. Switch to 124.35 and identify with call sign and altitude on the initial call Correct answer.

Explanation

A handoff instruction includes the new frequency, and the pilot switches and makes an initial call to the new facility identifying the aircraft and relevant information such as altitude. Simply changing frequency without checking in leaves the new controller unaware of the aircraft. The old controller has already coordinated the handoff.

Question 36Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

A controller issues "Cessna Two One Bravo, traffic alert, opposite direction, one o'clock, one mile, same altitude." What is the pilot's primary responsibility?

  1. Maintain heading and altitude regardless of the traffic
  2. Request a different altitude from the controller
  3. Visually acquire the traffic and maneuver as needed to avoid it Correct answer.
  4. Wait for ATC to issue an evasive vector

Explanation

A traffic alert provides position information so the pilot can visually acquire the other aircraft and take avoidance action if required. The pilot retains see-and-avoid responsibility and should not wait passively for an evasive vector. Maintaining course blindly when traffic is reported at the same altitude is unsafe.

Question 37Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

When reading back a hold short instruction, what must the pilot include?

  1. Only the runway designator
  2. The runway designator and the words "hold short" Correct answer.
  3. The aircraft call sign alone
  4. Only the word "roger"

Explanation

A hold short instruction must be read back with the runway designator and the phrase "hold short" so the controller can verify the aircraft will stop before the runway. A bare acknowledgement or partial readback does not confirm understanding of the boundary. This readback is a key runway-incursion defense.

Question 38Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

What does "roger" indicate in radiotelephony?

  1. You are cleared as requested
  2. Repeat your last transmission
  3. I have received all of your last transmission Correct answer.
  4. I will comply with your instruction

Explanation

"Roger" means the last transmission was received and understood; it does not by itself authorize action or indicate compliance. "Wilco" is used when the pilot will comply with an instruction. Clearances are read back, not acknowledged with roger alone.

Question 39Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

Which transmission is the correct standard phraseology to request a repeat of an ATC clearance that was partially garbled?

  1. "What did you say?"
  2. "I didn't copy that, can you repeat?"
  3. "Say again all after maintain" Correct answer.
  4. "Please repeat your last transmission"

Explanation

Standard phraseology uses "say again" with a qualifier identifying the portion missed, such as "all after maintain." This lets the controller repeat only the necessary part. Informal phrasing wastes frequency time and is less precise.

Question 40Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

A pilot reads back "Cleared for takeoff runway 09" and the controller replies "negative, hold short runway 09." What should the pilot do?

  1. Continue onto the runway since takeoff was previously discussed
  2. Stop before the runway and acknowledge the hold short instruction Correct answer.
  3. Request an explanation before acknowledging
  4. Enter the runway and wait for takeoff clearance

Explanation

The controller's correction supersedes the earlier clearance, so the pilot must stop before the runway and read back the hold short instruction. Proceeding onto the runway after a negative response would create a runway incursion. Acknowledging the corrected instruction is the immediate priority.

Question 41Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

A controller transmits "Cessna Five Six Alpha, descend at pilot's discretion, maintain six thousand." What does this authorize?

  1. The pilot must begin descent immediately to six thousand
  2. The pilot may choose when to begin descent but must not descend below six thousand Correct answer.
  3. The pilot may level off at any altitude above six thousand
  4. The pilot may descend below six thousand if needed

Explanation

"Descend at pilot's discretion" allows the pilot to delay or vary the descent profile but establishes a floor at the assigned altitude. The aircraft must not descend below six thousand feet without further clearance. It is not an instruction to begin immediately.

Question 42Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

What is the correct phraseology for a pilot to report the field in sight when cleared for a visual approach?

  1. "Visual with the runway"
  2. "Airport in sight" Correct answer.
  3. "I see the airport"
  4. "Field in sight"

Explanation

"Airport in sight" is the standard report when the pilot has the airport visually and can proceed with a visual approach. Standardized wording lets the controller recognize the report immediately. Informal alternatives may cause confusion or require clarification.

Question 43Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

When should a pilot report "going around" to ATC?

  1. Only after ATC asks for the reason
  2. After landing and clearing the runway
  3. After completing the go-around and climbing out
  4. As soon as the decision to go around is made Correct answer.

Explanation

The go-around report should be transmitted as soon as the decision is made so the controller can sequence other traffic and issue instructions. Delaying the report until after climb-out leaves the controller unaware of the aircraft's change in flight path. The reason can be provided later if requested.

Question 44Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

A pilot is instructed "Expedite your climb through one zero thousand." What does this require?

  1. Maintain ten thousand feet once reached
  2. Climb at the best rate practicable until passing ten thousand feet Correct answer.
  3. Climb at normal cruise climb rate
  4. Descend to ten thousand feet

Explanation

"Expedite" directs the pilot to increase the rate of the maneuver for traffic reasons, here climbing as rapidly as practicable until passing ten thousand feet. It does not change the assigned altitude or reverse the direction. Normal climb rate would not satisfy the instruction.

Question 45Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

What distinguishes "wilco" from a full readback of a clearance?

  1. "Wilco" indicates compliance with an instruction but does not repeat the clearance details Correct answer.
  2. "Wilco" requests a new clearance
  3. "Wilco" is equivalent to a full readback
  4. "Wilco" means the transmission was not understood

Explanation

"Wilco" means the pilot has received the instruction and will comply, but it does not repeat the specific items. Clearances with mandatory readback items, such as altitudes, headings, and runway crossings, still require the details to be read back. Wilco alone is insufficient for those items.

Question 46Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

A pilot on the ground at an uncontrolled field intends to depart and hears no other traffic on the CTAF. Which transmission correctly announces the departure using standard phraseology?

  1. Podunk traffic, Cessna 12345, departing runway 18, Podunk. Correct answer.
  2. Podunk traffic, Cessna 12345, airborne runway 18, Podunk.
  3. Podunk traffic, Cessna 12345, rolling runway 18, Podunk.
  4. Podunk traffic, Cessna 12345, taking off runway 18, Podunk.

Explanation

Standard phraseology uses the word "departing" to announce that an aircraft is beginning its takeoff roll on a specified runway. The announcement should identify the airport, the aircraft, the action, and the runway so other traffic can locate the aircraft. Terms such as "taking off" are not standard for this self-announcement, and "departing" clearly conveys intent before the aircraft becomes airborne.

Question 47Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

A pilot receives the clearance "Cessna 12345, cleared to the Podunk airport via the Bypass Two departure, then as filed, maintain five thousand, expect one zero thousand one zero minutes after departure." Which item must the pilot read back?

  1. The full clearance including the route, altitude, and expected altitude. Correct answer.
  2. Only the altimeter setting.
  3. Only the departure name and the initial altitude.
  4. Only the word "roger" to acknowledge receipt.

Explanation

A pilot must read back the entire ATC clearance, including the route, the assigned altitude, and any expected altitude and time, to confirm correct receipt. Reading back only part of the clearance leaves the controller unsure whether the full instruction was understood. The readback should mirror the clearance elements in the order transmitted.

Question 48Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

While taxiing, a pilot hears "Cessna 12345, hold short of runway 27 at taxiway Bravo." Which readback correctly repeats both the hold-short instruction and the specified taxiway?

  1. Hold short of runway 27, Cessna 12345.
  2. Runway 27 at Bravo, Cessna 12345.
  3. Holding short of runway 27 at Bravo, Cessna 12345. Correct answer.
  4. Hold short of runway 27 at Alpha, Cessna 12345.

Explanation

The response repeats the hold-short restriction, runway 27, taxiway Bravo, and the aircraft call sign. Both "hold short" and "holding short" can convey the restriction; the distinction here is whether the readback accurately includes the instruction and location requested in the question.

Question 49Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

A pilot on a VFR flight is instructed "Cessna 12345, traffic two o'clock, three miles, opposite direction, a Piper Cherokee at four thousand five hundred." The pilot does not see the traffic. Which response is the correct standard phraseology?

  1. Traffic not seen, Cessna 12345.
  2. Unable to see, Cessna 12345.
  3. Negative contact, Cessna 12345.
  4. No joy, Cessna 12345. Correct answer.

Explanation

In standard radiotelephony, "negative contact" and "no joy" are both used to report that traffic is not in sight, but "no joy" is the specific term for traffic not seen. The response should be brief and include the aircraft call sign. "Negative contact" is also acceptable in some contexts, but "no joy" is the precise phrase for this situation.

Question 50Standard phraseology and ATC communication procedures

A pilot is cleared for an ILS approach and, upon reaching decision altitude, sees the runway environment but is not in a position to land. Which transmission uses standard ICAO phraseology to report the missed approach?

  1. Cessna 12345, executing missed approach.
  2. Cessna 12345, balked landing.
  3. Cessna 12345, going around. Correct answer.
  4. Cessna 12345, missed approach.

Explanation

ICAO specifies "GOING AROUND" as the standard pilot transmission for a missed approach. The pilot should use it with the aircraft call sign to inform ATC that the approach is being discontinued. Seeing the runway environment does not require continuing when the aircraft is not positioned to land.