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Nz Caa Frto practice questions

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Question 1Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

On an initial call to a New Zealand ATC unit, which transmission correctly identifies the aircraft and its position?

  1. Wellington Approach, ZK-ABC, Cessna 172, 12 miles south of the field, 2,500 feet, inbound for landing. Correct answer.
  2. Wellington Approach, this is Cessna 172 ZK-ABC, 12 miles south, 2,500 feet, inbound landing.
  3. ZK-ABC, Wellington Approach, 12 miles south at 2,500 feet, inbound.
  4. Cessna 172, Wellington, 12 DME south, 2,500, landing.

Explanation

The standard initial call states the station called first, then the aircraft callsign, then aircraft type, position, altitude and intentions. Option 0 follows this order and gives all the required elements in plain, unambiguous phraseology.

Question 2Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

An aircraft is cleared to line up but not to take off. Which readback is correct?

  1. Cleared for take-off, ZK-ABC.
  2. Line up and wait, ZK-ABC.
  3. Lining up, ZK-ABC.
  4. Cleared to line up, ZK-ABC. Correct answer.

Explanation

A clearance to line up must be read back in full, including the words 'cleared to line up', to confirm the instruction has been correctly understood. Merely saying the aircraft is lining up does not acknowledge the clearance itself.

Question 3Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

When may an aircraft omit the callsign on a subsequent transmission to the same ATC unit?

  1. Only when the controller has addressed the aircraft by its registration.
  2. Only after ATC has shortened the callsign and no confusion is likely. Correct answer.
  3. Never, because every transmission must carry full identification.
  4. Whenever the pilot has already transmitted three times on that frequency.

Explanation

Callsigns may be abbreviated only when ATC has itself shortened them and there is no risk of confusion between aircraft on the frequency. Until that happens the full callsign must be used on each transmission.

Question 4Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A controller transmits: 'ZK-ABC, taxi to holding point Alpha, runway 16.' What is the correct pilot readback?

  1. Taxiing to Alpha, 16, ZK-ABC.
  2. Taxi to holding point Alpha, runway 16, ZK-ABC. Correct answer.
  3. Runway 16, ZK-ABC.
  4. Holding point Alpha, ZK-ABC.

Explanation

Taxi instructions include a holding point and runway, and a clearance to a holding point must be read back in full. The readback repeats the holding point and runway so ATC can verify the routing was copied correctly.

Question 5Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

Which phraseology does a pilot use to report that an instruction has been received but cannot be complied with?

  1. Unable. Correct answer.
  2. Standby.
  3. Negative.
  4. Say again.

Explanation

'Unable' is the standard phrase used to indicate that an instruction cannot be complied with, and it should be followed by the reason where practicable. The other terms have distinct meanings and would not convey this.

Question 6Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

What does the phrase 'report ready to copy' indicate in an ATC transmission?

  1. The controller requires the pilot to change frequency.
  2. The controller is about to pass a message and expects the pilot to confirm readiness. Correct answer.
  3. The controller has finished and expects no reply.
  4. The controller will repeat the last transmission.

Explanation

'Report ready to copy' tells the pilot that a message, such as an ATC clearance, is about to be passed and that the pilot should confirm readiness to receive it. It is not a request for repetition or a frequency change.

Question 7Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

Which transmission correctly passes a route clearance beginning with a departure instruction?

  1. Cleared to Christchurch, climb 5,000, squawk 4271, via Alpha, Bravo.
  2. Cleared to Christchurch via Alpha, Bravo, flight planned route, climb 5,000, squawk 4271. Correct answer.
  3. Christchurch via Alpha, Bravo, 5,000 feet, squawk 4271.
  4. Cleared Christchurch, Alpha Bravo, 5,000, 4271.

Explanation

The standard clearance order is clearance limit, route, level, and then any surveillance or communications instructions. Option 0 follows this sequence and includes the phrase 'flight planned route' where applicable.

Question 8Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

An aircraft on approach is instructed: 'ZK-ABC, descend to 3,000 feet, cleared ILS approach runway 34.' Which element must be read back?

  1. The descent level, the approach clearance and the runway. Correct answer.
  2. Only the runway.
  3. Only the descent level.
  4. No readback is required for an approach clearance.

Explanation

Altitude instructions and approach clearances must be read back, including the runway designator. Omitting any part leaves ATC unable to confirm the clearance was received correctly.

Question 9Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A pilot hears a transmission that is partially blocked and replies 'say again'. What does this request?

  1. Speak more slowly.
  2. Speak more loudly.
  3. Repeat only the parts not understood.
  4. Repeat the entire transmission. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Say again' requests repetition of the whole transmission. To have only the unclear portion repeated, the pilot specifies the element required, for example 'say again altitude'.

Question 10Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

What is the correct phraseology to request a frequency change to Christchurch Information?

  1. Request change to Christchurch Information. Correct answer.
  2. Christchurch Information on 128.1, ZK-ABC.
  3. Request frequency change, ZK-ABC.
  4. ZK-ABC, request Christchurch Information frequency.

Explanation

The standard phrase is 'request frequency change' followed by the unit, or 'request change to' the named unit. Option 0 uses the recognised form and names the desired unit.

Question 11Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

An aircraft is instructed to 'squawk 5040'. What is the correct readback?

  1. Roger, ZK-ABC.
  2. Squawking 5040, ZK-ABC.
  3. Squawk 5040, ZK-ABC. Correct answer.
  4. Code 5040 set, ZK-ABC.

Explanation

A discrete code instruction must be read back as the code itself, using the word 'squawk' followed by the four digits and the callsign. 'Roger' alone does not confirm the digits were copied correctly.

Question 12Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A controller says 'ZK-ABC, hold short of runway 02 at Alpha.' Why is a full readback essential?

  1. Because it confirms the pilot has received the weather forecast.
  2. Because it confirms the aircraft will not enter the runway and the hold point has been correctly identified. Correct answer.
  3. Because it confirms the pilot has copied the ATIS.
  4. Because it confirms the pilot has selected the correct transponder code.

Explanation

A hold-short instruction is a runway safety instruction; the readback confirms both the runway and the hold point so that a misunderstanding cannot lead to an incursion. Full readback of hold-short instructions is mandatory.

Question 13Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

Which phrase does a pilot use to indicate that a transmission has been received and understood but that no action or reply is required?

  1. Roger. Correct answer.
  2. Copy.
  3. Wilco.
  4. Affirm.

Explanation

'Roger' means the transmission has been received in full and understood, and no response is required. 'Wilco' additionally commits the pilot to comply with the instruction.

Question 14Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

An aircraft is given 'ZK-ABC, cleared take-off runway 20, wind 200 degrees 12 knots.' Which readback is correct?

  1. Taking off runway 20, ZK-ABC.
  2. Cleared take-off runway 20, ZK-ABC. Correct answer.
  3. Runway 20, wind copied, ZK-ABC.
  4. Cleared for departure, ZK-ABC.

Explanation

A take-off clearance must be read back in full, including the words 'cleared take-off' and the runway designator. Wind information need not be read back, but the clearance itself must be.

Question 15Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

What does the instruction 'ZK-ABC, orbit left' require the pilot to do?

  1. Make a left turn of 360 degrees to rejoin the same track. Correct answer.
  2. Turn left onto a new heading and maintain it.
  3. Hold in a left-hand pattern at a designated fix.
  4. Descend in a left-hand spiral.

Explanation

An instruction to orbit left requires a complete 360-degree turn in the specified direction to lose time or rejoin the same track. It is not a heading change or a descent instruction.

Question 16Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A pilot needs to interrupt a controller's transmission because of an emergency. Which phrase is used?

  1. Pan pan, pan pan, pan pan.
  2. Break break.
  3. Mayday, mayday, mayday. Correct answer.
  4. Standby.

Explanation

The distress call 'Mayday' repeated three times has absolute priority and is used to interrupt other transmissions when immediate assistance is required. 'Pan pan' is for urgency, which does not carry the same overriding priority.

Question 17Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

Which phraseology correctly reports a change of level while climbing?

  1. ZK-ABC, level 8,000 feet.
  2. ZK-ABC, maintaining 8,000 feet.
  3. ZK-ABC, 8,000 feet climbing.
  4. ZK-ABC, climbing to 8,000 feet. Correct answer.

Explanation

A climb report is given as 'climbing to' followed by the level, prefixed by the callsign. This distinguishes an active climb from a level report.

Question 18Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

An aircraft is instructed 'ZK-ABC, descend to 4,000 feet, report leaving 6,000 feet.' What is the required pilot action?

  1. Descend to 4,000 feet and report when established at 4,000 feet.
  2. Descend to 4,000 feet and report when passing through 6,000 feet. Correct answer.
  3. Maintain 6,000 feet and report leaving 4,000 feet.
  4. Descend to 6,000 feet and report when leaving 4,000 feet.

Explanation

The instruction combines a descent clearance with a request to report leaving the current level of 6,000 feet. The report is made as the aircraft passes that level.

Question 19Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A pilot is instructed to 'contact Christchurch Control 128.1'. What readback is appropriate?

  1. Wilco, ZK-ABC.
  2. Contacting control, ZK-ABC.
  3. Christchurch 128.1, ZK-ABC. Correct answer.
  4. Changing frequency, ZK-ABC.

Explanation

The readback should include the unit name and the frequency so that any error in the frequency is caught. Merely acknowledging with 'wilco' does not confirm the digits.

Question 20Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

Why does ICAO phraseology avoid the word 'immediately' except in genuine urgency?

  1. Because it is reserved for use by controllers only.
  2. Because it is used only during search and rescue operations.
  3. Because it is not understood by non-English speaking crews.
  4. Because it requires immediate action that would prejudice safety if not taken at once. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Immediately' is a distinct instruction that requires action without delay and implies a safety-critical situation. Overuse dilutes its meaning and can cause unnecessary hazardous manoeuvring.

Question 21Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

An aircraft is instructed to 'squawk ident'. What is the correct response and readback?

  1. Reply 'ident, ZK-ABC' and select code 7000.
  2. Press the ident button and make no reply.
  3. Press the ident button and reply 'identing, ZK-ABC'. Correct answer.
  4. Reply 'squawk ident, ZK-ABC' without pressing the button.

Explanation

The pilot activates the ident function and acknowledges with a brief transmission such as 'identing'. This confirms to ATC that the action has been taken.

Question 22Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A controller issues 'ZK-ABC, expect approach delay of 15 minutes.' Which reply is correct?

  1. Negative, ZK-ABC.
  2. Wilco, ZK-ABC.
  3. Roger, ZK-ABC. Correct answer.
  4. Say again, ZK-ABC.

Explanation

An expectation of delay is information, not an instruction requiring compliance, so it is acknowledged with 'roger'. A readback of the delay time is unnecessary, but the acknowledgement confirms receipt.

Question 23Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A pilot reports 'ZK-ABC, maintaining 5,000 feet, heading 270.' How should the controller interpret this transmission?

  1. The aircraft is level at 5,000 feet and tracking a magnetic heading of 270 degrees. Correct answer.
  2. The aircraft is climbing to 5,000 feet on a heading of 270 degrees.
  3. The aircraft is descending through 5,000 feet with a track of 270 degrees.
  4. The aircraft is holding at 5,000 feet at the 270 radial of a beacon.

Explanation

'Maintaining' reports a level flight condition and the heading is the magnetic heading being flown. Reporting both together confirms the aircraft is established at the cleared level on the instructed heading.

Question 24Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A pilot wishes to report a bird strike that has not affected control of the aircraft. Which phraseology is appropriate?

  1. Mayday, mayday, mayday, ZK-ABC, bird strike.
  2. ZK-ABC, emergency, bird strike.
  3. ZK-ABC, bird strike, request advice.
  4. Pan pan, pan pan, pan pan, ZK-ABC, bird strike. Correct answer.

Explanation

A situation that is serious but not immediately threatening to the aircraft is an urgency condition, signalled by 'pan pan' repeated three times. 'Mayday' is reserved for distress where immediate assistance is required.

Question 25Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A controller transmits 'ZK-ABC, cleared to enter control zone, maintain 2,000 feet, QNH 1013.' Which elements must appear in the readback?

  1. Only the control zone entry clearance.
  2. The clearance, the level and the QNH. Correct answer.
  3. Only the QNH.
  4. The clearance and the callsign only.

Explanation

A control zone entry clearance is a clearance that must be read back together with the assigned level and the QNH, since the level is referenced to the pressure setting. Omitting the QNH can lead to an incorrect level being flown.

Question 26Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A pilot's transmission is garbled by interference and the controller replies 'ZK-ABC, say again all before Christchurch'. What is the controller asking for?

  1. Only the portion of the message transmitted before the word 'Christchurch' Correct answer.
  2. A re-transmission of the aircraft callsign followed by the next position report
  3. The entire message repeated from the beginning of the transmission
  4. A slower delivery of the message using standard rate phraseology

Explanation

The qualifier 'all before' restricts the request to the part of the message that preceded the named word, so the controller heard the text from 'Christchurch' onward and needs only the earlier portion repeated. The callsign prefix identifies the addressee and is not itself part of what must be repeated. 'Say again' alone would request the whole message.

Question 27Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

Which transmission correctly reads back a clearance to line up on runway 16?

  1. ZK-ABC, cleared to line up runway 16
  2. ZK-ABC, holding short runway 16
  3. ZK-ABC, line up runway 16 approved
  4. ZK-ABC, lining up runway 16 Correct answer.

Explanation

A line-up clearance is read back using the present-participle form 'lining up runway 16', which confirms the instruction has been accepted and is being actioned. The word 'cleared' belongs to take-off and route clearances rather than to the line-up instruction itself. Standard readback mirrors the controller's wording rather than inventing alternative phrasing.

Question 28Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A controller transmits 'ZK-ABC, traffic 10 o'clock, 3 miles, opposite direction, a Boeing 737.' What does 'opposite direction' convey to the pilot?

  1. The traffic is converging on a reciprocal track Correct answer.
  2. The traffic is climbing away from the same airfield
  3. The traffic is overtaking from behind at a similar level
  4. The traffic is holding in a circuit on the downwind leg

Explanation

In traffic information, 'opposite direction' tells the pilot that the conflicting aircraft is proceeding on a reciprocal heading, so closure will be rapid and the pilot should look in the stated clock position. It is a description of the traffic's track relative to the receiving aircraft, not of altitude or manoeuvring. The clock position and distance give the bearing and range.

Question 29Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

An aircraft is instructed 'ZK-ABC, cross runway 02 at Alpha, report vacated.' Which pilot report confirms completion of the instruction?

  1. ZK-ABC, runway 02 vacated Correct answer.
  2. ZK-ABC, crossing runway 02
  3. ZK-ABC, request taxi clearance
  4. ZK-ABC, clear of Alpha

Explanation

The report 'runway vacated' is the standard confirmation that the aircraft has fully cleared the runway surface after crossing it. It must follow the crossing instruction and be transmitted once the aircraft is completely beyond the runway holding point. Reporting 'crossing' would only confirm the action had begun.

Question 30Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

Which phraseology does a pilot use to request a descent when ready during the approach?

  1. ZK-ABC, request descent now
  2. ZK-ABC, request lower when able
  3. ZK-ABC, request level change
  4. ZK-ABC, request descent when ready Correct answer.

Explanation

'Request descent when ready' is the standard form for asking the controller to authorise a descent at a time of the pilot's choosing. It preserves the request nature of the transmission and leaves the timing to the pilot, who must still comply with terrain and airspace constraints. The controller responds with an instruction or a restriction.

Question 31Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

An aircraft is given 'ZK-ABC, after the Cessna on final, cleared to land runway 27.' How should the pilot interpret the clearance?

  1. Landing clearance is void and must be requested again after the Cessna lands
  2. Landing clearance is valid immediately because the Cessna is already established on final
  3. Landing clearance is valid only after the preceding aircraft has landed and cleared the runway Correct answer.
  4. Landing clearance requires the pilot to go around if the Cessna is still on final

Explanation

When a landing clearance is qualified by preceding traffic, the clearance becomes effective once that traffic has landed and vacated, and the pilot remains responsible for maintaining separation and for going around if it cannot be achieved. The controller has issued a conditional clearance, not an immediate one. The pilot must not assume the runway is available before the condition is met.

Question 32Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A pilot's readback of an altitude instruction is incorrect. What must the controller do?

  1. Ask the pilot to confirm the aircraft callsign only
  2. Correct the readback and obtain a further readback from the pilot Correct answer.
  3. Record the error and continue with the next instruction
  4. Issue the instruction again at a slower rate and accept any reply

Explanation

Any readback that does not match the instruction must be corrected, and the corrected instruction must itself be read back until agreement is reached. This loop exists because an incorrect readback is evidence that the instruction may not have been understood. Simply repeating the instruction without challenging the error leaves the misunderstanding unresolved.

Question 33Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

Which transmission correctly reports that an aircraft has reached its assigned level?

  1. ZK-ABC, now at 7,000 feet
  2. ZK-ABC, maintaining 7,000 feet Correct answer.
  3. ZK-ABC, climbing to 7,000 feet
  4. ZK-ABC, level 7,000 feet reached

Explanation

'Maintaining' is the standard term confirming that the aircraft is established at the assigned level and will remain there. It replaces any report of passing or approaching the level. The controller relies on this single word to update the flight progress strip and to assess separation.

Question 34Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A controller instructs 'ZK-ABC, turn right heading 030, vector for the ILS runway 21.' Which readback is correct?

  1. ZK-ABC, right heading 030, vector ILS runway 21 Correct answer.
  2. ZK-ABC, left heading 030, vector ILS
  3. ZK-ABC, heading 030, cleared ILS runway 21
  4. ZK-ABC, turning right, request further

Explanation

The readback must repeat the direction of turn, the heading and the purpose of the vector so the controller can verify all elements were received. Omitting the direction of turn removes the element most likely to be misheard. The phrase 'vector for the ILS' is repeated as given.

Question 35Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

An aircraft on the ground is instructed 'ZK-ABC, taxi to holding point Alpha runway 20 via taxiway Bravo.' Which readback is correct?

  1. ZK-ABC, taxi to holding point Alpha, wilco
  2. ZK-ABC, taxi to runway 20 via Alpha
  3. ZK-ABC, holding point Alpha, request cross runway
  4. ZK-ABC, taxi to holding point Alpha runway 20 via Bravo Correct answer.

Explanation

A taxi instruction readback must include the destination holding point, the runway and the route, because a wrong taxiway can place the aircraft in conflict with other traffic. 'Wilco' alone does not demonstrate that the route has been correctly understood. The readback mirrors the elements in the order given.

Question 36Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

What is the purpose of the phrase 'pass your message' in a pilot's initial call to an ATS unit?

  1. It tells the pilot to standby for a clearance
  2. It invites the pilot to transmit the details of the request Correct answer.
  3. It instructs the pilot to switch to another frequency
  4. It confirms the pilot's callsign has been verified

Explanation

'Pass your message' tells the pilot that the unit is ready to receive the details of the request, typically after the callsign has been acknowledged. It is a prompt to transmit, not a clearance or a frequency instruction. The pilot then gives position, level and intentions as appropriate.

Question 37Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A pilot reports 'ZK-ABC, we have a passenger medical emergency, request priority landing.' Which controller response is most appropriate?

  1. ZK-ABC, roger, cleared to land runway 27, wind 260 degrees 15 knots Correct answer.
  2. ZK-ABC, continue present heading, maintain 4,000 feet
  3. ZK-ABC, standby, expect further instructions shortly
  4. ZK-ABC, say again your request after the next aircraft

Explanation

A declared medical emergency calls for priority handling, so the controller should provide the landing clearance and essential approach information without delay. 'Standby' or further vectoring would postpone assistance the pilot has declared as needed. The response also gives wind, which the pilot needs for the approach.

Question 38Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

Which phraseology correctly cancels a distress call once the situation has been resolved?

  1. PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN, ZK-ABC cancelling distress
  2. ZK-ABC, cancel MAYDAY, situation normal Correct answer.
  3. MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, ZK-ABC cancelling distress
  4. ZK-ABC, disregard previous transmission

Explanation

A distress call is cancelled by transmitting the callsign followed by 'cancel MAYDAY' and, where appropriate, a brief statement of the current situation. The distress signal is not repeated when cancelling, because the emergency no longer exists. 'Disregard' relates to a message, not to an emergency declaration.

Question 39Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

An aircraft is instructed 'ZK-ABC, reduce speed to 180 knots.' Why does the controller need a readback of this instruction?

  1. Because speed instructions are only advisory and the pilot may choose to ignore them
  2. Because speed instructions must be recorded in the aircraft technical log
  3. Because the readback allows the controller to calculate the aircraft's fuel burn
  4. Because the speed restriction is a clearance affecting separation and must be confirmed as received Correct answer.

Explanation

Speed control is used to establish and maintain separation, so the instruction forms part of the clearance and requires readback like any other clearance element. The readback confirms the pilot has accepted the specified speed. Advisory information, by contrast, does not require readback.

Question 40Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A pilot hears 'ZK-ABC, squawk 4271' and reads back 'ZK-ABC, squawk 4271'. What is the controller's next action if the readback is correct?

  1. The controller must re-transmit the code for confirmation
  2. The controller must instruct the pilot to squawk ident
  3. The controller must advise the pilot to change frequency
  4. No further transmission is required unless the display does not match Correct answer.

Explanation

A correct readback completes the exchange, so the controller need only check that the assigned code appears on the display. If the code does not appear, the controller queries it with 'verify squawk' or 'say again your squawk'. Repeating the code unnecessarily adds to frequency congestion.

Question 41Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

Which phraseology correctly requests a route deviation around weather?

  1. ZK-ABC, request deviation 20 miles right due weather Correct answer.
  2. ZK-ABC, unable route, request new clearance
  3. ZK-ABC, request heading for weather
  4. ZK-ABC, request weather avoidance immediately

Explanation

The standard request states the callsign, the word 'request', the extent and direction of the deviation and the reason. This gives the controller the information needed to assess the airspace and traffic before approving. Vague requests such as 'request heading for weather' leave the controller unable to evaluate the proposed track.

Question 42Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A controller transmits 'ZK-ABC, expect ILS approach runway 34.' What does this transmission convey?

  1. The approach type is anticipated but not yet cleared Correct answer.
  2. The aircraft must hold until the ILS is confirmed
  3. The ILS approach is unavailable and a visual approach is required
  4. The aircraft is cleared to commence the ILS approach now

Explanation

'Expect' conveys anticipated information for planning purposes only; it is not a clearance and does not authorise the pilot to commence the approach. The actual approach clearance is issued later with the words 'cleared ILS approach'. Pilots must not begin the approach on the basis of an expectation.

Question 43Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

An aircraft is instructed 'ZK-ABC, hold at Charlie, inbound track 090, right-hand pattern, maintain 4,000 feet, expect further clearance at 25.' Which element tells the pilot the direction of the turns in the hold?

  1. Expect further clearance at 25
  2. Inbound track 090
  3. Right-hand pattern Correct answer.
  4. Maintain 4,000 feet

Explanation

The phrase 'right-hand pattern' specifies that all turns in the holding pattern are to the right, which determines the shape and the side of the protected airspace. The inbound track fixes the orientation of the pattern, while the level and expected clearance time are separate elements. Confusing these elements can place the aircraft outside protected airspace.

Question 44Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

What is the correct response when a controller asks 'ZK-ABC, how do you read me?'

  1. ZK-ABC, read you five Correct answer.
  2. ZK-ABC, roger, say again
  3. ZK-ABC, receiving you, standby
  4. ZK-ABC, loud and clear

Explanation

Readability is reported on the standard five-point scale, so the reply is the callsign followed by 'read you' and the number, optionally with a descriptive qualifier. This gives the controller a consistent measure of signal quality. 'Loud and clear' is non-standard wording in this context.

Question 45Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A pilot is instructed 'ZK-ABC, contact Approach 123.4.' Which readback is correct?

  1. ZK-ABC, request frequency change approved
  2. ZK-ABC, contacting Approach, good day
  3. ZK-ABC, 123.4 Correct answer.
  4. ZK-ABC, roger, wilco

Explanation

A frequency change instruction is read back by repeating the callsign and the frequency, which confirms the pilot has correctly copied the digits. The unit name need not be repeated. 'Wilco' alone does not confirm the frequency and is therefore insufficient.

Question 46Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A pilot on a busy frequency needs to transmit a short message but hears two other aircraft transmitting simultaneously. What is the correct action?

  1. Switch frequency without advising the controller
  2. Wait until the frequency is clear before transmitting Correct answer.
  3. Transmit over the other stations to establish priority
  4. Transmit the message twice to ensure it is received

Explanation

Simultaneous transmissions cause mutual interference, so a pilot must wait for a clear frequency before transmitting. Transmitting over other stations blocks both messages and may conceal a safety-related call. Leaving the frequency without advising the controller would break the communication watch.

Question 47Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

An aircraft is instructed 'ZK-ABC, descend to 3,000 feet, QNH 998.' The pilot reads back 'ZK-ABC, descend to 3,000 feet, QNH 998.' Why is the QNH included in the readback?

  1. Because the QNH confirms the aircraft's transponder code
  2. Because the QNH must be passed to the next control unit only
  3. Because the QNH is required for the aircraft's navigation log
  4. Because the altimeter setting determines the actual height flown at the assigned level Correct answer.

Explanation

The QNH converts the indicated altitude into height above mean sea level, so an incorrect setting would put the aircraft at the wrong height and compromise separation. Reading back the QNH confirms the value was correctly received. It has no connection with transponder codes or navigation logs.

Question 48Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

Which phraseology correctly advises a controller that an aircraft is unable to comply with a heading instruction?

  1. ZK-ABC, negative heading, request alternative
  2. ZK-ABC, cannot turn, standby
  3. ZK-ABC, heading 270 unavailable at present
  4. ZK-ABC, unable heading 270 due weather Correct answer.

Explanation

'Unable' followed by the specific instruction and the reason is the standard way to report non-compliance. It tells the controller exactly which element cannot be met so that an alternative can be issued. Vague refusals leave the controller unsure what the aircraft is actually doing.

Question 49Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A controller issues 'ZK-ABC, climb to 9,000 feet, report reaching.' What is the required pilot action?

  1. Report the current level before commencing the climb
  2. Climb to 9,000 feet and report when the level is reached Correct answer.
  3. Climb to 9,000 feet and report leaving the current level
  4. Report when passing each intermediate level on the way up

Explanation

'Report reaching' requires a single report at the moment the aircraft becomes established at the assigned level. It is distinct from 'report leaving', which requires a report as the aircraft leaves the previous level. The pilot reports once, at the top of the climb.

Question 50Radio telephony procedures and phraseology

A pilot's initial call to a tower is 'Christchurch Tower, ZK-ABC, Cessna 172, 5 miles south, 2,000 feet, inbound, request landing.' Which element identifies the aircraft type?

  1. ZK-ABC
  2. 5 miles south
  3. 2,000 feet
  4. Cessna 172 Correct answer.

Explanation

The aircraft type is given by the type designator following the callsign, in this case 'Cessna 172'. The registration identifies the individual aircraft, the position gives distance and bearing, and the altitude gives the level. Controllers use the type to assess performance and wake turbulence categories.