ACE - Airport Certified Employee Airport Communications Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

An airport operations employee monitoring the radio hears a pilot state, "Metro Tower, Global 621, with information Tango." What is the primary purpose of this communication?

Accepted Answer

To acknowledge receipt of the current Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) broadcast.

Answer

The Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) is a continuous broadcast of essential airport information, such as weather and runways in use. Each new recording is assigned a phonetic letter (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.). When pilots make initial contact with ATC, they state the letter of the ATIS broadcast they have received (e.g., "Tango") to confirm they have the most current information.

Question 2

A ground vehicle operator's radio fails while on a taxiway. The operator looks toward the Air Traffic Control Tower and sees a flashing red light aimed at their vehicle. What action must the operator take?

Accepted Answer

Taxi clear of the runway or taxiway in use.

Answer

According to FAA light gun signals for ground vehicles, a flashing red light means to clear the taxiway or runway in use immediately. This signal indicates a potential hazard or that the area needs to be vacated for other traffic.

Question 3

Which of the following is the most complete and correct phraseology for a vehicle operator, "Maintenance 3," to acknowledge an instruction from Ground Control to hold short of Runway 18?

Accepted Answer

"Maintenance 3, holding short of Runway 18."

Answer

Standard radio procedure requires a full readback of critical instructions, including your call sign and the specific clearance. This ensures the controller knows you have received and correctly understood the instruction. "Roger" only confirms receipt, and "Wilco" means you will comply, but neither confirms the actual instruction was heard correctly.

Question 4

At an airport where the control tower has closed for the night, pilots and ground vehicle operators must self-announce their positions and intentions on a designated frequency to coordinate traffic. What is this frequency called?

Accepted Answer

Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)

Answer

The Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) is designated for pilots and ground vehicles to communicate directly with each other at airports without an operating control tower. While a UNICOM frequency can be designated as the CTAF, CTAF is the specific term for the advisory frequency itself.

Question 5

A vehicle operator communicating with Air Traffic Control is told, "Go ahead." What does this phrase mean in standard aviation phraseology?

Accepted Answer

State your request or message.

Answer

In aviation phraseology, "Go ahead" is an invitation to transmit your message or request. It should never be interpreted as an instruction to physically proceed with a vehicle movement.

(ACE) Airport Certified Employee Practice Test

(ACE) Airport Certified Employee Practice Test

ACE - Airport Certified Employee Airport Communications Procedures Questions and Answers