CFC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CFC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A warm front passage is typically associated with which sequence of weather changes? → Gradual improvement from stratus/drizzle to warmer, clearer conditions as the front passes
2. Under ICAO standards, when must an ALERFA phase be declared for an overdue aircraft? → When an aircraft is 30 minutes overdue at its destination and cannot be contacted
3. When a controller transmits 'SAY AGAIN,' what is being requested? → Repeat the previous transmission
4. A communicator receives a report that survivors were spotted but the rescue aircraft cannot land. The BEST immediate action is to: → Coordinate dispatch of a helicopter or surface vessel capable of extraction
5. What is the standard format identifier that begins all international NOTAMs distributed via AFTN? → ZCZC
6. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for notam processing & distribution in CFC practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
7. Under ICAO standards, when should time be included in a position report? → Always, in UTC
8. Which organization sets aviation safety regulations in the United States? → FAA
9. Which ICAO item number covers the route field in a standard flight plan? → Item 15
10. A weather briefing describes a rapidly deepening low-pressure system with the pressure falling 6 mb in 3 hours. A flight communicator should recognize this as: → An explosive cyclogenesis ('bomb'), indicating rapidly deteriorating weather
11. A flight communicator is informed of an overdue IFR aircraft. Which agency is responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations in the contiguous US? → Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC)
12. Which organization is responsible for the international exchange of NOTAMs under ICAO standards? → NOTAM Office (NOF)
13. When an en route center is coordinating a direct route clearance amendment that crosses an adjacent center's airspace, which coordination method is required? → Full coordination with the affected center before issuing the clearance
14. What does the acronym 'SNOWTAM' refer to in NOTAM processing? → A special series NOTAM reporting snow, ice, or slush conditions on movement areas
15. What is the primary system used in the United States for distributing NOTAMs to pilots and aviation personnel? → NOTAM Distribution System (NDS)
16. What does the term 'wheels-up time' refer to in traffic flow management? → An assigned departure time window given by ATCSCC to manage en route traffic
17. What frequency is typically used for tower communications at most airports? → 120-150 MHz
18. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for flight plan filing & amendments in CFC practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
19. What does the ATC instruction 'SQUAWK IDENT' require the pilot to do? → Press the IDENT button on the transponder
20. Which transponder code signals radio failure in VFR conditions? → 7600
21. A transponder code of 7500 indicates which emergency condition? → Unlawful interference (hijacking)
22. Which language takes precedence when communication difficulties arise between a controller and a non-native English-speaking pilot under ICAO standards? → English, as the designated ICAO language
23. Which phraseology correctly acknowledges receiving an IFR clearance? → Read back all altitude, route, and squawk elements
24. Which frequency is designated as the international aeronautical emergency frequency? → 121.5 MHz
25. What communication equipment is required to operate in Class A airspace? → Two-way radio communication with ATC and an IFR clearance
26. A ground stop has been issued for an airport due to weather. Which flights are typically exempted? → Medical emergencies and aircraft already airborne and declaring minimum fuel
27. When is it appropriate for a first officer to take control of the aircraft from the captain? → When the captain is incapacitated and flight safety is at risk
28. In the IAMSAR Manual framework, which body is responsible for providing overall coordination of SAR services within a Search and Rescue Region (SRR)? → Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC)
29. In ATC strip marking, a solid diagonal line through a flight progress strip typically indicates: → The aircraft has been handed off and control transferred to the next sector
30. When no radio communication is possible and an aircraft receives a STEADY GREEN light gun signal while on the ground, the pilot should: → Cleared for takeoff