Communication Equipment Operation Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a SELCAL (Selective Calling) system in aviation communications?

Answer: To allow ATC to alert a specific aircraft without continuous monitoring by the crew

SELCAL alerts a specific aircraft's crew via a unique tone code so they don't have to continuously monitor noisy HF frequencies.

When operating a VHF radio, what is the standard method for checking that a transmission is being received clearly?

Answer: Request a radio check from the receiving station

Requesting a radio check asks the receiving party to confirm signal readability using the standard readability scale.

Which transponder mode transmits both altitude and identity information to ATC radar?

Answer: Mode S

Mode S provides altitude, identity, and two-way data link capability, making it the most information-rich transponder mode in civil aviation.

A flight crew receives a TCAS RA (Resolution Advisory). What is the correct communication action?

Answer: Immediately notify ATC of the RA and the maneuver being executed

Crews must follow the RA first and notify ATC as soon as practicable of the deviation from clearance.

What does the term 'frequency congestion' require a controller or pilot to do?

Answer: Listen before transmitting to avoid stepping on other communications

Standard radio discipline requires monitoring the frequency before transmitting to prevent simultaneous transmissions that block communication.

Which device allows a pilot to monitor two VHF communication frequencies simultaneously?

Answer: A COM radio with dual-watch capability

Dual-watch (or dual-receive) on a VHF COM radio lets the pilot monitor an active frequency and a standby frequency at the same time.

In aviation communications, what is meant by 'breaking squelch'?

Answer: An incoming signal exceeding the squelch threshold, causing audio to open

Squelch suppresses background noise; a signal strong enough to exceed the squelch threshold 'breaks' it and the audio becomes audible.