CFC Aviation Communication Protocols & Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which frequency is designated as the international aeronautical emergency frequency?
- 118.0 MHz
- 121.5 MHz (Correct answer)
- 123.45 MHz
- 122.8 MHz
Correct answer: 121.5 MHz
121.5 MHz (Guard) is the international aeronautical distress and emergency frequency.
Question 2: What does the term 'expedite' mean when used by ATC in a clearance?
- Complete the instruction only after current traffic passes
- Comply as quickly as practical without compromising safety (Correct answer)
- Execute the instruction immediately with maximum performance
- Request priority handling from adjacent sectors
Correct answer: Comply as quickly as practical without compromising safety
'Expedite' means as quickly as practicable without sacrificing safety margins.
Question 3: When should a pilot use the word 'MAYDAY'?
- When requesting priority handling due to weather
- When declaring a distress condition involving grave or imminent danger (Correct answer)
- When announcing minimum fuel state
- When requesting an immediate descent due to passenger illness
Correct answer: When declaring a distress condition involving grave or imminent danger
'MAYDAY' signals a distress condition — the highest urgency, indicating grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance.
Question 4: An aircraft is cleared to 'cross ALPHA at or above FL180.' The pilot acknowledges. What altitude restriction does this impose?
- The pilot must cross ALPHA exactly at FL180
- The pilot may cross ALPHA at any altitude at or above FL180 (Correct answer)
- The pilot must reach FL180 before ALPHA and maintain it
- The pilot must begin climbing to FL180 only when 10 miles from ALPHA
Correct answer: The pilot may cross ALPHA at any altitude at or above FL180
'At or above' is a minimum altitude restriction — the pilot must be at FL180 or higher when crossing the fix.
Question 5: Which communication failure procedure applies when a pilot loses two-way radio contact in VMC?
- Squawk 7600 and land as soon as practicable
- Squawk 7700 and proceed to the nearest airport
- Continue IFR clearance and contact ATC by phone upon landing
- Squawk 7600, remain VFR, and land at the nearest suitable airport (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Squawk 7600, remain VFR, and land at the nearest suitable airport
In VMC, a pilot experiencing radio failure should squawk 7600, remain VFR, and land at the nearest suitable airport.
Question 6: What is the correct way to state the time '0045 UTC' in aviation radio communications?
- Zero zero four five (Correct answer)
- Twelve forty-five AM
- Zero forty-five
- Zulu zero zero four five
Correct answer: Zero zero four five
Time is stated digit by digit in aviation: 0045 is 'zero zero four five.'
Question 7: In the NATO phonetic alphabet, which word represents the letter 'W'?
- Whiskey (Correct answer)
- Warrior
- White
- William
Correct answer: Whiskey
'Whiskey' is the NATO/ICAO phonetic alphabet word for the letter W.
CFC Aviation Communication Protocols & Procedures 3
Which frequency is designated as the international aeronautical emergency frequency?