CFC Aviation Communication Protocols & Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When ATC issues a 'traffic alert,' what action is expected of the pilot?
- Acknowledge and request vectors away from traffic
- Take whatever action is necessary to avoid the traffic, then advise ATC (Correct answer)
- Maintain current heading and altitude until instructed otherwise
- Squawk 7500 and contact approach control
Correct answer: Take whatever action is necessary to avoid the traffic, then advise ATC
A traffic alert is advisory; the pilot should take any necessary evasive action and then advise ATC of the action taken.
Question 2: What does the phrase 'say again' mean in aviation communications?
- Confirm that you received the message
- Repeat your last transmission (Correct answer)
- Restate the clearance for verification
- Acknowledge and comply
Correct answer: Repeat your last transmission
'Say again' is the standard request to repeat the previous transmission.
Question 3: A clearance states 'descend and maintain 5,000, expect 3,000 in 10 minutes.' What altitude is the aircraft initially cleared to?
- 3,000 feet
- 5,000 feet (Correct answer)
- The altitude that delivers the aircraft in 10 minutes
- Either altitude at pilot's discretion
Correct answer: 5,000 feet
The aircraft is cleared to 5,000 feet; the 'expect 3,000' is planning information for radio failure, not an immediate clearance.
Question 4: What squawk code should be selected when an aircraft is being hijacked?
- 7500 (Correct answer)
- 7600
- 7700
- 7000
Correct answer: 7500
Squawk 7500 is the designated code for unlawful interference/hijacking.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a 'progressive taxi' instruction?
- To expedite taxiing by assigning priority routes
- To provide step-by-step taxi directions to a pilot unfamiliar with the airport (Correct answer)
- To authorize a pilot to taxi at higher-than-normal speed
- To sequence multiple aircraft taxiing to the same runway
Correct answer: To provide step-by-step taxi directions to a pilot unfamiliar with the airport
Progressive taxi provides turn-by-turn guidance for pilots unfamiliar with the airport layout.
Question 6: Which word should NOT be used as a substitute for 'yes' in aviation radio communications?
- Affirmative
- Roger (Correct answer)
- Correct
- Wilco
Correct answer: Roger
'Roger' means 'I have received your last transmission' — it does not confirm agreement or compliance.
Question 7: An IFR aircraft is cleared 'direct KORD, cleared for the ILS runway 10R approach.' When may the pilot begin the approach?
- Upon reaching KORD
- Immediately after acknowledging the clearance (Correct answer)
- Once established on the final approach course
- After receiving approach clearance from tower
Correct answer: Immediately after acknowledging the clearance
When cleared for an approach in the same transmission as a direct routing, the pilot may proceed and execute the approach without further clearance.
CFC Aviation Communication Protocols & Procedures 4
When ATC issues a 'traffic alert,' what action is expected of the pilot?