CFC Aviation Communication Protocols & Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct terminology when ATC intends to transfer radio communications to another facility?
- 'Contact [facility] on [frequency], goodbye'
- '[Callsign], frequency change approved'
- '[Callsign], contact [facility] [frequency]' (Correct answer)
- 'Switch to [facility] when able'
Correct answer: '[Callsign], contact [facility] [frequency]'
The standard phraseology for a handoff is '[Callsign], contact [facility name] on [frequency].'
Question 2: What does 'unable' signify when stated by a pilot in response to an ATC instruction?
- The pilot requests clarification of the instruction
- The pilot cannot comply with the instruction as issued (Correct answer)
- The pilot is requesting a delay before complying
- The pilot is declaring an emergency
Correct answer: The pilot cannot comply with the instruction as issued
'Unable' informs ATC that the pilot cannot comply with the issued clearance or instruction.
Question 3: Under what condition is a pilot-in-command required to acknowledge a clearance with a full readback?
- Only when operating in Class B airspace
- When ATC specifically requests a readback
- For all ATC instructions and clearances including taxi, takeoff, and landing (Correct answer)
- Only for altitude clearances above 18,000 feet MSL
Correct answer: For all ATC instructions and clearances including taxi, takeoff, and landing
FAA requires pilots to read back all ATC clearances and instructions, including taxi, takeoff, and landing clearances.
Question 4: A controller states 'N123AB, traffic at your 2 o'clock, 5 miles, eastbound, altitude unknown.' Where should the pilot look?
- Slightly to the left of the nose
- Slightly to the right of the nose (Correct answer)
- Directly behind the aircraft
- Directly ahead
Correct answer: Slightly to the right of the nose
2 o'clock is slightly right of the nose — think of a clock face centered on the aircraft with 12 directly ahead.
Question 5: Which phraseology correctly conveys a speed restriction of exactly 250 knots?
- 'Maintain two-fifty knots' (Correct answer)
- 'Maintain two hundred fifty knots'
- 'Maintain speed two-five-zero'
- 'Speed restriction two-fifty'
Correct answer: 'Maintain two-fifty knots'
Speed values are stated as grouped numbers; 250 knots is 'two-fifty knots.'
Question 6: What does 'cruise clearance' authorize a VFR pilot to do on an IFR flight plan?
- Fly at any altitude within the assigned block airspace and conduct an approach (Correct answer)
- Fly the direct route without regard to ATC instructions
- Cancel IFR and proceed under VFR
- Use any airspace class without additional clearance
Correct answer: Fly at any altitude within the assigned block airspace and conduct an approach
A cruise clearance authorizes the pilot to fly any altitude up to the assigned altitude and conduct an instrument approach at the destination.
Question 7: What is the meaning of a steady red light signal from ATC to an aircraft on the ground?
- Stop (Correct answer)
- Clear the runway
- Give way to other aircraft and continue circling
- Return to starting point
Correct answer: Stop
A steady red light signal to a ground vehicle or aircraft means stop.
CFC Aviation Communication Protocols & Procedures 5
What is the correct terminology when ATC intends to transfer radio communications to another facility?