CFC Flight Operations & Coordination 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard phonetic alphabet word for the letter 'W'?
- Washington
- Whiskey (Correct answer)
- Wizard
- Warsaw
Correct answer: Whiskey
In the ICAO/NATO phonetic alphabet, 'W' is represented by 'Whiskey' to ensure clarity and avoid confusion over radio.
Question 2: A flight communicator notices a NOTAM has been issued for a runway closure at the destination airport. At what point in the flight should the crew be notified?
- Only after landing is attempted
- As early as possible, ideally before or during pre-departure briefing (Correct answer)
- When the aircraft is on final approach
- Only if the crew requests NOTAM information
Correct answer: As early as possible, ideally before or during pre-departure briefing
NOTAMs affecting the destination should be communicated as early as possible so the crew can plan alternates and fuel requirements well in advance.
Question 3: What does 'SELCAL' allow in HF communication?
- Automatic satellite frequency selection
- Selective calling that alerts a specific aircraft so the crew does not need to continuously monitor HF (Correct answer)
- Encryption of ATC transmissions
- Selection between VHF and HF frequencies
Correct answer: Selective calling that alerts a specific aircraft so the crew does not need to continuously monitor HF
SELCAL (Selective Calling System) sends a unique audio tone to a specific aircraft, alerting the crew to an incoming message so they do not need to continuously monitor noisy HF frequencies.
Question 4: When coordinating a transatlantic oceanic crossing, which element is NOT typically included in the oceanic clearance?
- Entry point and time
- Mach number
- Track or route
- Passenger count (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Passenger count
Oceanic clearances include the entry fix and time, Mach number, altitude, and track/route, but passenger count is not an ATC operational element.
Question 5: In an ATC environment, what does 'traffic alert' indicate when given to a pilot?
- There is a ground vehicle on the taxiway
- Another aircraft is in proximity that may conflict with your route (Correct answer)
- A SIGMET is active along the route
- The destination airport is congested
Correct answer: Another aircraft is in proximity that may conflict with your route
A 'traffic alert' from ATC informs a pilot of another aircraft in close proximity that could represent a conflict, prompting vigilance or evasive action.
Question 6: What is the function of a Flight Service Station (FSS)?
- To issue IFR clearances to commercial airline pilots
- To provide preflight and inflight briefings, weather updates, and VFR flight plan processing (Correct answer)
- To monitor military airspace exclusively
- To control ground movement at major airports
Correct answer: To provide preflight and inflight briefings, weather updates, and VFR flight plan processing
Flight Service Stations provide pilot weather briefings, accept flight plan filings, issue NOTAMs, and assist VFR pilots with inflight services.
Question 7: A pilot reports 'IMC' conditions. What does this mean operationally for coordination?
- The aircraft is operating under IFR in visual conditions
- The aircraft is in clouds or reduced visibility requiring instrument procedures (Correct answer)
- The aircraft has declared minimum fuel
- The pilot has lost navigation capability
Correct answer: The aircraft is in clouds or reduced visibility requiring instrument procedures
IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) means visibility or cloud conditions require instrument flight rules; the aircraft must be handled as an IFR flight.
CFC Flight Operations & Coordination 3
What is the standard phonetic alphabet word for the letter 'W'?