CFC Radio Communication Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An aircraft receives 'Cleared to land, wind calm, runway 28.' What must the pilot read back?
- The runway number and landing clearance (Correct answer)
- Only the wind information
- Only the word 'Roger'
- The complete weather observation
Correct answer: The runway number and landing clearance
Pilots must read back landing clearances including the runway number to prevent runway confusion and surface incidents.
Question 2: What does 'Squawk 4521' instruct a pilot to do?
- Set the transponder to code 4521 (Correct answer)
- Report visual contact at frequency 452.1
- Select radar advisory service
- Activate the ATC transponder test mode
Correct answer: Set the transponder to code 4521
The instruction to 'squawk' a specific code directs the pilot to enter that four-digit code into the Mode 3/A transponder.
Question 3: What does a controller mean by 'Expedite climb to flight level two four zero'?
- Climb to FL240 as quickly as the aircraft performance allows (Correct answer)
- Climb to FL240 in exactly 24 minutes
- Increase climb rate by 240 feet per minute
- Use emergency climb procedures
Correct answer: Climb to FL240 as quickly as the aircraft performance allows
'Expedite' instructs the pilot to climb at the best rate practical without declaring an emergency, typically to resolve traffic conflicts.
Question 4: A controller says 'Traffic, 2 o'clock, 5 miles, eastbound, altitude unknown.' What does '2 o'clock' indicate?
- The traffic is roughly 60 degrees to the right of the aircraft's nose (Correct answer)
- The traffic will arrive in 2 hours
- The traffic is 2,000 feet above
- The traffic is on the 200-degree radial
Correct answer: The traffic is roughly 60 degrees to the right of the aircraft's nose
The clock position system uses the aircraft's nose as 12 o'clock; 2 o'clock indicates a target approximately 60 degrees right of the nose.
Question 5: What is the proper response when a pilot is unsure of a clearance received?
- Request the controller to repeat or clarify the clearance (Correct answer)
- Read back the portions understood and guess the rest
- Proceed on the last known clearance
- Declare an emergency and land immediately
Correct answer: Request the controller to repeat or clarify the clearance
If any portion of a clearance is unclear, the pilot should immediately request clarification before complying to prevent deviations.
Question 6: What does 'Hold short of runway 31' require of a pilot on the ground?
- Stop and remain clear of runway 31 until further clearance (Correct answer)
- Cross runway 31 quickly
- Taxi parallel to runway 31
- Hold position at the runway 31 threshold only
Correct answer: Stop and remain clear of runway 31 until further clearance
A 'hold short' instruction requires the aircraft to stop before entering the runway holding position markings and wait for explicit crossing or takeoff clearance.
Question 7: Which phraseology correctly acknowledges receiving an IFR clearance?
- State the aircraft callsign followed by 'IFR clearance received'
- Read back all altitude, route, and squawk elements (Correct answer)
- Say 'Wilco' to confirm compliance with the clearance
- Say 'Roger' and proceed with the flight
Correct answer: Read back all altitude, route, and squawk elements
Pilots must read back IFR clearances in full, including assigned altitude, route, transponder code, and departure frequency, to confirm accurate receipt.
CFC Radio Communication Procedures 3
An aircraft receives 'Cleared to land, wind calm, runway 28.' What must the pilot read back?