CPC Communication Protocols & Coordination Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A controller needs to relay a last-minute runway change to an aircraft on final approach. Which communication principle is MOST critical in this situation?
- Use standard phraseology and read-back confirmation (Correct answer)
- Provide a detailed explanation of why the runway changed
- Switch to an informal tone to convey urgency
- Delay transmission until the aircraft checks in
Correct answer: Use standard phraseology and read-back confirmation
Standard phraseology and mandatory read-backs minimize miscommunication during critical phases of flight.
Question 2: When coordinating a handoff between approach control and tower, the primary goal of the coordination call is to:
- Transfer radar identification and relevant traffic information (Correct answer)
- Obtain weather updates for the destination airport
- Request a frequency change for the pilot
- Log the handoff time in the flight strip
Correct answer: Transfer radar identification and relevant traffic information
Handoff coordination ensures the receiving facility has radar identification and pertinent data before control is transferred.
Question 3: Which scenario best illustrates a breakdown in inter-facility coordination?
- A pilot reads back an altitude clearance incorrectly and is corrected
- An aircraft crosses a sector boundary without the receiving controller being notified (Correct answer)
- A controller issues a speed restriction without pilot acknowledgment
- A supervisor approves a non-standard route request
Correct answer: An aircraft crosses a sector boundary without the receiving controller being notified
An aircraft crossing a boundary without prior coordination leaves the receiving controller unaware of the traffic, creating a safety risk.
Question 4: Under ICAO Annex 10, the preferred method for ATC voice communications is:
- Single-sideband HF radio
- VHF amplitude modulation (Correct answer)
- UHF frequency modulation
- Satellite data link only
Correct answer: VHF amplitude modulation
ICAO Annex 10 specifies VHF AM as the standard for aeronautical voice communications due to its reliability and global adoption.
Question 5: A pilot reports receiving two simultaneous transmissions and cannot understand either message. The controller's BEST immediate response is to:
- Repeat both messages sequentially and ask which applies
- Instruct all aircraft on the frequency to stand by and identify who transmitted (Correct answer)
- Request the pilot to select a backup frequency
- File an incident report and continue normal operations
Correct answer: Instruct all aircraft on the frequency to stand by and identify who transmitted
Identifying the transmitting parties and clearing the frequency resolves the 'stuck mic' or double-transmission conflict quickly.
Question 6: In a Letters of Agreement (LOA) between two ATC facilities, the primary purpose is to:
- Define standard coordination procedures and transfer-of-control points (Correct answer)
- Establish pilot training requirements for the corridor
- Document historical traffic flow statistics
- Authorize controllers to issue non-standard clearances
Correct answer: Define standard coordination procedures and transfer-of-control points
LOAs formalize the agreed-upon procedures, altitudes, and transfer points between adjacent facilities to ensure consistent coordination.
Question 7: When a controller uses the phrase 'TRAFFIC ALERT' on frequency, it signals:
- A routine traffic advisory with no immediate action required
- An urgent collision avoidance warning requiring immediate pilot action (Correct answer)
- A weather advisory for the destination airport
- A request for the pilot to contact another frequency
Correct answer: An urgent collision avoidance warning requiring immediate pilot action
'TRAFFIC ALERT' is an urgent phrase used when collision risk is imminent and immediate evasive action is necessary.
CPC Communication Protocols & Coordination Skills 2
A controller needs to relay a last-minute runway change to an aircraft on final approach.
Which communication principle is MOST critical in this situation?