CPC Communication Protocols & Coordination Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A controller issues a clearance but the pilot reads back an incorrect altitude. What is the controller's required action?
- Accept the read-back to avoid confusion on a busy frequency
- Immediately correct the error with the correct altitude (Correct answer)
- Ask the pilot to stand by and handle other traffic first
- Transfer the aircraft to the next sector without correction
Correct answer: Immediately correct the error with the correct altitude
Controllers must immediately correct any read-back error to ensure the pilot has the accurate clearance before complying.
Question 2: Which tool is most commonly used by ATC facilities to coordinate non-routine traffic situations in real time?
- Flight progress strips
- Direct landline (interphone) between sectors or facilities (Correct answer)
- NOTAM distribution system
- PIREP submission forms
Correct answer: Direct landline (interphone) between sectors or facilities
The interphone (hot line or landline) provides direct, immediate voice coordination between controllers for non-routine situations.
Question 3: The 'sterile cockpit' concept in ATC communication means:
- Pilots should not communicate with ATC below 10,000 feet MSL
- Controllers must limit non-essential communications during critical phases of flight (Correct answer)
- Only captains may respond to ATC clearances during approach
- ATC frequencies must be sanitized of all non-aviation traffic
Correct answer: Controllers must limit non-essential communications during critical phases of flight
Controllers apply the sterile cockpit principle by avoiding unnecessary transmissions during high-workload phases such as takeoff and landing.
Question 4: When two aircraft are on converging courses and a controller issues a traffic call, the call must include:
- Aircraft type, position, altitude, and direction of movement (Correct answer)
- Departure airport and filed destination only
- Pilot name and certificate number
- Filed cruise altitude and fuel state
Correct answer: Aircraft type, position, altitude, and direction of movement
A complete traffic call provides type, clock position relative to the receiving aircraft, altitude, and direction so pilots can visually acquire the conflict.
Question 5: In ATIS broadcasts, which information is considered mandatory under FAA Order 7110.65?
- Active runway(s), weather conditions, NOTAMs, and ATIS identifier (Correct answer)
- Pilot names on IFR flight plans and fuel prices
- Airline gate assignments and ground delay programs only
- Controller shift change times and supervisor names
Correct answer: Active runway(s), weather conditions, NOTAMs, and ATIS identifier
FAA Order 7110.65 requires ATIS to include active runways, current weather, pertinent NOTAMs, and the phonetic identifier for pilot acknowledgment.
Question 6: A sector controller is coordinating a military aircraft operating under a special use airspace restriction. The key coordination requirement is to:
- Obtain approval from the controlling agency before entering the restricted area (Correct answer)
- Issue a temporary flight restriction around the aircraft
- File a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) for the route
- Require the military crew to switch to guard frequency
Correct answer: Obtain approval from the controlling agency before entering the restricted area
Before routing civil or military traffic into or through restricted airspace, the controller must coordinate with the controlling agency to confirm activation status and obtain entry approval.
Question 7: Which communication failure scenario requires a controller to transmit on the emergency frequency 121.5 MHz?
- A pilot reports being unable to receive on the assigned frequency (Correct answer)
- A routine ATIS update needs to be broadcast quickly
- Two aircraft request a frequency change simultaneously
- A pilot requests an IFR amendment after departure
Correct answer: A pilot reports being unable to receive on the assigned frequency
When normal communication is lost with an aircraft, controllers may attempt contact on 121.5 MHz (emergency/guard frequency) as a backup.
CPC Communication Protocols & Coordination Skills 3
A controller issues a clearance but the pilot reads back an incorrect altitude.
What is the controller's required action?