FEAST ATC English Language Comprehension Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An air traffic controller issues the following instruction: 'Speedbird 235, descend to flight level two four zero, turn right heading one eight zero, reduce speed to two five zero knots.' The pilot reads back: 'Descend flight level two four zero, turn right heading one eight zero, reduce speed two three zero knots, Speedbird 235.' Which part of the instruction did the pilot read back incorrectly?
- The flight level
- The heading
- The speed (Correct answer)
- The callsign
Correct answer: The speed
The controller instructed a speed reduction to 'two five zero knots,' but the pilot read back 'two three zero knots.' All other parts of the readback were correct. It is critical for controllers to catch such errors to ensure flight safety and proper separation.
Question 2: A pilot reports, 'Tower, we are ten miles out to the west, coming in for landing.' Which of the following is the most appropriate and standard ICAO phraseology for the controller to use to acknowledge the transmission and instruct the pilot to continue?
- "Alright, continue your approach."
- "Got it, report when you see the field."
- "Roger, continue approach." (Correct answer)
- "Affirmative, keep coming."
Correct answer: "Roger, continue approach."
According to ICAO standard phraseology, 'Roger' means 'I have received all of your last transmission.' 'Continue approach' is the standard instruction for an aircraft in this phase of flight. The other options use non-standard, casual language that can be ambiguous.
Question 3: A controller gives the instruction: 'Scandinavian 761, after the departing Airbus on your left, line up and wait behind.' What is Scandinavian 761 cleared to do?
- Enter the runway and prepare for immediate takeoff.
- Taxi to the runway holding point and wait for another clearance.
- Enter the runway after the Airbus has departed and wait in position. (Correct answer)
- Follow the Airbus to the gate after it has landed.
Correct answer: Enter the runway after the Airbus has departed and wait in position.
The instruction is conditional. 'After the departing Airbus' sets the condition. 'Line up and wait behind' is the clearance to enter the runway and hold in takeoff position once the condition is met. The aircraft is not cleared for takeoff and should not stop before the runway.
Question 4: What is the precise meaning of the instruction 'Standby' when used by an air traffic controller?
- The controller is busy; call again in one minute.
- Wait and I will call you back. (Correct answer)
- Your request is denied.
- Repeat your last transmission.
Correct answer: Wait and I will call you back.
The ICAO standard phrase 'Standby' means 'Wait and I will call you.' It indicates that the controller has heard the call but is currently too busy to respond and will initiate the next contact. It is not a request to call back later or a denial of a request.
Question 5: A pilot makes the following transmission: 'Approach, Laker 451, we're going down to six thousand.' How should the controller interpret this non-standard transmission?
- The aircraft is declaring an emergency and descending rapidly.
- The aircraft is descending to an altitude of 600 feet.
- The aircraft is initiating a descent to flight level six zero.
- The aircraft is initiating a descent to an altitude of 6,000 feet. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The aircraft is initiating a descent to an altitude of 6,000 feet.
While 'going down to six thousand' is non-standard phraseology, in the context of an approach controller, it is universally understood to mean the aircraft is descending to an altitude of 6,000 feet. The standard phraseology would be 'descending to six thousand feet.'
Question 6: During a transmission, a pilot is asked to 'expedite climb through flight level one two zero'. Which of the following best describes the pilot's required action?
- Climb at the normal rate to FL120.
- Increase the rate of climb to pass through FL120 without delay. (Correct answer)
- Climb to FL120 at the aircraft's maximum performance.
- Report passing through FL120.
Correct answer: Increase the rate of climb to pass through FL120 without delay.
The term 'expedite' is used by ATC when immediate compliance is required to avoid an imminent situation. It means to proceed with best safe speed and/or rate of climb/descent. It does not necessarily mean maximum performance but indicates urgency is required.
FEAST ATC English Language Comprehension Questions and Answers 1
An air traffic controller issues the following instruction: 'Speedbird 235, descend to flight level two four zero, turn right heading one eight zero, reduce speed to two five zero knots.' The pilot reads back: 'Descend flight level two four zero, turn right heading one eight zero, reduce speed two three zero knots, Speedbird 235.' Which part of the instruction did the pilot read back incorrectly?