Communication Protocols Flashcards
7 cards from real FRA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Communication Protocols flashcards as text
When a train crew receives conflicting instructions from two different sources, which takes priority?
Answer: The instruction requiring the most restrictive operation
Under FRA rules, when instructions conflict, crews must follow the most restrictive interpretation to ensure safety.
Under FRA regulations, what is the required protocol when a locomotive engineer loses radio contact with the dispatcher?
Answer: Operate at Restricted Speed and attempt to restore communication
FRA requires engineers to operate at Restricted Speed when radio communication is lost, while attempting to restore contact.
What does the term 'repeat back' mean in railroad radio communication?
Answer: Restating the received message verbatim for dispatcher verification
Repeat back (read back) requires the crew to restate the message word-for-word so the dispatcher can verify accurate receipt.
A train is approaching a dark signal (signal displaying no indication). According to FRA communication protocols, what must the crew do?
Answer: Treat it as a stop signal and contact the dispatcher
A dark signal must be treated as the most restrictive indication (stop), and the dispatcher must be contacted before movement.
Which of the following is a required element when a train crew initiates a radio call to a dispatcher?
Answer: Train symbol, location, and reason for call
FRA communication standards require crews to identify the train symbol, current location, and purpose of the call for clarity and documentation.
What is the purpose of using phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie) in railroad radio communications?
Answer: To reduce confusion between similarly sounding letters and numbers
The phonetic alphabet prevents misunderstandings caused by letters that sound alike over radio, improving accuracy of critical information.
Under FRA regulations, how must a dispatcher communicate a track warrant to a train crew?
Answer: Verbally over radio with the crew required to write and repeat back all authority limits
Track warrants must be issued verbally over radio, and the crew is required to write down and read back all terms to confirm accuracy.
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