GPC Radio Communications and Airport Procedures 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard CTAF/UNICOM frequency used at most uncontrolled airports in the US?
- 121.5 MHz
- 122.8 MHz (Correct answer)
- 126.7 MHz
- 122.0 MHz
Correct answer: 122.8 MHz
122.8 MHz is the most commonly designated CTAF/UNICOM frequency at uncontrolled airports for pilot-to-pilot traffic advisories.
Question 2: A steady green light gun signal directed at a glider on the ground means:
- Return to starting point
- Exercise extreme caution
- Cleared for takeoff (Correct answer)
- Stop immediately
Correct answer: Cleared for takeoff
A steady green light from the tower to an aircraft on the ground means cleared for takeoff.
Question 3: What does CTAF stand for in aviation communications?
- Certified Terminal Approach Frequency
- Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (Correct answer)
- Controlled Traffic Advisory Function
- Common Terminal Airfield Frequency
Correct answer: Common Traffic Advisory Frequency
CTAF stands for Common Traffic Advisory Frequency, the designated frequency for self-announce position reports at non-towered airports.
Question 4: A flashing red light gun signal directed at an aircraft in flight means:
- Cleared to land
- Return for landing
- Airport unsafe — do not land (Correct answer)
- Give way to other aircraft
Correct answer: Airport unsafe — do not land
A flashing red light gun signal to an aircraft in flight means the airport is unsafe and landing is not permitted.
Question 5: Which frequency is designated as the international aeronautical emergency frequency?
- 122.8 MHz
- 121.5 MHz (Correct answer)
- 126.7 MHz
- 123.45 MHz
Correct answer: 121.5 MHz
121.5 MHz is the international emergency frequency monitored by ATC facilities and search and rescue services.
Question 6: When must a pilot establish two-way radio communication with ATC before entering airspace?
- Class G airspace
- Class E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL
- Class C airspace (Correct answer)
- Class F airspace
Correct answer: Class C airspace
Class C airspace requires two-way radio communication to be established with ATC before entry.
Question 7: When making CTAF position reports at a non-towered airport, a glider pilot should broadcast at which positions?
- Only when tow aircraft is within sight
- Entering the pattern, downwind, base, and final (Correct answer)
- Only on final approach when other aircraft are visible
- Only when requested by other pilots in the area
Correct answer: Entering the pattern, downwind, base, and final
Pilots should broadcast position on CTAF when entering the traffic pattern and at each leg (downwind, base, final) to improve traffic separation.
GPC Radio Communications and Airport Procedures 1
What is the standard CTAF/UNICOM frequency used at most uncontrolled airports in the US?