GPC Radio Communications and Airport Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a flashing green light gun signal directed at an aircraft on the ground mean?
- Cleared for takeoff
- Cleared to taxi (Correct answer)
- Stop
- Return to starting point
Correct answer: Cleared to taxi
A flashing green light to an aircraft on the ground means cleared to taxi.
Question 2: What light gun signal means 'exercise extreme caution' for an aircraft in flight?
- Flashing red
- Alternating red and green (Correct answer)
- Steady red
- Flashing white
Correct answer: Alternating red and green
An alternating red and green light gun signal means exercise extreme caution for both aircraft in flight and on the ground.
Question 3: What does a steady red light gun signal mean to a glider in flight?
- Airport unsafe — do not land
- Cleared to land
- Give way to other aircraft and continue circling (Correct answer)
- Return for landing immediately
Correct answer: Give way to other aircraft and continue circling
A steady red light in flight means give way to other aircraft and continue circling.
Question 4: Before entering Class D airspace, a glider pilot is required to:
- Obtain an ATC clearance
- Establish two-way radio communication with ATC (Correct answer)
- File a flight plan
- Carry a transponder with altitude reporting
Correct answer: Establish two-way radio communication with ATC
Class D airspace requires that two-way radio communication be established with the tower before entry.
Question 5: When departing a non-towered airport in a glider, when should the first CTAF broadcast be made?
- After reaching traffic pattern altitude
- Before taxiing onto the active runway (Correct answer)
- Only after liftoff when clear of the ground
- When the tow plane reaches rotation speed
Correct answer: Before taxiing onto the active runway
Pilots should broadcast intentions on CTAF before taxiing onto the active runway to alert inbound and pattern traffic.
Question 6: Which statement best describes correct radio communication phraseology?
- Pilots should use as many words as possible to be completely clear
- Standard phraseology should be used for brevity and to reduce misunderstandings (Correct answer)
- Informal language is preferred at non-towered airports
- Communication is optional when light gun signals are available
Correct answer: Standard phraseology should be used for brevity and to reduce misunderstandings
Standard aviation phraseology improves clarity, reduces frequency congestion, and minimizes miscommunications.
Question 7: Which airspace class requires an explicit ATC clearance (not just radio contact) before entry?
- Class C
- Class D
- Class B (Correct answer)
- Class E
Correct answer: Class B
Class B airspace requires an explicit ATC clearance before entry, not just two-way radio communication.
GPC Radio Communications and Airport Procedures 2
What does a flashing green light gun signal directed at an aircraft on the ground mean?