ATPL Communications and Procedures

Question 1

When should a pilot use the phrase 'MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY' on the radio?

Accepted Answer

When facing a distress condition involving grave and imminent danger

Answer

MAYDAY is the international radiotelephony distress signal indicating a grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance — the highest priority emergency call.

Question 2

The phrase 'PAN PAN PAN' on the radio indicates:

Accepted Answer

An urgency condition — a serious problem that does not require immediate assistance

Answer

PAN PAN is the international urgency signal indicating a serious situation that requires assistance but is not immediately life-threatening, having priority below MAYDAY.

Question 3

When a pilot reads back an ATC clearance incorrectly, the controller should:

Accepted Answer

Issue a correction and ensure the pilot acknowledges the correct clearance

Answer

ATC is responsible for ensuring pilots have correctly understood clearances; if a readback is incorrect, the controller must issue a correction and confirm the pilot acknowledges the correct version.

Question 4

Which frequency is the international aeronautical emergency frequency?

Accepted Answer

121.5 MHz

Answer

121.5 MHz is the international civil aeronautical emergency frequency (Guard), monitored by all commercial aircraft and ATC facilities.

Question 5

SELCAL (Selective Calling System) is primarily used to:

Accepted Answer

Alert a specific aircraft that ATC wishes to communicate, eliminating the need for continuous radio monitoring

Answer

SELCAL allows ATC to alert a specific aircraft using a unique 4-letter code that triggers a chime in the cockpit, freeing the crew from constant HF radio monitoring on long oceanic flights.

ATPL - Airline Transport Pilot License Practice Test

ATPL - Airline Transport Pilot License Practice Test

ATPL Communications and Procedures