8.9 Radio Communications - Practice Questions

What is the definition of CTAF?

• The frequency you tune into to get information from Aeronautical Advisory Stations (UNICOM).

• The standard radio frequency that the majority of towered airports use in the U.S.

• The air-to-air communication system for pilots to communicate with each other.

Answer explanation

The key to monitoring manned aircraft communications near an airport without an operating control tower is selecting the right radio frequency. The Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) is what you’ll want to tune into. It’s a frequency designated for pilots to communicate with each other directly, air-to-air, while operating to or from an airport without an operating control tower.

The correct phonetic for R08TN is

• ROMEO 0 8 TANGO NOVEMBER

• ROMEO ZERO AIT TANGO NOVEMBER

• ROMEO ZERO AIT TANGO NANCY

Answer explanation

Make sure to review the phonetic alphabet! There’s only one right answer to questions like this. In this case, it’s important to know that “N” is pronounced NOVEMBER over the radio.

What frequency is used at a non-towered airport when UNICOM isn’t available?

• 122.9

• 122.7

• 122.8

Answer explanation

When there’s a non-towered airport and UNICOM isn’t available, a pilot will use the 122.9 frequency to communicate.

Inbound to an airport with no tower in operation but with a Flight Service Station (FSS) open, a pilot should communicate with the FSS on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF)

• 20 miles out.

• 10 miles out.

• 5 miles out.

Answer explanation

When a pilot is flying inbound and approaching an airport with no tower in operation but with a Flight Service Station (FSS) open, a pilot should communicate with the FSS on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) at 10 nautical miles out from the airport.

When flying HAWK N666CB, the proper phraseology for initial contact with McAlester Flight Service is

• McAlester Flight Service Station, Hawk Six Six Six Six Charlie Bravo, Receiving Ardmore Vortac, Over.’

• McAlester Station, Hawk Six Six Six Cee Bee, Receiving Ardmore Vortac, Over.’

• McAlester Radio, Hawk November Six Six Six Charlie Bravo, Receiving Ardmore Vortac, Over.’

Answer explanation

Remember that there are different types of facilities, and that each facility will be addressed a little differently over the radio. In this case, Flight Service is always referred to as Radio, so that’s why the correct answer choice needs to start with McAlester Radio. Another giveaway here is that the N in the N-number of N666CB will be pronounced November.

(Refer to Figure 25, area 3.) If Dallas Executive (RBD) tower is not in operation, which frequency should be used as a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to monitor airport traffic?

• 127.25 MHz.

• 122.95 MHz.

• 126.35 MHz.

Answer explanation

After locating the Dallas Executive (RBD) airport icon on the chart, look for the airport information text next to the icon. Remember that in the testing supplement legend, you’re actually being told exactly where a lot of information is on the Sectional Chart. In this case, if we want to find the CTAF frequency, we can consult the legend: (See beginning of Test Supplement Book)

The CTAF frequency is always going to be to the left of the circle C icon. In the legend section above, the CTAF frequency is also the CT or Control Tower frequency, and it is 118.3.

In this question, the CTAF frequency at Dallas Executive (RBD) airport is 127.25 MHz.

The correct method of stating 4,500 feet MSL to air traffic control is

• Four Thousand Five Hundred.

• Four Point Five.

• Forty Five Hundred Feet MSL.

Answer explanation

Round numbers indicating hundreds and thousands up to 9,900 (as for ceiling heights and upper wind levels) must be said in the following way:

500 - five hundred

4,500 - four thousand five hundred