ATC Communications Practice Questions
for the Private Pilot Written Test
Communication questions cover standard phraseology, light-gun signals, transponder codes, and what to do when the radios quit. These sample questions mirror how the FAA tests radio procedures on the written.
1.What is the proper way to pronounce the number '9000' according to FAA standards?
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A. Niner thousand
According to FAA standards (AIM Table 4-2-2), the correct way to pronounce '9000' is 'niner thousand.'
2.Which frequency is used to obtain weather information from an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS)?
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D. AWOS frequency listed in the Chart Supplement
The correct frequency to obtain weather from an AWOS is the specific AWOS frequency published in the Chart Supplement for that airport. This frequency is not always the same as ATIS or common advisory frequencies. (AIM 7-1-11)
3.When approaching a non-towered airport for landing, what position report is recommended when entering the traffic pattern?
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B. Report entering downwind, base, and final
The recommended position reports when approaching a non-towered airport are to report entering downwind, base, and final. This helps other pilots in the area maintain situational awareness and avoid conflicts. (AIM 4-1-9)
4.When should you read back a 'hold short' instruction?
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B. Always, as a 'hold short' must be read back
Hold short instructions always require explicit readback to ensure safety and avoid runway incursions. This is mandated by AIM 4-3-18.
5.If you experience radio failure in Class D airspace and need to land, what should you do?
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B. Watch for light gun signals from tower
With a radio failure, squawk 7600 and watch for the tower's light-gun signals to receive clearance — the standard NORDO (no-radio) procedure. (Note: 7500 is the hijack code, not lost comms.) (AIM 4-2-13, 6-4-2)
6.Which of these is NOT a mandatory ATC clearance readback?
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D. ATIS information code
ATIS information code is not required to be read back to ATC, while runway assignment, transponder code, and heading assignment are mandatory readbacks according to AIM 4-2-3.
7.What is the correct phonetic pronunciation for the aircraft registration 'N5164B'?
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A. November five one six four bravo
The correct phonetic pronunciation is to say each digit separately, except for whole thousands. For 'N5164B', this is 'November five one six four bravo.' (AIM Table 4-2-2)
8.What type of NOTAM provides information on airport facility outages of long duration?
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B. D NOTAM
D NOTAMs (NOTAM Ds) provide information on airport facility outages and changes of long duration. Refer to AIM 5-1-3 for details.
9.What should your initial radio call to a Class D tower include when 8 miles out inbound for landing?
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A. Tower, Cessna 123AB, 8 miles west, inbound for landing with information Alpha
The initial call to a Class D tower should include who you are calling (Tower), your aircraft identification (Cessna 123AB), your position (8 miles west), your request (inbound for landing), and the current ATIS information (information Alpha), as outlined in AIM 4-2-3.
10.You are told by ATC: 'Cleared to land, runway three six.' What is required in your readback?
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B. Read back 'Cleared to land, runway three six' to confirm clearance and runway.
According to AIM 4-3-18, pilots should read back both the clearance and the runway assignment when cleared to land. This helps prevent runway incursions and ensures clear communication with ATC.
11.Which is the correct phraseology for an urgent but not distress situation?
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B. Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan
'Pan-pan' is the correct phraseology for an urgent but not distress situation. 'Mayday' is reserved for distress situations. (AIM 6-3-1)
12.You are departing a non-towered airport and wish to request VFR flight following. When is the best time to make the request?
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C. After takeoff, once clear of airport traffic
The best time to request VFR flight following at a non-towered airport is after takeoff and once you are clear of the airport traffic pattern. This allows you to focus on departure procedures and communicate with ATC when you are safely airborne. (AIM 4-1-15)
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