Communications

Difficulty: LowExam Weight: Low

Overview

Communications covers VHF and HF radio theory, radio wave propagation, communication procedures and phraseology, distress and urgency procedures, and the phonetic alphabet. This is generally considered the easiest ATPL subject with the highest average pass rates.

Key Topics

VHF radio characteristics and propagation
HF radio characteristics and propagation (skywave)
SELCAL and ACARS
Radio communication procedures and phraseology
Distress (MAYDAY) and urgency (PAN PAN) procedures
Communication failure procedures
Phonetic alphabet and number pronunciation
ATC communication structure
Emergency locator transmitters (ELT)
Datalink communications (CPDLC)

Study Tips

Study this subject last — it is the quickest to prepare for

Listen to real ATC communications (LiveATC) to reinforce phraseology

Memorize the distress and urgency communication formats

Understand VHF line-of-sight limitations and how altitude affects range

Know the differences between VHF and HF propagation

Sample Questions

1. The correct distress call prefix is:

A. PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN

B. MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY✓ Correct

C. EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY

D. SOS, SOS, SOS

2. VHF radio range is limited primarily by:

A. Transmitter power

B. Antenna type

C. Line of sight (Earth's curvature)✓ Correct

D. Atmospheric absorption

3. The transponder code for radio communication failure is:

A. 7500

B. 7600✓ Correct

C. 7700

D. 7000

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