ATC + Airline Communications

Question 1

What does SELCAL stand for?

Answer 1

Selective Calling

SELCAL is a means of communication between pilots and flight dispatchers.

Question 2

What is the purpose of SELCAL?

Answer 2

Communication between pilots and flight dispatchers

Each aircraft is assigned a unique SELCAL code for identification.

Question 3

What does FAR 121.99 state about communications?

Answer 3

The PIC and dispatcher must communicate to maintain operational control.

Question 4

Who is SFO ARinc?

Answer 4

The company providing communications between dispatchers and aircraft.

Question 5

How many ARinc stations are there?

Answer 5

2, SFO and NYC.

Question 6

What does ACARS stand for?

Answer 6

Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System.

Question 7

What is ACARS used for?

Answer 7

Text messaging system between pilots and dispatchers.

Question 8

Name some alternative communication methods for dispatchers and pilots.

Answer 8

• Sat Phones
• VHF Radio

All forms of communication must be approved in the Ops Specs.

Question 9

Which government agency is responsible for the United States’ Air Traffic System?

Answer 9

FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).

Question 10

What is Class A airspace?

Answer 10

Airspace from FL180 to FL610.

Question 11

What are the requirements to fly in Class B airspace?

Answer 11

• 2-way radio communications
• Transponder with mode C
• At least a private pilot license.

Question 12

What is Class C airspace?

Answer 12

Airspace around medium busy airports.

Question 13

What are the requirements to fly in Class C airspace?

Answer 13

• 2-way communications
• Mode C transponder.

Question 14

What is Class D airspace?

Answer 14

Airspace around smaller airports, ranging from the surface to 2,500ft.

Question 15

What are the requirements to fly in Class D airspace?

Answer 15

2-way radio communication.

Question 16

What is Class E airspace?

Answer 16

Controlled airspace not classified as A, B, C, or D.

Question 17

What is Class G airspace?

Answer 17

Uncontrolled airspace.

Question 18

What is a prohibited area?

Answer 18

Airspace where flight is absolutely forbidden.

Question 19

Where might you find a prohibited area?

Answer 19

• Over the White House
• Pentagon
• US Capitol building.

Question 20

What is a restricted area?

Answer 20

Airspace where operations are hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft.

Question 21

What is a Warning area?

Answer 21

Areas extending outward from 3NM off the US coast warning of hazardous activities.

Question 22

What does MOA stand for?

Answer 22

Military Operating Area.

Question 23

What is the purpose of a MOA?

Answer 23

To separate military activity from IFR traffic.

Question 24

What does ARTCC stand for?

Answer 24

Air Route Traffic Control Center.

Question 25

How many ARTCCs are there in the United States?

Answer 25

24 centers.

Question 26

What is the ATC Command Center?

Answer 26

Located in Warrenton, Virginia, it addresses inefficiencies in the National Airspace System.

Question 27

What is a Ground Stop?

Answer 27

A stop issued by any center preventing aircraft from arriving at a specific airport.

Question 28

What is a National Delay Program?

Answer 28

Delays set up to manage traffic without stopping all aircraft from departing.

Question 29

What does TRACON stand for?

Answer 29

Terminal Radar Approach Control Facility.

Question 30

What is the function of TRACON?

Answer 30

To track departing and arriving aircraft using ASR.

Question 31

What is a Transponder with Mode C?

Answer 31

A device that helps ATC identify aircraft and provides vital flight information.

Question 32

What does ADIZ stand for?

Answer 32

Air Defense Identification Zone.

Question 33

What are Jet and Q Routes?

Answer 33

* Jet routes: Ground-based navigation from VOR to VOR * Q routes: Non-ground-based from waypoint to waypoint.

Question 34

Where are Jet and Q Routes located?

Answer 34

Between FL180 and FL450.

Question 35

What is a victor airway?

Answer 35

Routes found on low altitude charts.

Question 36

What does DP stand for?

Answer 36

Departure Procedure.

Question 37

What is a STAR?

Answer 37

Standard Terminal Arrival Route.

Question 38

What are the purposes of STARs and SIDs?

Answer 38

* Efficiency * Safety * Terrain and obstacle avoidance * Standardization * Noise abatement.

Question 39

What does ATIS stand for?

Answer 39

Automatic Terminal Information Service.

Question 40

What is the purpose of ATIS?

Answer 40

Continuous broadcast service of airport-related information.

Question 41

What does VFR stand for?

Answer 41

Visual Flight Rules.

Question 42

What does VMC stand for and what are its parameters?

Answer 42

Visual Meteorological Conditions – ceilings at least 1,000ft and visibility 3SM.

Question 43

What does IFR stand for?

Answer 43

Instrument Flight Rules.

Question 44

What does IMC stand for and what are its parameters?

Answer 44

Instrument Meteorological Conditions – ceilings less than 1,000ft or visibility less than 3SM.

Question 45

What is an IFR clearance?

Answer 45

Route, altitude, time, etc., cleared by ATC.

Question 46

What is a transponder?

Answer 46

A device that sends out a unique code to air traffic controllers.

Question 47

What are the emergency transponder codes?

Answer 47

* 7700 – Emergency * 7500 – Hijack * 7600 – Radio Failure.

Question 48

What is clearance delivery?

Answer 48

Service providing pilots with their clearances.

Question 49

What is the function of Ground Control?

Answer 49

Manages all aircraft taxiing on the ground.

Question 50

What are the 2 types of NOTAMs?

Answer 50

* NOTAM D – Distant NOTAM * FDC NOTAM – Flight Data Center.

Question 51

What is a TFR?

Answer 51

Temporary Flight Restriction.

Question 52

Where might you see a TFR?

Answer 52

* Over big sports games * Area the President is visiting * Permanent TFRs over places like Disney World.