Communications Flashcards

1
Q

What is VHF radio used for in aviation?

A

Within line of sight transmission

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2
Q

What is HF radio used for in aviation?

A

Long range communication, shared frequencies

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3
Q

What is a datalink used for in aviation?

A

Long distance satellite communications

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4
Q

What is the VSCS used for?

A

Voice Switch and Control System; coordination with other controllers

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5
Q

What is the AIDC used for?

A

ATS Inter-Centre Data Communication; data comms with other ATS facilities

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6
Q

What is the AFTN used for?

A

Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network; international exchange of aeronautical data

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7
Q

What is a radio report?

A

A mandatory radio report from an aircraft to the appropriate ATS unit.

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8
Q

What is a radio broadcast?

A

A radio broadcast from an aircraft on the appropriate frequency to provide advisory traffic information to other aircraft.

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9
Q

What are the comms requirements for RPT aircraft?

A

VHF and HF or 2VHF in Classes A, C, D, E & G

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10
Q

What are the comms requirements for CHTR aircraft?

A

VHF or HF (when VHF does not allow continuous comms) in Classes A, C, D, E & G

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11
Q

What are the comms requirements for IFR aircraft?

A

VHF or HF (when beyond VHF range of ATS units) in Classes A, C, D, E & G

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12
Q

What are the comms requirements for NGT VFR aircraft?

A

VHF in Classes A, C, D, E & G

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13
Q

What are the comms requirements for VFR aircraft?

A

VHF in Classes A, C, D & E

VHF in Class G when at 5,000ft or above

VHF in Class G at those aerodromes where the carriage and use of radio is required

VHF in Class G below 3,000FT AMSL or 1,000FT AGL in reduced VMC

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14
Q

What are the comms requirements for gliders?

A

VHF in Class G when operating at aerodromes serviced by RPT aircraft

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15
Q

What does AIP ENR 1.1 say about IFR aircraft that cannot establish contact with ATS on the ground prior to departure?

A

The pilot of an IFR aircraft operating from a non-controlled aerodrome must attempt to contact ATS on VHF or HF when taxiing. If the pilot is unable to establish contact, the flight may proceed on a broadcast basis provided contact is established as soon as possible after takeoff, and:

a) In the case of an RPT, CHTR or AWK flight, the pilot is assured of radio contact with his or her operator, or a representative of his or her operator who has immediate access to a serviceable telephone, until contact is made with ATS, or
b) For flights other than RPT, a SARTIME for departure has been established with a maximum of 30 minutes from EOBT.

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16
Q

Which chart can be used to see areas where continuous VHF communications are expected, and at which altitudes does it depict these areas?

A

Planning Chart Australia (PCA).

5,000ft - light purple
10,000ft - dark purple

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17
Q

What function does the Idle VSCS key perform?

A

Transmissions from this frequency will not be sent or received on your console.

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18
Q

What function does the Monitor VSCS key perform?

A

Listen to a frequency, but does not allow you to transmit.

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19
Q

What function does the Traffic VSCS key perform?

A

Will allow you to transmit on the selected group of VHF frequencies.

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20
Q

What function does the Group VSCS key perform?

A

Will allow you to transmit on the selected group of VHF frequencies.

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21
Q

What function does the Retransmit VSCS key perform?

A

Will establish a retransmission network when you have control of multiple VHF frequencies. Pilots on one frequency will be able to hear pilots broadcasting on other frequencies on the network.

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22
Q

What are the Hotline VSCS keys?

A

Coordination lines that, once selected, will open immediately and the sender or receiver is able to start talking straight away.

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23
Q

What are the Coldline VSCS keys?

A

Coordination lines that require an answer from the receiver before voice communications can begin.

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24
Q

What are the Indirect Access VSCS keys?

A

In the event of failure of the communications network the Indirect Access function allows the controller to access the regular public telephone system.

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25
Q

What are some of the functions of the SELCAL system?

A

Selective Calling System

  • Alerts the crew to an incoming HF or VHF radio call with a chime and flashing light.
  • Aircraft code is a group of four letters
  • Tones are transmitted as a series of audio tones
  • Used only for ground to air calling
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26
Q

What are some of the limitations of the SELCAL system?

A
  • Signal does not identify its source
  • The pilot must ascertain the ground station calling
  • No ‘hash reduction’ advantage to the ground operator
  • Aircraft must be suitably equipped
  • Pilots have no situational awareness of close proximity traffic
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27
Q

What is the CPDLC and what are some of it’s functions?

A

Controller Pilot Data Link Communication

  • Datalink system for ATC - pilot communication
  • Onboard printing
  • Auto-load of certain uplink messages into the FMS
  • Downlink of complex route requests which can be returned with approval
  • Downlink messages and some responses to uplink messages that automatically update the FDR
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28
Q

What is the AIDC and what are some of it’s functions?

A

ATS Inter-Centre Data Communication

  • Passes information from controller console to console across FDRG boundaries
  • Provides snapshot updates to the ATC system receiving a flight
  • Ensures controllers have up-to-date flight data available and in some cases acquits the requirement for coordination between controllers in different control centres
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29
Q

What is an ABI?

A

Advance Boundary Information; sent at a pre-set time prior to the aircraft’s estimate for the boundary. This will provide a snapshot update of the FDR.

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30
Q

What is a PAC?

A

Preliminary Activation Message; sent at a time prior to departure in place of the ABI for departures close to the boundary.

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31
Q

What is an EST?

A

Estimate; provides an update of the CFL and estimate for the boundary. This may replace coordination.

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32
Q

What is an ACC?

A

Acceptance; sent by the receiving centre to indicate the system has received and processed an EST message. An “A” indicates to the sending controller that the message has been accepted.

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33
Q

What is a TOC?

A

Transfer of Control; offers control authority to the receiving centre. This is initiated by the sending controller prior to transferring to the receiving centre’s frequency.

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34
Q

What is an AOC?

A

Acceptance of Control; the controller in the receiving centre is ready to assume control authority. This finishes the FDR in the sending centre.

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35
Q

What is the AFTN and what are some of it’s functions?

A

Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network

  • Performs international data exchange between aeronautical authorities
  • Messages must adhere to ICAO messaging conventions
  • Controllers enter information into the FDR in line with ICAO syntax and semantics
  • Message is sent by the FDC (flight data coordinator), not the controller
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36
Q

What is the AFTN Message Priority SS?

A

Emergency

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37
Q

What is the AFTN Message Priority DD?

A

Urgency

38
Q

What is the AFTN Message Priority FF?

A

Movement and Control Messages

39
Q

What is the AFTN Message Priority GG?

A

Flight Information Messages

40
Q

What is the AFTN Message Priority KK?

A

Administrative

41
Q

What is the AFTN Message Type FPL?

A

Flight Plan

42
Q

What is the AFTN Message Type CHG?

A

Change

43
Q

What is the AFTN Message Type DEP?

A

Departure

44
Q

What is the AFTN Message Type ARR?

A

Arrival

45
Q

Interpret the AFTN line “YMMLJSTX”. Identify each element.

A
YMML = Location (Melbourne)
JST = Aeronautical Authority (Jetstar)
X = Department
46
Q

Word/Phrase that has the meaning;

Let me know that you have received and understood this message.

A

ACKNOWLEDGE

47
Q

Word/Phrase that has the meaning;

Yes.

A

AFFIRM

48
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

APPROVED

A

Permission for proposed action granted

49
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

BREAK

A

I hereby indicate the separation between portions of the message (to be used where there is no clear distinction between the text and other portions of the message).

50
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

BREAK BREAK

A

I hereby indicate seperation between messages transmitted to different aircraft in a very busy environment.

51
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

CANCEL

A

Annul the previously transmitted clearance.

52
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

CHECK

A

Examine a system or procedure (no answer is normally expected)

53
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

CLEARED

A

Authorised to proceed under the conditions specified.

54
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

CONFIRM

A

I request verification of: (clearance, instruction, action, information)

55
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

CONTACT

A

Establish communication with…

56
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

CORRECT

A

True or Accurate

57
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

CORRECTION

A

An error has been made in this transmission (or message indicated) the correct version is..

58
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

DISREGARD

A

Ignore

59
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

HOW DO YOU READ

A

What is the readability of my transmission?

60
Q

What is the readability scale?

A
  1. Unreadable
  2. Readable now and then
  3. Readable but with difficulty
  4. Readable
  5. Perfectly readable
61
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

I SAY AGAIN

A

I repeat for clarity or emphasis.

62
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

MAYDAY

A

My aircraft and its occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger and/or I require immediate assistance

63
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

MAINTAIN

A

Continue in accordance with the condition(s) specified or in its literal sense, e.g. “Maintain VFR”

64
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

MONITOR

A

Listen out on (frequency)

65
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

NEGATIVE

A

No or permission is not granted or that is not correct or not capable

66
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

OUT

A

This exchange of transmission is eneded and I expect no response for you

67
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

OVER

A

My transmission is ended and I expect a response from you

68
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

PAN PAN

A

I have an urgent message to transmit concerning the safety of my aircraft or other vehicle or of some person on board or within sight but I do not require immediate assistance

69
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

READBACK

A

Repeat all, or the specified part, of this message back to me exactly as received.

70
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

RECLEARED

A

A change has been made to your last clearance and this new clearance supersedes your previous clearance or part thereof

71
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

REPORT

A

Pass me the following information

72
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

REQUEST

A

I should like to know or I wish to obtain

73
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

ROGER

A

I have received all of your last transmission (under NO circumstances to be used in reply to a question requiring READBACK or a direct answer in the affirmative or negative)

74
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

SAY AGAIN

A

Repeat all or the following part of your last transmission

75
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

SPEAK SLOWER

A

Reduce your rate of speech

76
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

STANDBY

A

Wait and I will call you.

77
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

UNABLE

A

I cannot comply with your request, instruction or clearance (normally followed by a reason)

78
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

VERIFY

A

Check and confirm with originator

79
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

WILCO

A

I understand your message and comply with it

80
Q

What is the meaning of this Word/Phrase;

WORDS TWICE

A

a. as a request;
Communication is difficult. Please send every word or group of words twice.
b. as information:
Since communication is difficult every word or group of words in this message will be transmitted twice.

81
Q

What is the format of a distress message?

A

MAYDAY [MAYDAY MAYDAY] (station addressed), (Aircraft identification), (nature of distress condition e.g. FUEL or EMERGENCY DECENT), (intentions), (position, level and heading), (any other useful information).

82
Q

How do we acknowledge a distress message?

A

ROGER MAYDAY

83
Q

How do we acknowledge a distress message on frequency transfer?

A

MAYDAY [(type of emergency)] ACKNOWLEDGED

84
Q

What phrase to we use to impose radio silence?

A

STOP TRANSMITTING. MAYDAY

85
Q

What is the ATC broadcast for emergency decent traffic?

A

EMERGENCY DESCENT AT (significant point or location) ALL AIRCRAFT BELOW (level) WITHIN (distance) OF (significant point or navigation aid) [LEAVE IMMEDIATELY] [(specific instructions as to direction, heading or track, etc)]

86
Q

How do we announce cancellation of distress condition?

A

CANCEL DISTRESS (information)

87
Q

How do we announce termination of distress and radio silence?

A

DISTRESS TRAFFIC ENDED

88
Q

What is the format of an urgency message?

A

PAN PAN [PAN PAN, PAN PAN] (station addressed), (Aircraft identification), (nature of urgency condition e.g. MEDICAL PRIORITY REQUIRED or WEATHER DEVIATION REQUIRED), (intentions), (position, level and heading), (any other useful information).

89
Q

How do we acknowledge an urgency message?

A

ROGER PAN

90
Q

How do we acknowledge an urgency message on frequency transfer?

A

PAN [(type of emergency)] ACKNOWLEDGED

91
Q

What is the response to a pilot calling “(Aircraft indentification) TCAS RA”?

A

ROGER

92
Q

What is the response to a pilot calling “(Aircraft indentification) CLEAR OF CONFLICT RETURNING TO (assigned level)”?

A

ROGER