Communications

Question 1

Recall how to activate/deactivate the oxygen mask microphone

Answer 1

The oxygen mask microphone is contained within the oxygen mask
• A boom/oxygen mask switch is located within each oxygen mask stowage box and connects the boom or oxygen mask microphone
• When the mask is removed from the oxygen mask compartment, the mask microphone is activated
• To deactivate the mask microphone, close the storage box doors and push the
TEST/RESET button

Question 2

Recall function of the VHF Control Panel

Answer 2

NOTE: Pushing the COMM TEST button temporarily disables the squelch

Question 3

Recall the function of the PA (ON), Call and INTPH (ON amber) switchlights on the overhead panel

Answer 3

PA
ON – Push to connect handset on the aft
pedestal to the PA system when the
handset is removed from its hanger
Extinguished – Replacing handset
extinguishes the light, disconnects the
handset from the PA and reverts the
handset to its SVC INT function
ATTND
CALL – Push to initiate a call to the cabin
Illuminates when flight attendant calls the 
flight deck.
MAINT INTPH
ON – Push switchlight to activate all service
interphone jacks throughout the airplane
ON illuminates
When pushed again, the light extinguishes
and all stations are disconnected from the
SVC INT – except for the cockpit, e/e comp,
ground control panel, and flight attendant
stations. 
MECH
CALL – Push to sound the
mechanic call horn
Illuminates when ground
personnel push the pilot call
switch at the ground service
panel

Question 4

Describe ways of making PA announcements from the flight deck

Answer 4

• PA announcements can be made from the flight deck by pushing the audio control panel PA button and using the boom or oxygen mask microphone
• The flight deck service interphone handset can also be used for PA announcements if the PA switch on the overhead panel is selected ON
• Flight deck PA announcements take priority over the cabin entertainment system or
any PA announcements made from any cabin station

Question 5

Recall the differences between FLIGHT and SERVICE Interphone

Answer 5

SERVICE interphone allows for communications between
the various service and maintenance locations around the
aircraft, the cockpit and flight attendant stations
Pushing the MAINT INTPH switchlight activates all service
interphone jacks throughout the airplane. ON illuminates.
When pushed again, the light extinguishes and all stations
are disconnected from the SVCE INTPH – except for the
cockpit, e/e comp, ground control panel and flt att stations
NOTE: The aft pedestal handset and audio control panel
CAB switchlight are used for SVCE INTPH
FLIGHT interphone provides communications between
the flight crew (pilots) as well as communications at the
external power panel

Question 6

Recall which systems are available for SELCAL and how to recognize an incoming call

Answer 6

The aircraft SELCAL system interfaces with the aircraft VHF systems
When a call is received, the respective MIC switch on the ACP illuminates
and a chime sounds through the cockpit speakers and headphones

Question 7

Recall features of the CVR

Answer 7

• Records and preserves the last 2 hours of flight deck sounds and communications
• Continuously operates whenever power is available and no crew action is required
• The CVR recording can be erased, if the aircraft ground sensing system is in ground mode and the parking brake set, by pushing the ERASE button on the CVR MICROPHONE MONITOR control pane

Question 8

Recall degraded cabin communications considerations when operating with GEN L OFF (and left AC and DC busses amber) or Complete Loss of AC Power

Answer 8

No flight attendant CHIME capability exists with aircraft GEN L OFF (and left AC and DC busses amber) or Complete Loss of AC Power. The CABIN INTERPHONE must be selected ON to enable flight attendant communication with the cockpit (select CAB pushbutton on ACP, ensure it is in the “up” position and volume adjusted to hear any potential FA calls)

Question 9

Recall features of Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS)

Answer 9

• A data link communications system with air-to-ground (downlink) and ground-to-air (uplink) capability using VHF-3
• When an ACARS message is received, the integral “C” light on the VHF-3 selector on the Audio Control Panel (ACP) will illuminate. Also, the chime will sound for certain messages. (The chime is inhibited during critical phases of flight)