B10. GENERAL PHRASEOLOGY Quiz

Q1. When giving level messages relating to a climb or descent to a HEIGHT or ALTITUDE, the initial message must also include:

The appropriate QFE or QNH.

The vertical speed in feet per minute.

The altitude/height in meters.

Points to Remember – ATC requires the pressure setting when communicating height or altitude
– Including QFE or QNH ensures consistent pressure references between pilots and controllers
– These settings are necessary for all level messages except those referring to Flight Levels

Q2. The phrase MAINTAIN OWN SEPARATION AND VMC instructs the pilot to:

Remain in visual conditions and ATC will provide separation.

Climb or descend only after receiving visual separation from ATC.

Remain in visual conditions and be responsible for their own separation from other aircraft.

Points to Remember – Pilot assumes full responsibility for navigation and safety
– Aircraft must remain clear of clouds and maintain Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)
– Pilot is responsible for maintaining separation from all other air traffic
– Air Traffic Control (ATC) provides no separation services during this period

Q3. After the response to an ACAS RA is completed and the aircraft has resumed its assigned clearance, what should the pilot report?

BACK ON CLEARANCE.

CLEAR OF CONFLICT, RESUMING.

CLEAR OF CONFLICT, assigned clearance) RESUMED.

Points to Remember – Report to ATC once the TCAS threat is over and you have returned to your assigned level or route
– Use the specific phrase: CLEAR OF CONFLICT, (FL) RESUMED
– This report informs ATC that the emergency maneuver is finished and normal operations have restarted

Q4. If a pilot wishes to cancel an IFR flight plan while airborne, the correct phraseology to initiate this is:

VAG switching to VFR rules now.

VAG requesting cancellation of IFR.

VAG cancelling my IFR flight plan, proceeding VFR.

Points to Remember – State your callsign and clearly declare you are cancelling your IFR flight plan
– Specify that you are proceeding VFR
– Use informative language rather than making a request
– Ensure you explicitly mention the cancellation of the flight plan rather than just switching to VFR

Q5. The instruction WHEN READY CLIMB TO FL 280 means the pilot:

Should request permission when they are ready to climb.

Must begin the climb when ready.

Can initiate the climb at their own discretion.

Points to Remember – The phrase When Ready is a polite instruction from ATC
– You have the clearance to start climbing whenever it suits you
– There is no need to ask for further permission or wait for additional instructions
– The timing of the climb is entirely at the pilot’s discretion

Q6. When should plain language be used in RTF communication?

When communicating with non-native English speakers.

Only when standard phraseology is insufficient for the situation.

As the primary method of communication.

Points to Remember – Use standard phraseology for most situations as it is the default
– Switch to plain English only when unusual events occur
– Resort to simple language when standard phrases cannot describe the situation
– Treat plain language as a backup rather than the primary communication method

Q7. Which phraseology is used to instruct a climb or descent) to a level within a defined vertical range, allowing the pilot to operate freely within those bounds?

TO AND MAINTAIN BLOCK level) TO level).

CLIMB TO AND MAINTAIN level).

WHEN READY CLIMB TO level).

Points to Remember – Use the word BLOCK to instruct a climb or descent within a defined vertical range
– The term BLOCK allows the pilot to operate freely between the specified levels
– CLIMB TO AND MAINTAIN refers to one specific altitude level
– WHEN READY refers to the timing of the maneuver rather than the altitude range

Q8. When ATC instructs STOP CLIMB AT FL 120, it means:

Any previous climb clearance is modified.

Maintain FL120 or below due traffic.

Climb until FL120 as per your filed flight plan.

Points to Remember – Overrides any previously issued climb clearances
– Establishes FL 120 as the new maximum altitude
– Requires immediate cessation of the climb at the specified level
– Used by ATC to maintain vertical separation from traffic above

Q9. A pilot reporting LEAVING FL 250 should do so:

When cleared by ATC to leave the level.

Only after establishing a positive climb or descent rate.

When the altimeter first shows a movement from FL 250.

Points to Remember – Wait until the aircraft is climbing or descending steadily before reporting
– Avoid reporting the moment the altimeter needle first moves
– Prevents false reports caused by minor altitude fluctuations

Q10. Radar-controlled aircraft need not report level changes unless:

Specifically requested by ATC.

Flying above FL200.

Exempted by ATC.

Points to Remember – ATC can monitor your altitude on radar screens
– Routine level reports are not required under radar control
– Reports must only be made if specifically requested by ATC

Q11. Position reporting is a fundamental practice primarily used in airspace where the aircraft is operating:

Under Visual Flight Rules VFR) only.

Above FL 250.

Without continuous radar coverage procedural control airspace).

Points to Remember – Position reports are crucial when ATC lacks radar coverage
– Reports are the primary method for ATC to track aircraft in procedural airspace
– Maintaining these reports ensures safety when automated tracking is unavailable

Q12. The instruction REVERT TO FLIGHT PLAN CALL SIGN means the pilot should:

Change to a new, temporary call sign.

Use a shortened version of the current call sign.

Change back to the call sign filed in the original flight plan.

Points to Remember – Revert means to return to the original call sign filed in the flight plan
– This instruction is used after ATC has assigned a temporary or squawk-based call sign
– Think of it as switching back to a permanent name after using a temporary nickname

Q13. The phrase CLIMB TO FLIGHT LEVEL 80 indicates:

Initiate a climb until reaching 8000 feet on QNH.

Initiate a climb until reaching 8000 feet on QNE.

Initiate a climb until reaching 8000 feet on QFE.

Points to Remember – Flight levels are based on the standard pressure setting of 1013.25 hPa
– FL 80 represents an altitude of 8000 feet on a standard pressure altimeter
– Flight levels do not use local aerodrome pressure or sea level pressure settings

Q14. If unable to expedite climb, the correct pilot reply is:

WILL NOT COMPLY DUE OPERATIONAL LIMITATIONS.

UNABLE TO EXPEDITE DUE WEIGHT.

CAN NOT EXPEDITE DUE SPEED RESTRICTION.

Points to Remember – Use the phrase UNABLE TO EXPEDITE followed by the specific reason
– State the reason using standard radiotelephony phraseology
– Avoid using the term will not comply as it implies a refusal to follow instructions

Q15. The instruction IF UNABLE, alternative instructions) AND ADVISE is used when:

The pilot has already stated they are unable.

The controller is certain the pilot can comply.

There is doubt that the aircraft can comply with a clearance.

Points to Remember – Air Traffic Control provides a secondary plan in case the primary instruction cannot be followed
– It eliminates the need for further communication if the pilot is unable to comply with the first request
– The phrase saves time by offering an immediate solution and requiring the pilot to inform ATC of their chosen action

Q16. The instruction STOP CLIMB AT FL 190 is an example of:

An initial clearance.

An overriding instruction.

A suggestion.

Points to Remember – This instruction represents Air Traffic Control changing a previous clearance during a climb
– It requires the pilot to level off at flight level 190 despite being cleared higher earlier
– This new instruction immediately overrides any previous climb clearances issued by ATC

Q17. The phrase EXPEDITE DESCENT requires the pilot to:

Descend as soon as possible to avoid reciprocal traffic.

Descend at maximum rate to avoid eminent collision.

Descend as quickly as safely possible.

Points to Remember – Descend faster than the normal rate while maintaining safety
– Avoid treating the request as an emergency dive
– Refrain from using a maximum rate of descent
– Prioritize safety over speed at all times

Q18. Flight Level 280 now available, advise if ready to accept means:

Pilot discretion to climb when suitable.

FL 280 is now available if pilot is ready to use it.

Pilot is to comply with the instruction to climb and maintain that level.

Points to Remember – Air Traffic Control is offering a flight level that was previously occupied or unavailable
– Pilots have the option to either accept or decline the offered level
– The message serves as an inquiry into the aircraft’s readiness to climb or descend to that level

Q19. The term CAVOK pronounced CAV-O-KAY indicates which set of conditions?

Cloud and visibility are ok, but significant weather is present.

Severe turbulence and icing reported in the area.

Visibility, cloud, and present weather are better than prescribed values or conditions.

Points to Remember – CAVOK stands for Ceiling And Visibility OK
– Visibility is 10 kilometers or more
– No significant clouds are present below 5000 feet
– No hazardous weather conditions exist in the area

Q20. When multiple RVR values are reported without specifying their locations, what is the assumed order?

Roll-out, midpoint, touchdown.

Touchdown, midpoint, roll-out.

Midpoint, touchdown, roll-out.

Points to Remember – The first value represents the Touchdown zone where the aircraft lands
– The second value represents the Midpoint or the middle of the runway
– The third value represents the Roll-out zone where the aircraft slows down
– The sequence follows the aircraft’s path from landing to stopping along the runway

Q21. A pilot reporting NEGATIVE CONTACT in response to traffic information is indicating that they:

Have the traffic in sight.

Are not looking for the traffic.

Do not see the reported traffic.

Points to Remember – Reporting Negative Contact means the pilot is actively looking for the advised traffic
– It indicates that the pilot has not yet visually spotted the specific traffic
– It is the opposite of reporting Traffic in Sight, which is used once the traffic is identified

Q22. A controller instructs, CLIMB TO AND MAINTAIN BLOCK FLIGHT LEVEL 310 TO 330. This means the pilot:

Must level off at FL 310 and take permission for FL 330.

Must level off at FL 330, report passing FL 310.

Can choose any level between FL 310 and FL 330 to fly in.

Points to Remember – A block clearance provides a pilot with a range of flight levels rather than a single assigned altitude
– The pilot is permitted to climb, descend, and maintain any altitude within the specified range
– Movement between the designated flight levels can be done freely without further ATC authorization

Q23. The instruction OMIT POSITION REPORTS UNTIL specify) means the pilot:

Is not required to make position reports until the specified point or time.

Should continue all reporting as normal.

Must make a special report when omitting the next position.

Points to Remember – Discontinue position reporting until the specified point or time
– Usually occurs when radar coverage is temporarily available for a portion of the route
– Resume normal reporting procedures once the specified limit is reached

Q24. The instruction TO AND MAINTAIN BLOCK FL 180 TO FL 200 means:

Climb to FL190 and do not deviate more than 1000 feet.

Operate freely between FL180 and FL200.

Maintain FL180 and climb to FL 200 at convenience.

Points to Remember – A block clearance creates a vertical sandwich of flight levels
– Pilots can fly at any altitude between the specified levels (FL 180 to FL 200)
– There is no requirement to maintain one specific level
– This clearance provides flexibility during turbulent conditions

Q25. How is wind information typically expressed in meteorological reports?

As gusts and lulls only.

By giving the mean direction and speed and any significant variations.

As the maximum and minimum speed observed.

Points to Remember – Reports provide the average (mean) wind direction and speed
– Significant changes like gusts are included as additional variations
– The average serves as the baseline rather than just reporting extremes
– An example format is Wind 270 degrees, 15 knots, gusting 25

Q26. What is the correct response from a pilot after starting to deviate from an ATC clearance to comply with an ACAS RA?

UNABLE, TCAS RA.

DEVIATING DUE TO TCAS.

TCAS RA; ROGER.

Points to Remember – Prioritize a TCAS Resolution Advisory (RA) even if it conflicts with ATC instructions
– Use the phrase UNABLE, TCAS RA to inform ATC of the deviation
– Advise ATC immediately when you cannot follow their instruction due to the anti-collision system command

Q27. In addition to Flight Level number), how else may levels be reported depending on the flight phase and altimeter setting?

As the level in meters only.

As Height Above Ground HAG).

As number) FEET.

Points to Remember – Report levels in feet when flying at lower altitudes
– Use feet when the altimeter is set to QNH or QFE local pressure
– Use Flight Levels only when operating at higher altitudes with standard pressure settings

Q28. The phrase EXPEDITE CLIMB UNTIL PASSING FL 180 instructs the pilot to:

Climb at a higher speed and report passing FL 180.

Climb at a faster-than-normal rate until the aircraft is above FL 180.

Climb at maximum rate of climb upto FL 180.

Points to Remember – Expedite means to hurry up and climb faster than normal
– The instruction applies only until passing Flight Level 180
– Normal climb rates can be resumed after passing FL 180
– It requires a quicker than usual rate rather than a maximum rate climb

Q29. What is the primary purpose of standard RTF phraseology as prescribed by ICAO?

To reduce the amount of talking required.

To ensure uniform, concise, and unambiguous communication.

To make communication sound more professional.

Points to Remember – Acts as a universal language for pilots and controllers
– Ensures everyone uses the same phrases in the same way
– Eliminates confusion, extra words, and misunderstandings
– Prioritizes clarity and safety over brevity or style

Q30. If an aircraft is instructed to MONITOR a frequency, it means the pilot should:

Immediately switch and contact that unit.

Listen to that frequency for broadcast information but not transmit.

Stand by to be called on that frequency soon.

Points to Remember – Listen only to the specified frequency
– Do not initiate a call or transmit
– Monitor the frequency like watching television quietly
– This differs from contact, which requires active communication

Q31. The QFE altimeter setting provides an indication of:

Height above mean sea level.

Height above a specific aerodrome elevation.

Pressure level at flight level.

Points to Remember – QFE indicates the height above the aerodrome elevation
– Altimeters set to QFE will read zero when the aircraft is on the runway
– QNH provides the altitude above mean sea level
– Think of QFE as Field Elevation or height above the field

Q32. A pilot receiving a Radar Control Service is generally:

Required to report level changes.

Required to report levels above Minimum Sector Altitude.

Not required to report level changes unless specifically requested.

Points to Remember – ATC can monitor altitude changes in real-time when a pilot is under radar service
– Pilots do not need to report every time they pass a flight level
– Level reports are only required if specifically requested by the air traffic controller

Q33. What is the primary purpose of an ATS Flight Plan FPL)?

To inform ATC of the aircraft's maintenance schedule.

To provide an alternative to standard position reports.

To inform ATC of the pilot's intentions and the aircraft's capabilities.

Points to Remember – A flight plan provides ATC with essential details like destination, route, speed, and altitude
– It specifies the aircraft’s equipment to ensure proper handling
– It acts as a travel itinerary that allows ATC to track and assist the flight along its journey

Q34. Which term is used by ATC to require action by the pilot at the current moment?

IMMEDIATELY.

WHEN READY.

EXPEDITE.

Points to Remember – IMMEDIATELY indicates an action must be taken right now without any delay
– WHEN READY signifies that an action can be performed at the pilot’s convenience
– EXPEDITE means to perform the requested action faster than normal
– ATC uses IMMEDIATELY typically for safety reasons, requiring the pilot to prioritize the instruction over other tasks

Q35. Descending to 1000 feet QNH 997 indicates that the pilot is descending to 1000 feet:

Height.

Flight Level.

Altitude.

Points to Remember – QNH refers to altitude, which is the height above mean sea level
– QFE refers to height, which is the elevation above a specific aerodrome
– A 1000 feet QNH setting means the aircraft is at an altitude of 1000 feet above sea level
– This measurement is distinct from height above ground level or a Flight Level pressure setting

Q36. What does the phraseology MINIMUM FUEL indicate?

An emergency situation with fuel exhaustion imminent.

An indication that any delay could result in an emergency.

A state of emergency requiring immediate priority.

Points to Remember – Minimum fuel is a warning to ATC, not an emergency declaration
– It indicates the aircraft has enough fuel for now but cannot accept any delays
– If the fuel situation becomes critical, the pilot must declare a fuel emergency instead