B12. General ATS Surveillance Service Phraseology Quiz

Q1. The standard phrase ATC uses to issue a radar vector is:

Position NUH VOR, turn left, track out two five zero.

Turn left heading two five zero.

Left turn, fly two five zero true.

Points to Remember – Use the standard format: Turn [direction] [heading number]
– Example: Turn left heading two five zero
– Keep instructions clear and concise to avoid misunderstanding
– Omit unnecessary words like true or position references

Q2. Under radar assistance, ATC separates the aircraft with communication failure by:

Diverting other traffic to different aerodromes.

Continuous radar monitoring and vectoring.

Keeping the aerodrome clear of all traffic within 50 NMs.

Points to Remember – ATC uses radar to continuously monitor the aircraft experiencing communication failure
– Other traffic is vectored away from the affected aircraft to maintain separation
– ATC remains responsible for safety by directing all other surrounding aircraft
– Control is maintained visually via radar even when verbal communication is impossible

Q3. If an aircraft’s ADS-C system degrades, what phraseology might ATC use?

ADS-C NOT FUNCTIONAL.

ADS-C OUT OF SERVICE.

ADS-C NOT AVAILABLE.

Points to Remember – Use the standard phrase ADS-C OUT OF SERVICE when the system fails
– This notification informs all parties that the tracking system is unavailable
– ATC issues this phraseology to ensure no one relies on the degraded ADS-C data

Q4. During radar assistance for communication failure, ATC first:

Coordinates with other units.

Confirms the failure through all means.

Identifies the aircraft on radar.

Points to Remember – Verify the communication failure by checking for frequency mix-ups
– Attempt contact on all available frequencies
– Request other aircraft to relay messages
– Determine if the pilot can hear instructions even if they cannot transmit
– Confirm the failure before initiating emergency procedures

Q5. What should a pilot report after being established on the localizer during an ILS approach?

localizer established, Sky jet 120.

localizer intercepted, Sky jet 120.

Established center line, Sky jet 120.

Points to Remember – Report localizer established to ATC after capturing the ILS localizer beam
– Established is the standard phraseology used in aviation communication
– Intercepted is conceptually correct but not the preferred term for reporting status

Q6. An aircraft equipped with ADS-B indicating communication failure is the equivalent of squawking which code?

2000

0

7600

Points to Remember – ADS-B indicates communication failure using code 0000
– Traditional transponders use code 7600 for radio failure
– ADS-B systems use unique signaling methods for communication issues distinct from standard squawk codes

Q7. In case of a radar emergency alert, ATC’s first priority is to:

Identify the emergency code on radar.

Notify rescue coordination center RCC.

Coordinate with the flight information center.

Points to Remember – ATC must first identify the specific aircraft when an emergency code like 7700 appears on radar
– Identification is necessary to provide appropriate assistance to the flight in trouble
– Similar to medical treatment, knowing the subject’s identity is the essential first step in an emergency response

Q8. What is the primary purpose of radar vectoring?

To establish separation between aircraft.

To assist pilot in navigating between significant points.

To provide the most direct route to the destination.

Points to Remember – Maintain safe separation between aircraft
– Provide efficient routing and navigation assistance
– Ensure separation remains the highest priority for ATC

Q9. When a controller instructs an aircraft to SQUAWK IDENT, what is the pilot’s action?

Operates the IDENT feature.

Sets the specified code on the transponder.

Confirms the code currently set.

Points to Remember – Press the IDENT button on the aircraft transponder
– This causes the aircraft blip to flash or highlight on the radar screen
– It allows ATC to easily identify the specific aircraft among others

Q10. What does the instruction CHECK ALTIMETER SETTING AND CONFIRM LEVEL mean?

Check pressure setting and confirm present level.

Set altimeter to QNH and report height.

Set altimeter to QFE and report altitude.

Points to Remember – Verify the pressure setting on the altimeter
– Confirm the current altitude of the aircraft
– Ensure vertical separation and flight safety

Q11. The primary objective of ATS Surveillance Alerting Service is to:

Avoid collisions in the air.

Alert aircraft about conflicting traffic and obstructions.

Assist SAR in locating aircraft in distress.

Points to Remember – The main objective is to assist Search and Rescue (SAR) in locating aircraft in distress
– The service notifies rescue organizations when an aircraft is in trouble or overdue
– Alerting services focus specifically on emergency response rather than routine traffic warnings provided by ATC

Q12. After complying with an ACAS RA and the conflict is resolved, what should the pilot report?

Clear of traffic, request instructions, Skyjet 120.

TCAS maneuver complete, request clearance, Skyjet 120.

Clear of conflict, returning to [assigned clearance], Skyjet 120.

Points to Remember – Notify ATC using the phrase Clear of conflict once the danger has passed
– State that the aircraft is returning to the original clearance
– Inform ATC that the situation is resolved and the flight is back to normal operations

Q13. If there is a conflict between an ACAS RA and an ATC instruction, the pilot must:

Follow the ATC instruction.

Follow the RA.

Use his discretion to choose between ATC instructions and RA.

Points to Remember – Always follow the Resolution Advisory (RA) over ATC instructions
– TCAS identifies threats that may not be visible to ATC
– The RA calculates the safest escape path to prevent mid-air collisions
– Pilots must prioritize the RA to ensure immediate safety

Q14. The objective of light signals by ATC for an aircraft with communication failure is primarily to:

Draw attention of the aircraft to look out for traffic.

Provide control and landing clearance.

Provide navigation assistance.

Points to Remember – ATC uses light signals as a backup communication method when radio contact fails
– Green light signals provide clearance for the aircraft to land
– Red light signals instruct the pilot to stop or give way
– These visual cues provide essential control instructions and landing clearance for safety

Q15. In the event of a suspected communication failure where the aircraft can receive but not transmit, how might ATC confirm the pilot has received instructions?

By making blind transmissions presuming aircraft is following instructions.

By communicating through another aircraft in the vicinity.

By using radar to observe the aircraft's compliance.

Points to Remember – ATC monitors the aircraft on radar if a receiver-only communication failure is suspected
– Pilots confirm receipt of instructions by executing specific maneuvers, such as turns
– Radar serves as the primary tool to verify that the pilot has received the message
– Observed actions on the radar screen substitute for verbal readbacks

Q16. What is the meaning of the phraseology VERIFY LEVEL?

Check and confirm your level.

Check pressure setting and confirm your level.

Select pressure altitude transmission.

Points to Remember – Confirm your current altitude or flight level to ATC
– Allows ATC to double-check that the aircraft is at the correct height
– No requirement to check or change pressure settings

Q17. What is the special transponder code reserved for unlawful interference?

7500

7700

7600

Points to Remember – 7500 is the code for unlawful interference or hijack situations
– 7600 is used for radio communication failure
– 7700 is the general emergency code for distress situations

Q18. When an aircraft is instructed to make a three sixty turn, it is for the purpose of:

Losing height to join circuit.

Observing circuit traffic to adjust in circuit.

Delaying action or achieving spacing.

Points to Remember – A 360-degree turn is a complete circle used to create a delay or adjust spacing between aircraft
– ATC may request this maneuver if an aircraft is too close to the plane ahead
– The turn allows the aircraft to return to the same position while increasing the time interval between it and other traffic
– It serves as a method to kill time, similar to going around a roundabout

Q19. What phrase does a pilot use to report they cannot comply with an ATC clearance due to a TCAS RA?

Unable, TCAS Resolution Advisory, Skyjet 120.

Unable, TCAS Traffic Advisory, Skyjet 120.

Negative, TCAS RA, Skyjet 120.

Points to Remember – Use the phrase Unable, TCAS Resolution Advisory
– Inform ATC that a collision avoidance command is being followed
– Distinguish the report as a Resolution Advisory (RA) rather than a Traffic Advisory (TA)

Q20. What is the primary objective of the Minimum Safe Altitude Warning MSAW system?

To assist in preventing controlled flight into terrain.

To calculate the safe altitude in hilly terrain.

To provide safe altitude advisories for aircraft en route.

Points to Remember – MSAW functions as a safety alarm for air traffic controllers
– Its primary purpose is to warn when an aircraft is flying too low
– It alerts controllers to potential collisions with terrain or mountains
– It helps prevent Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) accidents

Q21. What does the instruction STOP SQUAWK CHARLIE mean?

ATC Interrogator is not functional.

Aircraft transponder is interfering with radar signals.

Deselect the pressure altitude transmission feature.

Points to Remember – Instruction to turn off Mode C transponder transmission
– Discontinues the reporting of altitude information to ATC
– Requested when altitude data is incorrect or causing confusion
– Serves as the opposite command to SQUAWK CHARLIE

Q22. The phrase used by ATC to instruct a pilot to avoid conflicting traffic is:

Collision alert, turn left immediately.

Avoiding action, turn left immediately.

PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN, Turn Left, Turn Left, Turn Left.

Points to Remember – Avoiding action is the standard phrase used by ATC to prevent a collision with another aircraft
– This instruction is urgent and requires an immediate turn
– Pilots must follow the instruction instantly without questioning the controller

Q23. When a controller says Sky jet 120 low altitude warning, check your altitude immediately, what critical information follows?

Direction, height and distance of the dominant obstacle.

The current QNH and the Minimum Flight Altitude.

The current QFE and height of the obstacle.

Points to Remember – ATC provides the QNH pressure setting and the Minimum Flight Altitude
– Pilots must immediately verify the altimeter setting
– Climb to a safe altitude to resolve any altimeter errors promptly

Q24. Radar vectors are given to arriving flights to:

Separate them from the enroute aircraft outside a TMA.

Position them onto a pilot interpreted approach aid.

Assist them in taxiing to apron after landing in bad weather.

Points to Remember – ATC provides radar vectors to guide arriving flights onto a specific approach path
– These vectors help the aircraft intercept approach aids like ILS or VOR
– The pilot takes over once the aircraft is established on the final approach aid

Q25. When no EAT was received, descent for approach should commence:

Over the Initial approach fix established for the aerodrome.

At the estimated time of arrival from the flight plan.

On approaching over the navigation aid serving the destination.

Points to Remember – Commencing descent depends on the estimated time of arrival (ETA) if no expected approach time (EAT) was received
– Maintaining flight plan predictability allows air traffic control (ATC) to anticipate your actions
– Following the flight plan ETA ensures safety during a communication failure

Q26. The correct ATC phraseology for identifying an aircraft on radar is:

Radar contact established.

Identified.

Radar contact.

Points to Remember – The correct phraseology for identification is IDENTIFIED
– Radar contact means the ATC can see a blip representing the aircraft
– Identified means the ATC has confirmed exactly which blip corresponds to your aircraft

Q27. In the event of lost communication, ATC expects the pilot to try:

Contacting other aircraft to relay messages.

Climbing immediately for better range.

Deviating from flight plan towards ATSU for stronger signal.

Points to Remember – Contact a nearby aircraft to relay your message to ATC
– Use other pilots as a communication bridge
– Attempt this as one of the first steps when communication is lost

Q28. When vectoring an aircraft, ATC should specify:

Heading to be flown and position of aircraft.

The direction of turn Heading to be flown.

Rate of turn and heading to roll out.

Points to Remember – ATC specifies the direction of the turn (left or right)
– ATC provide the specific heading for the aircraft to fly
– Direction is specified to avoid any confusion regarding the turn path

Q29. What must a pilot do first when receiving a Resolution Advisory RA from ACAS/TCAS?

Notify ATC immediately. Follow the ATC instructions.

Do not deviate from ATC instructions unless ATC permits to do so.

Respond immediately by following the RA.

Points to Remember – Follow a TCAS Resolution Advisory immediately
– Do not wait or seek ATC clearance before reacting
– Prioritize the automated collision avoidance system
– Inform ATC only after following the advisory instructions

Q30. When an aircraft is no longer in radar contact, what phrase does ATC use to discontinue the service?

Start own navigation due negative radar contact.

Radar contact lost, take over navigation.

Radar service terminated, resume own navigation.

Points to Remember – The standard phrase is “Radar service terminated, resume own navigation”
– This informs the pilot that the aircraft is no longer being identified or tracked on the radar display
– It signifies the end of ATC-provided radar services and vectors
– The pilot must then take full responsibility for their own navigation and situational awareness

Q31. What is the correct pilot response to the instruction Skyjet 120 confirm squawk?

Affirm, Squawk, Skyjet 120.

Squawking 6411, Skyjet 120.

Affirmative squawking Charlie, Skyjet 120.

Points to Remember – Verify the current code set on your transponder
– State the actual four-digit code number currently being used
– Respond using the format Squawking followed by the assigned code (e.g., Squawking 6411)

Q32. The radar-specific 7-minute period primarily allows ATC to:

Issue expected approach clearance.

Coordinate with other units.

Alert SAR authorities.

Points to Remember – Provide ATC time to coordinate with other units
– Inform neighboring sectors and controllers about the situation
– Allow for the rearrangement of traffic flow
– Act as a coordination buffer period after a 7600 squawk

Q33. According to standard ATS Surveillance phraseology, which instruction is used by the controller to confirm radar identification by requesting the pilot to activate the transponder’s IDENT feature?

RADAR CONTACT [position].

REPORT HEADING [AND FLIGHT LEVEL or ALTITUDE].

TRANSMIT FOR IDENTIFICATION AND REPORT HEADING.

Points to Remember – Use the phrase “Transmit for identification and report heading” to confirm radar identity
– Combine the transponder’s IDENT feature with a verbal heading report
– Verify which specific radar blip corresponds to the aircraft through these two actions

Q34. An aircraft is instructed to orbit left. What maneuver should the pilot perform?

Enter left hand circuit pattern.

A 360-degree turn to the left.

Follow left hand holding pattern.

Points to Remember – Perform a complete 360-degree circle by turning to the left
– Maintain the current position by spinning around once in place
– Follow this instruction when ATC needs to create spacing or delay the aircraft

Q35. For an aircraft in a state of emergency detected by ATS Surveillance, ATC should:

Provide alerting service and assist rescue units.

Coordinate search and rescue operations.

Maintain standard control until SAR assumes responsibility.

Points to Remember – Provide alerting service to assist rescue units
– Act as a coordinator rather than the rescue team
– Notify the appropriate authorities about the emergency
– Supply critical information such as the aircraft’s last known position

Q36. A pilot is instructed SQUAWK CHARLIE. What should they select?

The IDENT feature.

The pressure altitude transmission feature.

The emergency code.

Points to Remember – Selecting SQUAWK CHARLIE means turning on Mode C on the aircraft transponder
– Mode C automatically transmits the aircraft’s altitude information to Air Traffic Control
– This allows controllers to monitor your flight level or altitude for safety and separation

Q37. If radar contact is temporarily lost, ATC informs the pilot by saying:

Radar service terminated.

Negative Radar contact.

Radar contact lost.

Points to Remember – Radar contact lost is used when ATC temporarily loses the aircraft position on the screen
– Radar service terminated indicates that ATC is intentionally ending the radar service
– Radar contact lost specifically means the controller previously had identification but no longer does

Q38. What phraseology is used to alert an aircraft of a possible terrain infringement?

Aircraft call sign LOW ALTITUDE ALERT.

Aircraft call sign TERRAIN ALERT.

Aircraft call sign TERRAIN PROXIMITY ALERT.

Points to Remember – ATC uses the phrase TERRAIN ALERT when an aircraft is dangerously close to the ground
– This phrase is designed to be short, clear, and immediate to grab the pilot’s attention
– It serves as an urgent warning, similar to shouting a verbal caution to avoid a collision

Q39. If landing is possible for the aircraft having a communication failure, the pilot should complete it within:

30 minutes after ETA/EAT.

20 minutes after ETA/EAT.

15 minutes after ETA/EAT.

Points to Remember – Complete the landing within 30 minutes after your ETA or EAT
– Provides sufficient time to set up and execute a safe approach
– Establishes a known window for ATC to keep the runway clear
– ATC may assume the aircraft is not coming if the 30-minute window expires

Q40. When ATC identifies an aircraft on radar after lost communication, the display indication is generally based on:

The flight plan information.

The assigned call sign label.

The transponder code 7600.

Points to Remember – Pilots squawk code 7600 upon experiencing a communication failure
– This special transponder code appears on the ATC radar screen
– The code serves as a visual indicator that the aircraft cannot communicate
– ATC uses this specific display indication to identify the aircraft in distress

Q41. The Minimum Safe Altitude Warning MSAW system is a critical safety net function used in air traffic control, designed to:

Automatically issue a Ground-based warning to the controller when an aircraft is below or predicted to go below a predetermined minimum safe altitude.

Issue airborne collision warnings and resolution advisories RAs to pilots.

Provide a continuous display of obstacles and traffic information directly to the pilot's cockpit.

Points to Remember – MSAW is a ground-based safety system for air traffic control
– It alerts the controller directly rather than the pilot
– An alarm triggers on the controller’s screen when an aircraft is too low
– The controller is responsible for warning the pilot once alerted

Q42. When providing traffic information, the relative bearing is given in terms of…

Degrees magnetic.

The 12-hour clock code.

Cardinal points e.g., northwest.

Points to Remember – Air Traffic Control uses clock positions to communicate relative bearings
– The aircraft is imagined at the center of a clock face
– 12 o’clock indicates the direction straight ahead
– 3 o’clock indicates the direction to the right
– 6 o’clock indicates the direction behind the aircraft
– 9 o’clock indicates the direction to the left

Q43. What does a controller mean when they say RESET mode component code?

Check the current setting and reset to flight plan setting if required.

Re select the assigned mode and code.

Check transponder on and operate reset feature.

Points to Remember – ATC uses the instruction RESET when your transponder code may be incorrect or scrambled
– Pilots must re-enter the assigned mode and code into the transponder
– This action is similar to re-typing a password to ensure the system recognizes the correct data

Q44. Which code indicates unlawful interference?

7700

7600

7500

Points to Remember – Code 7500 indicates unlawful interference or a hijack situation
– Code 7600 is used for radio communication failure
– Code 7700 is used for general emergencies
– These transponder codes are essential for the DGCA exam

Q45. After setting transponder 7600, the pilot should maintain the last assigned level for how long before adjusting to flight plan altitude?

5 minutes.

7 minutes.

3 minutes.

Points to Remember – Squawk 7600 to indicate a communication failure
– Maintain the last assigned level for 7 minutes after the code change
– Use the 7-minute window to allow ATC to adjust surrounding traffic
– Proceed to the flight plan altitude only after the 7-minute period has elapsed

Q46. In the context of a transponder failure before departure, where it is not practicable to effect a repair, what is the likely ATC instruction?

Continue the flight as planned at pilot's discretion.

Proceed after getting transponder repaired.

Proceed to the nearest suitable aerodrome for repair.

Points to Remember – Flying in controlled airspace without a working transponder is prohibited
– ATC will likely instruct the pilot to fly to the nearest airport for repairs if the failure occurs before takeoff
– Repair must be attempted at the departure point if possible before seeking alternative instructions

Q47. Secondary Surveillance Radar SSR Mode C is essential for ATC separation purposes because it automatically transmits:

The aircraft's pressure altitude.

The aircraft's unique 24-bit ICAO address.

The aircraft's assigned four-digit squawk code.

Points to Remember – Mode C automatically transmits the aircraft altitude to ATC
– Altitude reporting is essential for maintaining vertical separation between planes
– Mode A transmits the squawk code, while Mode C adds altitude data
– The command Squawk Charlie instructs the pilot to turn on altitude reporting

Q48. What is the general-purpose domestic transponder code?

0

7000

2000

Points to Remember – The general-purpose domestic transponder code is 0000
– This code is used when ATC has not assigned a specific code
– It is applicable specifically for domestic flights

Results

Q1. The standard phrase ATC uses to issue a radar vector is:

Q2. Under radar assistance, ATC separates the aircraft with communication failure by:

Q3. If an aircraft’s ADS-C system degrades, what phraseology might ATC use?

Q4. During radar assistance for communication failure, ATC first:

Q5. What should a pilot report after being established on the localizer during an ILS approach?

Q6. An aircraft equipped with ADS-B indicating communication failure is the equivalent of squawking which code?

Q7. In case of a radar emergency alert, ATC’s first priority is to:

Q8. What is the primary purpose of radar vectoring?

Q9. When a controller instructs an aircraft to SQUAWK IDENT, what is the pilot’s action?

Q10. What does the instruction CHECK ALTIMETER SETTING AND CONFIRM LEVEL mean?

Q11. The primary objective of ATS Surveillance Alerting Service is to:

Q12. After complying with an ACAS RA and the conflict is resolved, what should the pilot report?

Q13. If there is a conflict between an ACAS RA and an ATC instruction, the pilot must:

Q14. The objective of light signals by ATC for an aircraft with communication failure is primarily to:

Q15. In the event of a suspected communication failure where the aircraft can receive but not transmit, how might ATC confirm the pilot has received instructions?

Q16. What is the meaning of the phraseology VERIFY LEVEL?

Q17. What is the special transponder code reserved for unlawful interference?

Q18. When an aircraft is instructed to make a three sixty turn, it is for the purpose of:

Q19. What phrase does a pilot use to report they cannot comply with an ATC clearance due to a TCAS RA?

Q20. What is the primary objective of the Minimum Safe Altitude Warning MSAW system?

Q21. What does the instruction STOP SQUAWK CHARLIE mean?

Q22. The phrase used by ATC to instruct a pilot to avoid conflicting traffic is:

Q23. When a controller says Sky jet 120 low altitude warning, check your altitude immediately, what critical information follows?

Q24. Radar vectors are given to arriving flights to:

Q25. When no EAT was received, descent for approach should commence:

Q26. The correct ATC phraseology for identifying an aircraft on radar is:

Q27. In the event of lost communication, ATC expects the pilot to try:

Q28. When vectoring an aircraft, ATC should specify:

Q29. What must a pilot do first when receiving a Resolution Advisory RA from ACAS/TCAS?

Q30. When an aircraft is no longer in radar contact, what phrase does ATC use to discontinue the service?

Q31. What is the correct pilot response to the instruction Skyjet 120 confirm squawk?

Q32. The radar-specific 7-minute period primarily allows ATC to:

Q33. According to standard ATS Surveillance phraseology, which instruction is used by the controller to confirm radar identification by requesting the pilot to activate the transponder’s IDENT feature?

Q34. An aircraft is instructed to orbit left. What maneuver should the pilot perform?

Q35. For an aircraft in a state of emergency detected by ATS Surveillance, ATC should:

Q36. A pilot is instructed SQUAWK CHARLIE. What should they select?

Q37. If radar contact is temporarily lost, ATC informs the pilot by saying:

Q38. What phraseology is used to alert an aircraft of a possible terrain infringement?

Q39. If landing is possible for the aircraft having a communication failure, the pilot should complete it within:

Q40. When ATC identifies an aircraft on radar after lost communication, the display indication is generally based on:

Q41. The Minimum Safe Altitude Warning MSAW system is a critical safety net function used in air traffic control, designed to:

Q42. When providing traffic information, the relative bearing is given in terms of…

Q43. What does a controller mean when they say RESET mode component code?

Q44. Which code indicates unlawful interference?

Q45. After setting transponder 7600, the pilot should maintain the last assigned level for how long before adjusting to flight plan altitude?

Q46. In the context of a transponder failure before departure, where it is not practicable to effect a repair, what is the likely ATC instruction?

Q47. Secondary Surveillance Radar SSR Mode C is essential for ATC separation purposes because it automatically transmits:

Q48. What is the general-purpose domestic transponder code?

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