ATPL IFR communications 092: practice questions and syllabus

What the syllabus covers

The topics of the EASA syllabus for this subject, with what each one lists.

1. 090 01Concepts

   associated terms, ATS abbreviations, Q-code groups used in radiotelephony, categories of messages.

2. 090 02General operating procedures

   spelling, numbers, time, transmission technique, standard VFR and IFR phraseology, callsigns, transfer of communication, test procedures, readback, radar phraseology, level changes, data link messages (CPDLC).

3. 090 03Relevant weather information

   aerodrome weather.

4. 090 04Communication failure

   action to take after a radio failure, in VFR and in IFR.

5. 090 05Distress and urgency

   signals, procedures, frequencies, emergency transponder codes.

6. 090 06VHF propagation and allocation of frequencies

   spectrum, bands, range.

7. 090 07Other communications

   meteorological observations, Morse code.

Source: EASA, Easy Access Rules for Aircrew (AMC to Part-FCL)

The illustrated course

To understand before you answer: 12 chapters and 62 key points, 62 of them with a diagram or an illustration. The first chapter, « IFR definitions and abbreviations », is free to read.

1. IFR definitions and abbreviations
2. VHF, HF, SELCAL and CPDLC
3. Radio technique and how to say numbers
4. Call signs, ATS units and first contact
5. Standard phrases in French and English
6. Clearances and read-back
7. From departure to landing: reports and phraseology
8. Radar services, transponder and RVSM
9. ATIS, VOLMET, runway condition and FIS
10. Altimeter settings and direction finding
11. Priorities, distress and urgency
12. IFR communications failure and interception

ATPL IFR communications course: contents and chapter 1

3 questions to practise

Taken from the site's English bank and checked one by one. Read the question, choose your answer, then open the explanation. Like every explanation on the site, they may contain errors.

1. Question 1 · 090 01 Concepts

   QNH is the Q-code to indicate:

   • AThe atmospheric pressure referred to the highest obstacle located on the surface of an aerodrome.
   • BThe atmospheric pressure at aerodrome elevation (or at runway threshold).
   • CThe atmospheric pressure measured at the aerodrome reference point (ARP).
   • DThe altimeter sub-scale setting to obtain elevation when on the ground.
   Show the answer+

   Answer: D. The altimeter sub-scale setting to obtain elevation when on the ground.

   QNH is the altimeter sub-scale setting that makes the altimeter read aerodrome elevation when the aircraft is on the ground.

2. Question 2 · 090 02 general operating procedures

   What is the correct call sign of Fastair 345 in the initial call to the aerodrome control tower and the approach control unit, if the aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of more than 136 tonnes:

   • AHeavy Fastair 345
   • BFastair 345 heavy
   • CFastair 345
   • DFastair 345 widebody
   Show the answer+

   Answer: B. Fastair 345 heavy

   An aircraft in the HEAVY wake turbulence category (maximum take-off mass of 136,000 kg or more) adds the word HEAVY immediately after its call sign in the initial call to the tower and the approach unit.

3. Question 3 · 090 05 Distress and urgency

   The distress communication and silence conditions shall be terminated by transmitting a message. Which words shall this message include ?

   • ADisregard distress communication, OUT
   • BMAYDAY traffic ended
   • CEmergency communication finished
   • DDistress traffic ended
   Show the answer+

   Answer: D. Distress traffic ended

   Distress conditions and imposed silence are terminated by a message that includes the words 'Distress traffic ended'.

9 more free questions, no sign-up: Free ATPL IFR communications questions

How to approach this subject

Here the IFR phrases and the priorities matter: distress before urgency before direction-finding, "unable" followed by the reason when you cannot comply, readback of clearances (route, runway, altimeter setting, transponder code, level, heading, speed), IFR communication failure (land within 30 minutes after the ETA or the last acknowledged expected approach time, whichever is later), code 7700 for an emergency.

How ForAllPilots trains you

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