RPC Radio Communications & Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a remote pilot needs to obtain airport advisory information at an uncontrolled airport, which frequency should they monitor?
- 121.5 MHz
- CTAF published in the Chart Supplement (Correct answer)
- 122.8 MHz universally
- Guard frequency 243.0 MHz
Correct answer: CTAF published in the Chart Supplement
The Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) for each uncontrolled airport is published in the Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD) and may vary by location.
Question 2: A remote pilot operating near a Class D airport without radio communication capability must:
- Obtain a waiver before operations
- Operate only after sunset when traffic is minimal
- Contact the tower via telephone for authorization before flight
- Remain clear of the Class D airspace (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Remain clear of the Class D airspace
Without the ability to communicate with the controlling tower, the remote pilot must remain clear of Class D airspace entirely.
Question 3: What does the term 'UNICOM' refer to in aviation radio communications?
- A universal emergency frequency monitored by ATC
- A non-government air-ground communication station at uncontrolled airports (Correct answer)
- A military UHF communication system
- A satellite-based digital data link
Correct answer: A non-government air-ground communication station at uncontrolled airports
UNICOM is a non-government communication facility that provides advisory service and airport information at certain uncontrolled airports.
Question 4: If ATC issues a 'traffic alert' to a manned aircraft in your vicinity while you are operating your UAS, what is your primary responsibility?
- Immediately land your UAS
- Yield right-of-way to the manned aircraft and take action to avoid collision (Correct answer)
- Ascend above 400 feet AGL to clear the traffic
- Transmit on CTAF to alert the manned aircraft
Correct answer: Yield right-of-way to the manned aircraft and take action to avoid collision
UAS operators must always yield right-of-way to manned aircraft and take positive action to avoid any collision risk.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes a 'Light Gun Signal' in the context of radio communications for sUAS?
- A laser pointer used to direct drone operators on the ground
- A light signal from the control tower used when radio communication fails with manned aircraft (Correct answer)
- A signal light on the drone used to indicate low battery
- An LED strobe required on UAS for night operations
Correct answer: A light signal from the control tower used when radio communication fails with manned aircraft
Light gun signals are tower-issued light signals used to control manned aircraft traffic when radio communications are not possible; sUAS operators should be aware of them near airports.
Question 6: When making a self-announce call on CTAF, what information must be included?
- Aircraft type, position, altitude, and intentions (Correct answer)
- Pilot name, drone serial number, and battery level
- Only the airport name and frequency in use
- Drone model, weight, and operator's certificate number
Correct answer: Aircraft type, position, altitude, and intentions
A complete CTAF self-announce includes the airport name, aircraft type, position, altitude, and pilot's intentions to inform other traffic.
Question 7: What is the purpose of reading back ATC clearances and instructions?
- To confirm the pilot heard the instruction and ATC can verify accuracy (Correct answer)
- It is optional and only required for IFR operations
- To practice standard phraseology as required by training regulations
- To record the clearance for insurance purposes
Correct answer: To confirm the pilot heard the instruction and ATC can verify accuracy
Readbacks allow ATC to verify the pilot received the correct information and close the communication loop, preventing dangerous misunderstandings.
RPC Radio Communications & Procedures 2
When a remote pilot needs to obtain airport advisory information at an uncontrolled airport, which frequency should they monitor?