RPC Radio Communications & Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which radio frequency is designated as the international aeronautical emergency frequency?
- 122.8 MHz
- 121.5 MHz (Correct answer)
- 123.45 MHz
- 118.0 MHz
Correct answer: 121.5 MHz
121.5 MHz is the international aeronautical emergency (guard) frequency monitored by ATC facilities and many aircraft.
Question 2: A remote pilot operating under a LAANC authorization near a towered airport should:
- Check in with the tower on the assigned frequency before every flight
- Understand that LAANC approval replaces the need for any radio monitoring
- Be aware of airport operations and monitor the tower frequency if equipped (Correct answer)
- File a NOTAM but is not required to monitor any radio frequency
Correct answer: Be aware of airport operations and monitor the tower frequency if equipped
While LAANC provides automatic authorization, being aware of and monitoring the tower frequency enhances situational awareness and safety near active airports.
Question 3: What does the phonetic alphabet letter 'Whiskey' represent?
- V
- W (Correct answer)
- X
- U
Correct answer: W
In the ICAO/NATO phonetic alphabet, 'Whiskey' represents the letter W.
Question 4: When operating near a non-towered airport, which action best promotes safety for a remote pilot?
- Fly exclusively at night to avoid manned traffic
- Monitor the CTAF frequency and be aware of manned aircraft traffic patterns (Correct answer)
- Only fly when wind is calm so aircraft prefer the same runway
- Restrict operations to altitudes below 50 feet AGL
Correct answer: Monitor the CTAF frequency and be aware of manned aircraft traffic patterns
Monitoring the CTAF gives the remote pilot situational awareness of manned aircraft in the traffic pattern, significantly reducing collision risk.
Question 5: The phrase 'Say Again' in aviation radio communication means:
- Repeat your last transmission (Correct answer)
- Confirm you received the message
- Switch to an alternate frequency
- Stand by for further instructions
Correct answer: Repeat your last transmission
'Say Again' is the standard phrase requesting that the previous transmission be repeated in its entirety.
Question 6: What is the correct phonetic pronunciation of the number '0' in aviation radio communication?
- Zero (Correct answer)
- Oh
- Nought
- Nil
Correct answer: Zero
In aviation, the number 0 is always pronounced 'Zero' to avoid confusion with the letter 'O'.
Question 7: A remote pilot receives a call from ATC asking them to 'stand by.' This means:
- Immediately land the UAS
- The controller is aware of you but unable to respond immediately (Correct answer)
- Maintain current altitude and heading indefinitely
- Terminate the flight immediately and contact ATC by phone
Correct answer: The controller is aware of you but unable to respond immediately
'Stand by' means the controller acknowledges your communication but cannot respond at that moment and will do so as soon as possible.
RPC Radio Communications & Procedures 3
Which radio frequency is designated as the international aeronautical emergency frequency?