FAA FAA Private Pilot (PPL): Communications Questions

57 exam-style Communications questions for the FAA FAA Private Pilot (PPL) paper (PPL · IR · CPL · ATP). The first 12 are free below with answers and explanations — sign up free to practise all of them with progress tracking.

  1. Q1

    What is the word for the letter R in the aviation phonetic alphabet?

    • ARomeo
    • BRico
    • CRotax
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    Correct answer: A. Romeo

  2. Q2

    The phrase "Affirm" means:

    • AYes
    • BWhen
    • CConfirm
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    Correct answer: A. Yes

  3. Q3

    Which of the following information is required to be read back?

    • AAltimeter setting
    • BAirborne time
    • CTraffic information
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    Correct answer: A. Altimeter setting

  4. Q4

    Approximately what is the maximum theoretical line-of-sight range of a VHF transmission from an aircraft at about 10,000 ft to a ground station near sea level?

    • A150 NM
    • B250 NM
    • C120 NM
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    Correct answer: C. 120 NM

  5. Q5

    Should a pilot read back the ATC clearances and instructions that are received?

    • AYes, unless the ATC asks us not to do so
    • BNot if the frequency is very saturated and there is a lot of traffic
    • CNo, if the ATC authorisation is short and straightforward
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    Correct answer: A. Yes, unless the ATC asks us not to do so

  6. Q6

    What does a VOR radial represent?

    • AMagnetic heading from the station
    • BTrue bearing from the station
    • CMagnetic heading towards the station
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    Correct answer: A. Magnetic heading from the station

  7. Q7

    Which radio control is used to suppress background static and noise when no useful signal is being received?

    • AFrequency Inhibitor
    • BIDENT
    • CSquelch
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    Correct answer: C. Squelch

  8. Q8

    In aviation, the combined use of HF and VHF radio provides which types of communication?

    • AShort- and medium-range communications
    • BShort-range communications and GPS
    • CLong-range and short-range communications
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    Correct answer: C. Long-range and short-range communications

  9. Q9

    Which transponder code should you squawk in case of a radio failure?

    • A7700
    • B7500
    • C7600
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    Correct answer: C. 7600

  10. Q10

    What frequency should you use in the event of an emergency while on a VFR cross-country flight and not in contact with ATC?

    • A128.725 MHz
    • B122.5 MHz
    • C121.5 MHz
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    Correct answer: C. 121.5 MHz

  11. Q11

    Which of the following frequency bands has the lowest frequency and the longest wavelength?

    • AHF
    • BVHF
    • CVLF
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    Correct answer: C. VLF

  12. Q12

    Which of the following groups of frequency-band designations contains one that does NOT exist?

    • AEHF, SHF , VLF
    • BVLF, LF, OHF
    • CHF, VHF, UHF
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    Correct answer: B. VLF, LF, OHF

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