Licensing Examination Practice

Illinois Aeronautical Radio Operator Licensing Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which frequency band is commonly used for VHF aeronautical

communications?

• 108–118 MHz
• 118–137 MHz
• 137–144 MHz
• 144–148 MHz
• 118–137 MHz

Rationale: VHF aeronautical communications use 118–137 MHz,

which covers all air traffic control and airport communications. 1 / 4

• What is the primary purpose of an aircraft radio operator?
• Maintenance of navigation instruments
• Transmission of weather information
• Ensuring safe and efficient radio communication
• Supervising flight crew operations
• Ensuring safe and efficient radio communication

Rationale: The main role of an aircraft radio operator is to maintain

clear, safe, and efficient communication between aircraft and ground stations.

• What does “read back” mean in aviation communications?
• Ignoring a previous message
• Repeating a received message exactly as transmitted
• Confirming a message by paraphrasing
• Transmitting a weather update
• Repeating a received message exactly as transmitted

Rationale: “Read back” is the process of repeating an ATC instruction

exactly to confirm accuracy and avoid miscommunication.

• Which of the following is considered standard phonetic alphabet for

aviation communication?

• Alpha, Bravo, Charlie
• Adam, Baker, Charlie
• Able, Baker, Charlie
• Alpha, Beta, Charlie 2 / 4

• Alpha, Bravo, Charlie

Rationale: The ICAO standard phonetic alphabet uses Alpha, Bravo,

Charlie, etc., for clear voice communication.

• When should an aircraft radio operator use the emergency frequency

121.5 MHz?

• During routine check-ins
• Only in case of distress or urgency
• For weather broadcasts
• For flight plan filing
• Only in case of distress or urgency

Rationale: 121.5 MHz is reserved for emergency communications to

ensure immediate attention and avoid channel congestion.

• What is the typical maximum range of VHF line-of-sight

communication?

• 50–100 miles
• 100–200 miles
• 200–300 miles
• 300–500 miles
• 50–100 miles

Rationale: VHF communications are line-of-sight and typically limited

to 50–100 miles depending on altitude and terrain.

• Which abbreviation indicates a weather advisory of potentially

hazardous conditions? 3 / 4

A. METAR

B. TAF

C. SIGMET

D. ATIS

C. SIGMET

Rationale: SIGMETs are issued to alert pilots of hazardous weather

conditions like turbulence, icing, or storms.

• What is the correct procedure if a pilot cannot establish

communication on the assigned frequency?

• Continue flying and ignore ATC
• Switch to emergency frequency 121.5 MHz
• Contact the airline dispatcher only
• Wait until reaching the destination
• Switch to emergency frequency 121.5 MHz

Rationale: If normal communication fails, the emergency frequency

121.5 MHz is used to regain contact.

• Which type of modulation is commonly used for aeronautical VHF

communications?

• AM (Amplitude Modulation)
• FM (Frequency Modulation)
• PM (Phase Modulation)
• SSB (Single Sideband)
• AM (Amplitude Modulation)
• / 4