The new RT Question

You report, “Golf Charlie Delta ready for departure”, and the AFISO transmits, ‘Golf Charlie Delta, two aircraft downwind in the circuit; surface wind 060 degrees  6 knots; take off at your discretion”. What is your reply?

The answer to our last question

When would it be correct to use the following RT phrase "G-ABCD Short Final"?

If you are not sure and you're a student, you probably need tuition: if you're a PPL with a current RT licence and you've struggled with this one, have you considered refresher training?

Would you like to know the right answer? Click here and ask us!

The Radio Telephony (RT) exams:

Both exams may be taken at Old Sarum, where we have a CAA approved examiner.

The Written Paper:

The written paper consists of 35 questions with 4 possible answers.  There is a time limit of 45 minutes.  Questions are set by the CAA and the pass mark is 75%.  You may re-sit a the paper a maximum of three times.

• You must be prepared to study CAA publication CAP 413 in detail but your self study can be augmented with tuition from our very experienced RT instructor.  In any case, it is strongly recommended that you organise a training session before you sit the exam to ensure you haven't misunderstood any points.
• Tuition is available on weekdays and in the evening and is normally 1 - 3 hours in duration.

• Examples of typical exam questions can be found in several popular communication training manuals.

The Practical Test:

• The RT practical exam is also based on CAP 413 and may be taken here at Old Sarum.  Expect it to last 2 hours.
• Although you will have the knowledge from your study of CAP 413, our instructor is also available as above with practical sessions also lasting between 1 and 3 hours.

What to expect in the RT Practical exam:

You are not allowed to bring any notes or reference material in to the exam.

The exam is entirely computer based.  You will be provided with all the necessary information that will enable you to 'fly' a simulated route.  The computer program will allow you to see you aircraft following the route on a moving map in real time and, via a network link using headsets (provided) you will be in simulated RT contact with the examiner who will perform the roles of the various ATSUs you will encounter.  The computer simulation will also generate other aircraft on frequency.

You will be expected to be able to make all the appropriate RT calls to enable you to:

• Take off from a full ATC airport (calling for taxi, departure etc);
• Requesting en-route services, (E.G. Basic, Traffic, MATZ penetration etc).
• Make an urgency (PAN) call;
• Make or relay a distress (Mayday) call;
• Make full position reports;
• Request airspace tranist (VFR & SVFR);
• Join the circuit at an ATC, AFIS or A/G airfield;
• Make a diversion
• Make use of any en-route facilities, (e.g. tune into and monitor an ATIS).

Although not impossible, it is extremely unlikely that a candidate would pass the practrical exam without tuition.  Nothing can prepare you as well as practical training and you are strongly advised to arrange instruction.

All tuition is charged at an hourly rate of £20 with the cost per lesson varying according to duration.  RT instruction, both for the theory and practical exams, can be booked through reception at the airfield.

We have now added an on-line booking system to the website and a diary for both instruction and examinations taking place.

NB: With immediate effect, training is NOT available on Mondays Fridays  and weekends during airfield operating hours, but may be available on those occasions AFTER the tower has closed.  Generally, training is available during airfield operating hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, subject to staff tower cover, and after the tower has closed, subject to staff commitments.