Airman Certification Standards
ACS PA.III.A
Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems
Knowledge
How to obtain appropriate radio frequencies.
Proper radio communication procedures and air traffic control (ATC) phraseology.
ATC light signal recognition.
Appropriate use of transponder(s).
Lost communication procedures.
Equipment issues that could cause loss of communication.
Radar assistance.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident/incident reporting.
Runway Status Lighting Systems.
Risk Management
Communication.
Deciding if and when to declare an emergency.
Use of non-standard phraseology.
Skill
Select and activate appropriate frequencies.
Transmit using standard phraseology and procedures as specified in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and Pilot/Controller Glossary.
Acknowledge radio communications and comply with ATC instructions or as directed by the evaluator.
Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 17, 2026.