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AA.VI.C.R1FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Risk management

ATC communications and compliance with published procedures.

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

ATC communications and compliance with published procedures.

Bottom line

A major contributor to runway incursions is lack of communication with ATC and not understanding the instructions that they give. ATC uses standard phraseology and require readbacks and other responses from the pilot in order to verify that clearances and instructions are understood. When communicating with ATC or during crew briefings, each pilot should agree on the plan of action, ask for clarification, and question any inconsistency.

FAA references

  1. IPH ch. 4 (p. 4-11) — FAA-H-8083-16B
  2. IFH ch. 10 (p. 10-3) — FAA-H-8083-15B
  3. IPH ch. 1 (p. 1-23) — FAA-H-8083-16B
  4. IFH ch. 10 (p. 10-20) — FAA-H-8083-15B
  5. 14 CFR 91.129 (Operations in Class D airspace.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  6. AC 90-100, para. 10d — AC No: 90-100A
  7. 14 CFR 91.185 (IFR operations: Two-way radio communications failure.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  8. RMH ch. 6 (pp. 6-3–6-4) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  9. IPH ch. 2 (p. 2-47) — FAA-H-8083-16B
  10. 14 CFR 91.130 (Operations in Class C airspace.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  11. IFH ch. 10 (p. 10-13) — FAA-H-8083-15B
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