Subchapter 10.5 – Common Readback Errors and Exam Traps

Error Category 3: Frequency Readback Errors

The Trap: Frequencies must be read back with all three decimal places. A single-digit error results in a wrong frequency, which can cause loss of communication.
Examples:
Issued: "Innsbruck Centre on one-three-two decimal zero" Wrong readback: "One-three-two" Correct readback: "Innsbruck Centre one-three-two decimal zero" or "one-three-two zero zero" (spoken as "zero zero" or just "decimal zero")
Issued: "Munich Tower one-one-eight decimal zero-five" Wrong readback: "One-one-eight" Correct readback: "Munich Tower one-one-eight decimal zero-five"
Rule: Frequencies are always read back with all decimals. ATC will correct you if you drop a digit.