Part 5: Your Path Forward – Exam Preparation and Beyond

Confusing QDM and QDR Remember: M = Magnetic heading TO the station. R = magnetic bearing FROM. They're reciprocals.
Getting readback rules wrong. You must readback clearances, altitude assignments, and runway assignments. You don't readback "roger" or confirmation of information already given.
Messing up procedure words. AFFIRM means "yes." NEGATIVE means "no." WILCO means "I will comply." ROGER means "I understand." These are distinct.
Forgetting that transponder codes only use digits 0–7. Digits 8 and 9 don't exist in the transponder world.
Not recognizing when you're in restricted or controlled airspace. Know how to behave in each type of airspace.
Confusing CLEARED and APPROVED. CLEARED means you have permission and responsibility. APPROVED means the request has been accepted, but you need another clearance to proceed.
Not understanding priority of messages. Distress (MAYDAY) beats everything. Urgency (PAN-PAN) is next. Then direction finding, flight safety, meteorological, flight regularity.