FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is the correct way to communicate an altitude of 10,500 feet MSL to ATC?

1. "TEN THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED."

2. "ONE ZERO THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED."

3. "TEN THOUSAND, A HUNDRED."

4. "TWELVE THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED."

The correct answer is: "ONE ZERO THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED."

When communicating an altitude to Air Traffic Control (ATC), it's important to follow specific guidelines for clarity and precision. The correct method involves using the standard phonetic numbers for altitudes. Saying "ONE ZERO THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED" is effective because it clearly conveys the exact altitude of 10,500 feet in a format that reduces the potential for misunderstanding. Breaking it down, "ONE ZERO" specifically indicates 10, and "THOUSAND" designates the altitude in thousands, while "FIVE HUNDRED" specifies the additional feet above that thousand. Clarity in communication is crucial in aviation, especially to avoid mistakes that may arise from misinterpretation of numbers. In contrast, other phrasing options might not deliver the same level of clarity. For example, saying "TEN THOUSAND, A HUNDRED" could mislead the listener, suggesting an altitude of 10,100 feet instead. Similarly, "TEN THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED" does not adhere to the specific numerical convention expected by ATC, thus increasing the chance for confusion. The final option, "TWELVE THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED," is incorrect simply as it refers to an entirely different altitude.