Communications

Question 1

Recall how to activate and deactivate the oxygen mask microphone:

Answer 1

A boom microphone/mask microphone switch is located within each oxygen
mask stowage box and connects either the boom or the mask microphone.
 The boom microphone automatically connects to the communication
systems when the mask is stowed (and reset).
 The mask microphone automatically connects to the communication
systems when the mask is out of its stowage box and is in use.

 After the compartment doors are shut, pushing the TEST/RESET
Switch will stop the flow oxygen to the mask, reset the microphone from
mask to boom, and retract Oxy On flag.

Question 2

Recall which radio systems are available for SELCAL and how to
recognize an incoming call:

Answer 2

The SELCAL system operates in conjunction with VHF & HF systems.
 When a call is received, the respective MIC switch on the ACP
illuminates with a “C” and a chime from the central aural warning
system (CAWS) sounds through the cockpit speakers and headphones.

Question 3

Recall who can communicate on the flight interphone:

Answer 3

The flight interphone system provides communications between the 
flight crew as well as communications at the external power panel and 
the avionics (E & E) compartment

Question 4

Explain the location and purpose of the Maintenance Interphone
switchlight:

Answer 4

MAINT INTPH Switchlight – amber
 ON - Push switchlight to activate all service interphone jacks located
throughout the airplane.
 Located on the Forward Overhead Panel.

Question 5

Recall how PA announcements can be made from the flight deck:

Answer 5

PA announcements from the cockpit can be made with:
1. service interphone handset
2. mask interphones
3. boom microphones
4. handheld microphones
 When using the service interphone handset on the aft pedestal for PA
announcements, the PA switch on the overhead panel must be
selected to ON.
 PA ON Switchlight - Push to connect the handset on the aft pedestal to
the PA system when the handset is removed from its hanger.
 Audio Control Panel PA Button - Push - When the PA button is held, PA
transmissions can be made with either the boom or oxygen mask
microphone.
 PA announcements from the cockpit have priority over the passenger
entertainment system and announcements made from any cabin
station.

Question 6

COMM_008 Explain the operation of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR):

Answer 6

The CVR operates automatically and continuously whenever power is
available to the airplane. No crew action is required.
 With the parking brake set, and the airplane on the ground, pushing the
ERASE pushbutton on the CVR MICROPHONE MONITOR control panel
erases the recorder memory.
 STATUS Light Illuminates to indicate a successful self-test of all input
channels. Does not illuminate if a system fault exists.
 Records/preserves the last 2 hours of cockpit sounds and communication,
and all communications through the CA and FO ACP and handsets

Question 7

Recall the purpose of the IDENT switch on the Audio Control Panel:

Answer 7

Push - Selects voice and coded identification tones of the NAV1/2 or
ADF 1/2 receivers. ON illuminates to indicate selection.
 Push again for voice reception without ID tones

Question 8

Recall how ARINC Communication Addressing and Reporting System
(ACARS) messages are received and transmitted:

Answer 8

ACARS air-to-ground data link communications can be sent or received on
VHF-3 while in the DATA mode.
 ACARS is controlled by either MCDU, through data entered either manually
or automatically.
 ACARS up-linked messages are displayed on the MCDU screen or printed
on the multi-function printer.