FREE · 17 ITEMS · AUDIO + ANSWERS
Practise an ICAO listening test with short, original non-routine radio reports. Identify the problem, request or next action, then check each answer.
An ICAO listening test can include an unexpected situation as well as familiar aviation communication. In this independent practice, listen for who is speaking, what has changed and what help or action is requested; do not assume a fault has already been diagnosed.
On the first listen, grasp the situation. On the next, notice limits and uncertainty such as “appears”, “request” and “will check”. Answer from the recording, then open the transcript and compare the exact evidence. Tests and task formats vary by provider.
NON-ROUTINE · LISTEN
Control, Skyline fife two niner. There is a strong electrical smell in the cabin. We are checking the source and request time to assess the situation.
Skyline fife two niner, roger. Advise when you have more information.
NON-ROUTINE · LISTEN
Tower, Coastal two tree six. We felt an unusual bump during landing. Could you check the runway for any tyre debris?
Coastal two tree six, roger. I will arrange an inspection.
NON-ROUTINE · LISTEN
Control, Lakeair niner one four. Our position displays do not agree. We request radar vectors while we check our navigation equipment.
Lakeair niner one four, roger. Stand by for vectors.
NON-ROUTINE · LISTEN
Fastair tree two fife, hold position. A cargo container has come loose from a trailer ahead of you.
Holding position, Fastair tree two fife. We can see the container.
NON-ROUTINE · LISTEN
Control, Nordair seven four one. A passenger has become unwell. We request medical advice by radio; the cabin crew are with the passenger.
Nordair seven four one, roger. I will try to arrange a medical contact.
NON-ROUTINE · LISTEN
Ground, Coastal six one niner. Our brakes are hotter than expected. We need to stop here while we assess them.
Coastal six one niner, roger. Hold position and advise when ready.
NON-ROUTINE · LISTEN
Control, Skyline two fife eight. We believe lightning struck the aircraft. We have no abnormal indications, but we are checking and will update you.
Skyline two fife eight, roger. Keep me advised.
NON-ROUTINE · LISTEN
Lakeair fife eight two, hold position. An access panel appears to be open on the left side of your aircraft.
Holding position, Lakeair fife eight two. We will ask ground staff to inspect it.
NON-ROUTINE · LISTEN
Control, Nordair tree seven two. Your transmission is very weak. Please say again your last message.
Nordair tree seven two, roger. I say again, maintain present heading.
NON-ROUTINE · LISTEN
Approach, Fastair four six one. We have an unusual landing gear indication. We request time to complete our checks.
Fastair four six one, roger. Advise your intentions when ready.
NON-ROUTINE · LISTEN
Tower, Coastal niner two one. We saw several large birds near the approach path. They were below us and moving towards the runway.
Coastal niner two one, roger. I will pass the information to other traffic.
NON-ROUTINE · LISTEN
Control, Lakeair tree fife six. Water is leaking from a cabin ceiling panel. We are moving passengers away from the area and assessing the source.
Lakeair tree fife six, roger. Advise if you need assistance.
PRACTICE 13
Look at each picture. Choose the description that matches it.
Check your answers and compare your speaking with the model, then see your practice debrief.
DEBRIEF
Listening practice may use aviation recordings to assess how well you understand operational messages, including unexpected situations. Actual task formats vary by provider.
Yes. The radio recordings, picture questions, answer explanations and transcripts on this page are free practice.
Listen for the situation, the request and the response separately. Replay difficult phrases, check the transcript and then listen again without looking at it.
No. The scenarios are original independent practice. A provider may use different recordings, accents and tasks.
Yes. Listen from the controller’s perspective as well as the pilot’s: identify the problem, requested help and what is still uncertain.
