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Transceiver push-to-talk function

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 22 of 26 on Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems. ACS element AM.II.I.K2 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONIn an aircraft VHF communication transceiver, what does the push-to-talk (PTT) switch do when it is pressed?

  1. AIt blocks the receiver and activates the transmitter.
  2. BIt switches the radio over to a separate transmit antenna.
  3. CIt retunes the oscillator to the next selected frequency.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. It blocks the receiver and activates the transmitter.

  • A — correct The push to talk switch blocks the receiving circuitry and allows the transmitter circuitry to be active.
  • B — incorrect A transceiver shares one antenna between its transmitting and receiving functions, which saves space and components.
  • C — incorrect Retuning the oscillator is the job of the tuning circuitry when the operator selects a broadcast frequency, not of the talk switch.

BACKGROUND

A transceiver is a communication radio that both transmits and receives on the same frequency. Some of its circuitry, as well as its antenna, is shared between the transmitting and receiving functions. Because both functions cannot run at once, a transceiver is a half duplex system: communication occurs in both directions, but only one party may speak while the other listens. The push to talk switch is what enforces that, blocking the receiving circuitry so the transmitter circuitry can be active. VHF aircraft communication radios are usually transceivers.

STUDY TIP

Remember the word "half duplex" and tie it to the talk switch: pressing it silences the receiver so the transmitter can work.

KEY POINTS

  • A transceiver transmits and receives on the same frequency and shares circuitry and the antenna.
  • Pressing the push-to-talk switch blocks the receiving circuitry and activates the transmitter.
  • This makes the radio half duplex: only one party can speak at a time.

SOURCES

  • ama-airframe/ch11.txt "Transceivers"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.