The Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical) license, known as RTR (A), is one of the most important requirements for aspiring commercial pilots in India. Clearing this exam is mandatory for anyone applying for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), as it authorizes communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) during flights.

Many CPL aspirants struggle with the RTR exam due to its viva-based pattern, oral testing, and communication skills requirement. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to clear DGCA RTR (A) in the first attempt, including syllabus, preparation tips, and expert strategies.

What is the RTR (A) Exam?

The RTR (A) exam is conducted by the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC) under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, in coordination with the DGCA.

Passing RTR(A) certifies that you:

• Understand standard aviation phraseology
• Can communicate with ATC efficiently
• Know aviation communication procedures, radio operations, and emergency protocols

Without an RTR license, a pilot cannot operate a radio-equipped aircraft or fly under IFR conditions.

Eligibility for RTR (A)

You must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Valid DGCA Class 2 or Class 1 medical
• Should be undergoing or completed CPL training
• Must possess a basic understanding of aviation regulations, aircraft systems, and radio procedures

RTR (A) Exam Format

The exam is divided into two parts:

Part 1: Practical & Written (Simulation)

• Based on live radio communication scenarios
• You’ll be tested on:
  • ATC conversation
  • METAR decoding
  • Readbacks, clearances
  • Emergency call procedures
• You may be asked to simulate a flight on a radio simulator

Duration: 15–20 minutes
Passing Criteria: Must be clear and accurate in communication

 Part 2: Oral (Viva)

• Conducted by a panel of WPC & DGCA examiners
• Questions on:
  • Rules of radiotelephony
  • Frequencies & propagation
  • Equipment handling
  • Emergency procedures
  • Aviation acts & regulations

Duration: 15–30 minutes
Passing Criteria: Must demonstrate technical understanding and communication skill

Both parts must be cleared in the same attempt. Failing in either = reattempt.

How to Prepare for RTR (A)–Step-by-Step

Here’s how to confidently clear RTR in your first attempt:

1. Master Aviation Phraseology

Use standard ICAO phraseology for all responses.

Examples:

• “Cleared to land runway two-seven.”
• “Climbing flight level three-two-zero.”
• “Request radar vectoring for ILS approach.”

 Tip: Avoid casual English — use exact standard terms.

2. Listen to Live ATC Conversations

Apps & websites like

• LiveATC.net
• YouTube ATC playlists

Listening daily improves:

• Accent understanding
• Real-world phrase usage
• Handling non-standard scenarios

3. Practice METAR and TAF decoding

You will be asked to:

• Decode METAR reports
• Communicate a weather scenario to ATC

Practice:

METAR VABB 101030Z 27008KT 8000 SCT020 33/25 Q1010

Learn how to say:

"Mumbai METAR one-zero-one-zero Zulu, wind two-seven-zero degrees at eight knots, visibility eight thousand meters, scattered clouds at two thousand feet..."

4. Simulate ATC Conversations Daily

Create your own roleplay.

• Pilot and ATC
• Departing and arriving communication
• Emergency scenarios

Clearway Aviation provides guidance and mock scenarios to prepare you for Part 1 effectively.

5. Revise the Theoretical Syllabus for Part 2

Study:

• Frequency allocation
• Antenna types
• VHF/UHF propagation
• Licensing rules under Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act
• Emergency codes & signal priorities (PAN, MAYDAY, etc.)
   

Use DGCA's official RTR syllabus and mock question banks.

6. Attend Mock RTR Viva Sessions

Practicing the oral format with instructors or past students helps build confidence.

At Clearway Aviation, we provide live practice sessions with expert instructors who simulate real interview-style questions.

7. Stay Calm and Speak Clearly

The exam isn’t only about technical knowledge — it’s about

• Clarity of speech
• Confidence under pressure
• Precise responses

Use:

• Short, direct sentences
• Active voice
• ICAO phraseology at all times

 Recommended Preparation Resources

• ICAO Phraseology Manual
• DGCA RTR (A) previous year questions
• METAR/TAF online quizzes
• VHF/UHF Radio Procedure Charts
• Clearway Aviation RTR mock interviews & simulations

How Clearway Aviation Supports RTR Preparation

Though Clearway Aviation specializes in live DGCA subject coaching for air navigation, meteorology, and air regulations, we also provide

• RTR (A) exam guidance
• Mock viva sessions
• Phraseology correction
• METAR decoding practice

Panel-style mock interviews

This ensures you’re confident, fluent, and accurate when facing the real RTR exam.

 

The DGCA RTR (A) exam is not about mugging up answers — it’s about thinking and speaking like a professional pilot.
With focused practice, clarity, and the right guidance, you can absolutely clear RTR in your first attempt.