BasicB-002-002-003
In the International Telecommunication Union phonetic alphabet, what is the code word for the letter A?
C
Answer
Licensing, station identification, and operation
Type
A
Able
B
Adam
C
Alfa
D
America
Answer Notes
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) phonetic alphabet designates the word "Alfa" (often spelled Alpha) as the standard code word for the letter A. This word was selected because its pronunciation is recognized and easily pronounced by speakers of many different languages worldwide.
It is important to stick to this internationally recognized standard rather than inventing your own words. While you might occasionally hear operators using alternative words on the air, the exam tests your knowledge of the official ITU standard.
Words like "Able," "Adam," or "America" are not part of the ITU phonetic alphabet. "Able" was historically used in older phonetic alphabets (like the Joint Army/Navy phonetic alphabet from WWII), but it has long been replaced by "Alfa" for modern international communication.
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