ATSA - Air Traffic Skills Assessment Reading Comprehension Skills Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following passage and answer the question. "According to Federal Aviation Regulations, when two aircraft of the same category are converging at approximately the same altitude, the aircraft on the other's right has the right-of-way. An aircraft in distress always has priority over all other traffic. When two aircraft are approaching to land, the one at the lower altitude has the right-of-way, but it shall not use this advantage to cut in front of another aircraft that is on final approach." Two single-engine airplanes are approaching a runway for landing. Airplane A is at 1,000 feet and is established on the final approach course. Airplane B is at 800 feet and is slightly behind Airplane A, but is traveling at a higher speed. According to the regulation, which statement is correct?
- Airplane B should yield to Airplane A because Airplane A is on final approach. (Correct answer)
- Airplane B has the right-of-way because it is at a lower altitude.
- The aircraft on the right has the right-of-way.
- The faster aircraft has the right-of-way to ensure efficiency.
Correct answer: Airplane B should yield to Airplane A because Airplane A is on final approach.
The passage states that an aircraft at a lower altitude has the right-of-way but 'shall not use this advantage to cut in front of another aircraft that is on final approach.' Since Airplane A is already on final approach, it maintains the right-of-way, and Airplane B must yield.
Question 2: Read the following passage and answer the question. "In the event of a radio failure, Air Traffic Control (ATC) may use a light gun to issue instructions. For aircraft on the ground, a steady green light signals 'cleared for takeoff,' while a flashing green light means 'cleared to taxi.' A steady red light means 'stop,' and a flashing red light instructs the pilot to 'taxi clear of the runway in use.' A flashing white light indicates 'return to starting point on airport.' An alternating red and green light advises the pilot to 'exercise extreme caution.'" A pilot is on the ground and has experienced a complete radio failure. After taxiing toward the runway, the pilot sees a flashing red light signal from the control tower. Which of the following actions is required?
- Stop the aircraft immediately.
- Proceed with takeoff as cleared.
- Return to the initial parking position.
- Move the aircraft off the active runway. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Move the aircraft off the active runway.
The passage explicitly states that for an aircraft on the ground, a flashing red light signal means 'taxi clear of the runway in use.'
Question 3: Read the following passage and answer the question. "A METAR is a routine aviation weather report issued hourly, unless significant weather changes necessitate a special report, known as a SPECI. A typical METAR contains data on wind, visibility, runway visual range (RVR), present weather, sky conditions, temperature, and altimeter setting. The purpose is to provide a standardized, detailed snapshot of current meteorological conditions at an airport. This allows flight crews and operational personnel to make informed, timely decisions regarding flight safety." What is the primary function of a METAR report as described in the passage?
- To provide a long-range weather forecast for pilots.
- To communicate a standardized summary of current weather conditions at a specific location. (Correct answer)
- To issue special alerts (SPECI) for in-flight emergencies only.
- To report exclusively on wind and visibility for takeoffs.
Correct answer: To communicate a standardized summary of current weather conditions at a specific location.
The passage defines a METAR as a 'routine aviation weather report' that provides a 'detailed snapshot of current meteorological conditions at an airport.' Its goal is to standardize this information for safety decisions.
Question 4: Read the following passage and answer the question. "Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) is an event in which an airworthy aircraft, under the full control of the pilot, is unintentionally flown into terrain, water, or an obstacle. In most CFIT scenarios, the flight crew is unaware of the impending danger until it is too late. The principal causes of CFIT accidents include loss of situational awareness and navigational errors. Advanced systems like the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) have been crucial in reducing CFIT accidents by providing automated alerts when an aircraft is near the surface." Based on the passage, what can be inferred about the aircraft's mechanical state during a CFIT event?
- The aircraft is typically experiencing a critical engine or system malfunction.
- The aircraft is functioning properly without any significant mechanical failure. (Correct answer)
- The aircraft's navigation systems have completely failed.
- The aircraft has been intentionally flown into the terrain by the pilot.
Correct answer: The aircraft is functioning properly without any significant mechanical failure.
The passage defines a CFIT event as involving an 'airworthy aircraft, under the full control of the pilot.' This explicitly means the aircraft itself is not suffering from a mechanical failure.
Question 5: Read the following passage and answer the question. "Runway markings are essential for pilot guidance. The runway threshold marks the beginning of the surface available for landing and is identified by longitudinal white stripes. An area preceding the threshold marked with large yellow chevrons is known as a blast pad or stopway. This surface is not designed to support aircraft and is intended to prevent jet blast erosion; it must not be used for taxiing, takeoff, or landing. A displaced threshold, marked by white arrows leading to the threshold, indicates a portion of the runway that is available for taxi and takeoff but not for landing." A pilot on approach sees an area marked with yellow chevrons before the main runway surface. According to the text, for which of the following activities can this area be used?
- It can be used for taxiing and takeoff.
- It can be used for landing rollout.
- It must not be used for taxiing, takeoff, or landing. (Correct answer)
- It is the designated start of the takeoff roll.
Correct answer: It must not be used for taxiing, takeoff, or landing.
The passage clearly states that the area marked with yellow chevrons is a blast pad and 'must not be used for taxiing, takeoff, or landing.'
Question 6: Read the following passage and answer the question. "Wake turbulence is a disturbance formed behind an aircraft, with the most dangerous components being wingtip vortices. The strength of these vortices is governed by the aircraft's weight, speed, and wing configuration. The greatest vortex strength is generated when the aircraft is heavy, clean (flaps and gear retracted), and slow. This condition is common during takeoff and initial climb or when on approach. These vortices tend to sink and can pose a significant hazard to following aircraft, especially smaller ones." According to the passage, which combination of factors creates the most powerful wake turbulence?
- A light aircraft at high speed with flaps extended.
- A heavy aircraft at high speed, regardless of configuration.
- Any aircraft during the cruise phase of flight.
- A heavy aircraft at low speed with a clean configuration. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A heavy aircraft at low speed with a clean configuration.
The passage directly states, 'The greatest vortex strength is generated when the aircraft is heavy, clean (flaps and gear retracted), and slow.' This combination matches the correct answer.
ATSA - Air Traffic Skills Assessment Reading Comprehension Skills Questions and Answers
Read the following passage and answer the question.
"According to Federal Aviation Regulations, when two aircraft of the same category are converging at approximately the same altitude, the aircraft on the other's right has the right-of-way.
An aircraft in distress always has priority over all other traffic.
When two aircraft are approaching to land, the one at the lower altitude has the right-of-way, but it shall not use this advantage to cut in front of another aircraft that is on final approach."
Two single-engine airplanes are approaching a runway for landing.
Airplane A is at 1,000 feet and is established on the final approach course.
Airplane B is at 800 feet and is slightly behind Airplane A, but is traveling at a higher speed.
According to the regulation, which statement is correct?