ATSA Air Traffic Controller Entry 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On the ATSA, which cognitive ability is most directly tested by tasks requiring you to track multiple aircraft simultaneously?
- Verbal reasoning
- Multitasking and divided attention (Correct answer)
- Mathematical computation
- Long-term memory recall
Correct answer: Multitasking and divided attention
The ATSA specifically measures divided attention through tasks that require simultaneous tracking of multiple moving objects or data streams.
Question 2: A controller notices two aircraft on converging headings at the same altitude. What is the FIRST priority action?
- File an incident report
- Issue a traffic alert and coordinate separation (Correct answer)
- Notify the airline operations center
- Wait to see if pilots self-separate
Correct answer: Issue a traffic alert and coordinate separation
The primary duty of an ATC is to provide separation, so issuing a traffic alert and coordinating instructions is the immediate first priority.
Question 3: Which FAA facility handles en route traffic flying at high altitudes between airports?
- TRACON
- ATCT (Airport Tower)
- ARTCC (Air Route Traffic Control Center) (Correct answer)
- FSS (Flight Service Station)
Correct answer: ARTCC (Air Route Traffic Control Center)
Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs, commonly called Centers) manage en route IFR traffic typically above 18,000 feet MSL.
Question 4: What does the term 'handoff' mean in air traffic control?
- Transferring radio communication and radar identification of an aircraft to the next sector or facility (Correct answer)
- Physically passing paper flight strips between controllers
- Landing an aircraft without radio contact
- Handing a pilot a weather briefing
Correct answer: Transferring radio communication and radar identification of an aircraft to the next sector or facility
A handoff is the transfer of radar identification and communications responsibility for an aircraft from one controller position or facility to another.
Question 5: When two aircraft are at the same altitude on perpendicular courses, standard radar separation requires a minimum of how many miles lateral separation?
- 1 NM
- 3 NM
- 5 NM (Correct answer)
- 10 NM
Correct answer: 5 NM
FAA Order 7110.65 specifies a standard en route radar separation minimum of 5 nautical miles between aircraft.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a NOTAM in aviation operations?
- To document near-miss incidents
- To notify airmen of temporary changes or hazards affecting flight operations (Correct answer)
- To record controller shift schedules
- To list approved aircraft registration numbers
Correct answer: To notify airmen of temporary changes or hazards affecting flight operations
NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) communicate time-critical aeronautical information about temporary conditions that may affect flight safety.
Question 7: An applicant for an ATC position must typically pass a medical examination that assesses which of the following?
- Cardiovascular fitness and color vision among other standards (Correct answer)
- Pilot flight hours logged
- Score on the FAA written knowledge test only
- Years of military service
Correct answer: Cardiovascular fitness and color vision among other standards
FAA medical standards for controllers include cardiovascular health, hearing, vision including color vision, and overall physical fitness.
ATSA Air Traffic Controller Entry 2
On the ATSA, which cognitive ability is most directly tested by tasks requiring you to track multiple aircraft simultaneously?