Free Air Controller Knowledge Question and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The ___________ shall decide the order of the final (within 2 miles of the airport) landing of the aircraft under its control.
- center controller
- control tower (Correct answer)
- approach controller
- flight service station
Correct answer: control tower
The control tower (specifically the Local Controller) is responsible for the active runway and the immediate airspace around the airport, including the final approach and landing sequence of aircraft. This is a fundamental function of Airport Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs) to ensure safe and efficient operations within the airport's immediate vicinity.
Question 2: True or False: Airport Traffic Control Towers (ATCT) offer VFR and IFR aircraft both preventive and positive control around airports where they are situated.
- False
- True (Correct answer)
Correct answer: True
Airport Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs) provide both positive control (issuing specific instructions and clearances) and preventive control (issuing advisories and warnings) to both Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft operating within their designated airspace, typically the Class B, C, or D airspace around an airport. This ensures separation and safe movement.
Question 3: Which of the following runways should be used when the wind speed is less than 5 knots?
- Calm wind (Correct answer)
- Pilot’s choice
- Any runway
- Controller’s choice
Correct answer: Calm wind
When wind speeds are less than 5 knots, the wind is considered 'calm.' In such conditions, the preferred runway for landing and takeoff is typically designated as the 'calm wind runway,' which is chosen based on factors like noise abatement, runway length, or traffic patterns, rather than wind direction.
Question 4: What is the legal minimum vertical spacing between IFR aircraft below FL 290, measured in feet?
- 500
- 1,000 (Correct answer)
- 3,000
- 4,000
Correct answer: 1,000
According to air traffic control regulations, the standard minimum vertical separation between Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft operating below Flight Level 290 (29,000 feet) is 1,000 feet. This separation ensures safety by preventing mid-air collisions.
Question 5: Except for the active runway, the airport movement area is overseen by the ____ controller for aircraft operations (s).
- radar
- ground (Correct answer)
- non-radar
- local
Correct answer: ground
The Ground Controller at an Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) is responsible for controlling aircraft and vehicles on all taxiways and non-active runways within the airport movement area. The Local Controller handles the active runway(s).
Question 6: The VOR's course alignment accuracy is plus or minus ____ degrees.
- one (Correct answer)
- two
- three
- four
Correct answer: one
A VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) navigational aid is designed to provide a high degree of accuracy. Its course alignment accuracy is typically specified as plus or minus one degree, which is crucial for precise navigation in instrument flight.
Question 7: The statement "have numbers" in radio communications does not necessarily mean that the pilot has access to the data provided in the most recent ATIS broadcast.
- False
- True (Correct answer)
Correct answer: True
While 'have numbers' often implies a pilot has received the ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) broadcast, it specifically refers to having the *current altimeter setting*. It does not guarantee that the pilot has listened to or fully comprehended all other information (like runway in use, weather, NOTAMs) contained in the full ATIS broadcast.
Free Air Controller Knowledge Question and Answers
The ___________ shall decide the order of the final (within 2 miles of the airport) landing of the aircraft under its control.