ATC Separation Standards Flashcards
6 cards from real ATC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 ATC Separation Standards flashcards as text
What is the standard horizontal radar separation minimum between IFR aircraft in en route airspace?
Answer: 5 nautical miles
The standard horizontal radar separation in en route airspace is 5 nautical miles, though this can be reduced to 3 nautical miles in certain terminal environments with appropriate authorization.
What vertical separation standard applies between IFR aircraft at or below FL290 in domestic US airspace?
Answer: 1,000 feet
The standard vertical separation at or below FL290 is 1,000 feet; above FL290, Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) airspace allows 1,000 feet of separation up to FL410.
What is RVSM and what vertical separation does it allow?
Answer: Reduced Vertical Separation Minima; 1,000 feet between FL290 and FL410
RVSM (Reduced Vertical Separation Minima) is the airspace between FL290 and FL410 where special equipment requirements allow vertical separation to be reduced from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet, increasing airspace capacity.
When does wake turbulence separation apply?
Answer: Whenever a lighter aircraft follows a heavier aircraft in the same airspace or on approach
Wake turbulence separation is required whenever a lighter aircraft follows a heavier aircraft, as the vortices generated by the leading aircraft's wings can pose a serious hazard to the following aircraft.
What minimum wake turbulence separation is required for a small aircraft following a heavy aircraft on final approach?
Answer: 5 nautical miles
A small aircraft following a heavy aircraft on final approach requires 5 nautical miles of separation to allow wake turbulence to dissipate before the lighter aircraft passes through the same area.
What is non-radar separation, and when is it used?
Answer: Procedural separation based on time, position fixes, or altitude when radar is unavailable
Non-radar (procedural) separation uses time, position reports, altitude, or geographic fixes to maintain separation when radar coverage is not available or has failed.