ATC ATC Radar and Technology 3

Question 1

What is EDST (En Route Decision Support Tool) used for in ARTCC operations?

Accepted Answer

To assist controllers with conflict detection and trial planning in en route airspace

Answer

To automate routine controller communications

Answer

To manage airport gate assignments

Answer

To calculate fuel burn estimates for flights

Question 2

What is a 'handoff' in radar ATC operations?

Accepted Answer

The electronic transfer of radar track control from one sector to another

Answer

The physical transfer of paper flight strips between positions

Answer

A verbal coordination call made on an interphone line

Answer

The reassignment of a squawk code to a new aircraft

Question 3

What does ADS-B stand for and how does it differ from traditional radar?

Accepted Answer

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast; aircraft broadcast their GPS position rather than being detected by ground radar

Answer

Advanced Digital Surveillance Beacon; it uses ground stations to ping aircraft

Answer

Automated Data Sequencing-Broadcast; it prioritizes aircraft by arrival order

Answer

Air Defense Surveillance Band; it operates on military frequencies

Question 4

What is the purpose of a 'data block' on a radar display?

Accepted Answer

To display aircraft callsign, altitude, and speed next to a radar target

Answer

To indicate restricted airspace boundaries

Answer

To show weather intensity levels

Answer

To mark waypoints and fixes on the scope

Question 5

What does 'radar vectoring' refer to in ATC operations?

Accepted Answer

Providing specific magnetic headings to navigate an aircraft to a desired point

Answer

Using radar to calculate the most fuel-efficient route for an aircraft

Answer

Assigning altitude changes based on radar return strength

Answer

The process of identifying an aircraft on radar

Question 6

What is a 'point out' in ATC radar operations?

Accepted Answer

A procedure where one controller notifies an adjacent controller of an aircraft entering or transiting their airspace

Answer

The process of removing an aircraft from the radar display

Answer

A coordination call to inform supervisors of traffic conflicts

Answer

The act of tagging an unidentified primary target