ATSA Situational Awareness and Scanning Techniques

Question 1

An ATSA candidate reviews a radar display with 6 aircraft. Which factor is MOST critical to assess first when scanning?

Accepted Answer

Aircraft in potential conflict

Answer

Aircraft with lowest fuel

Answer

Aircraft furthest from destination

Answer

Aircraft with highest speed

Question 2

While monitoring three frequencies simultaneously, a controller hears a pilot report turbulence on frequency 2. The correct immediate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Relay the PIREP to other aircraft in the area

Answer

Ignore it and focus on frequency 1

Answer

Switch all traffic to frequency 2

Answer

Request the pilot repeat the message

Question 3

During an ATSA simulation, two aircraft converge at the same altitude. The controller issues a turn instruction to Aircraft A. What must the controller verify next?

Accepted Answer

That Aircraft A reads back the instruction correctly

Answer

Aircraft A's fuel state

Answer

Aircraft B's transponder code

Answer

The weather at the destination

Question 4

A controller notices an aircraft's data tag has disappeared from the radar scope. The FIRST action should be:

Accepted Answer

Attempt to contact the aircraft immediately

Answer

Wait to see if it reappears

Answer

Declare an emergency

Answer

Notify the supervisor after 5 minutes

Question 5

In the ATSA scan test, which technique best helps a controller track multiple aircraft simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Use a systematic left-to-right sweep of the display

Answer

Focus only on the most complex traffic situation

Answer

Watch only aircraft that have filed IFR flight plans

Answer

Rely on automated conflict alerts exclusively

Question 6

An aircraft reports at FL240 but radar shows it at FL230. The controller should:

Accepted Answer

Query the pilot to confirm altitude and check altimeter setting

Answer

Accept the pilot's report as correct

Answer

Accept radar as correct

Answer

Report the discrepancy to maintenance