Air Controller Knowledge Flashcards
7 cards from real ATSA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Air Controller Knowledge flashcards as text
What is the purpose of a 'point out' between two ATC facilities?
Answer: To alert the adjacent controller of traffic that will enter their airspace without a full handoff
A point out identifies traffic to the adjacent sector that will penetrate their airspace so they can plan accordingly without assuming communications.
What is the correct phraseology to instruct a pilot to maintain runway heading after takeoff?
Answer: 'Fly runway heading'
The standard ATC phrase 'fly runway heading' instructs the pilot to maintain the magnetic heading of the departure runway.
Which of the following best describes a 'TRACON'?
Answer: A terminal radar approach control facility managing arrival and departure traffic around one or more airports
A TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control) provides radar services to arriving and departing IFR traffic around one or more airports.
What is the significance of a Mode C transponder readout that shows an aircraft 300 feet below its assigned altitude?
Answer: It indicates a potential altitude deviation that the controller should query the pilot about
A 300-foot altitude deviation from an assigned altitude warrants a controller query to verify the pilot's altimeter and assigned altitude compliance.
An aircraft reports 'minimum fuel.' This means the crew is declaring:
Answer: A notice that no alternate airport fuel exists and delay may cause an emergency
Minimum fuel is not an emergency declaration but alerts ATC that any undue delay will create an emergency — it requires priority handling awareness.
What is the primary purpose of the FAA's Safety Management System (SMS) in ATC operations?
Answer: To proactively identify, assess, and mitigate safety risks before they cause incidents
SMS is a proactive framework to identify hazards and mitigate risks before they result in accidents or incidents.
A pilot requests a 'short approach.' What does the controller need to consider before approving it?
Answer: Spacing with any preceding traffic and potential runway occupancy conflicts
Before approving a short approach, the controller must ensure adequate spacing from preceding traffic and no runway occupancy conflict.