Air Controller Trivia Flashcards

Which FAA facility type provides en route air traffic control services to aircraft flying between airports at high altitudes?

Answer: ARTCC

Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs) manage en route traffic in the continental US airspace above low-altitude sectors.

What is the primary purpose of a SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information) in ATC operations?

Answer: To warn of hazardous weather affecting all aircraft

SIGMETs warn pilots of significant meteorological conditions such as severe turbulence, icing, or volcanic ash that could endanger aircraft.

In the phonetic alphabet used in aviation, what word represents the letter 'W'?

Answer: Whiskey

The ICAO phonetic alphabet uses 'Whiskey' for the letter W to ensure clarity in radio communications.

What does the term 'NORDO' mean in air traffic control?

Answer: No radio contact with an aircraft

NORDO refers to an aircraft that has lost radio communication, requiring controllers to use light gun signals or other alternate methods.

Which class of airspace in the United States requires an ATC clearance to enter even in VMC?

Answer: Class B

Class B airspace, surrounding the nation's busiest airports, requires an explicit ATC clearance before entry regardless of weather conditions.

What is the standard separation minima between IFR aircraft at the same altitude in non-radar en route airspace?

Answer: 80 nautical miles

In non-radar en route airspace, the standard lateral separation between IFR aircraft at the same altitude is 80 nautical miles when using VOR-defined routes.

What phrase must a pilot say when acknowledging a hold-short instruction at a runway?

Answer: Read back the full instruction including the hold-short point

FAA regulations require pilots to read back hold-short instructions in full, including the specific hold-short point, to confirm understanding.