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Air Traffic Controller Entry 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 Traffic Controller Entry flashcards as text

  1. In the ATSA's air traffic scenarios, a candidate is asked to sequence three aircraft for a single runway. What is the primary factor used to assign landing order?

    Answer: Aircraft weight category and relative position to the airport

    Sequencing decisions are primarily driven by each aircraft's relative distance, speed, and weight category to ensure safe wake turbulence separation and efficient flow.

  2. What is the squawk code assigned to all aircraft experiencing an in-flight emergency?

    Answer: 7700

    Squawk 7700 is the universal emergency transponder code that alerts ATC radar systems and controllers to an aircraft in distress.

  3. A controller issues a 'speed adjustment' to an arriving aircraft. What is the primary purpose of this instruction?

    Answer: To maintain safe spacing in the arrival sequence

    Speed adjustments are used to compress or expand spacing between arrivals, ensuring safe separation while maximizing runway throughput.

  4. Which document primarily governs air traffic control procedures in the United States?

    Answer: FAA Order 7110.65 (Air Traffic Control)

    FAA Order 7110.65, 'Air Traffic Control,' is the primary reference that establishes procedures and phraseology for U.S. ATC operations.

  5. When a controller clears an aircraft to 'descend via' a published STAR, what is the pilot expected to do?

    Answer: Fly the lateral path and comply with all published altitude and speed restrictions on the STAR

    'Descend via' authorizes the aircraft to follow the STAR's lateral course while complying with all depicted crossing restrictions for altitude and speed.

  6. What does 'IFR' stand for, and under what conditions is it typically required?

    Answer: Instrument Flight Rules; required when flying in clouds or below visual meteorological minimums

    IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) governs flight when visibility or cloud clearance drops below Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), requiring navigation by instruments and ATC clearances.

  7. An air traffic controller applicant who is 31 years old is applying for an off-the-street hire position. Which statement is accurate?

    Answer: They are ineligible because the maximum entry age is 30

    The FAA generally requires off-the-street ATC applicants to be hired before their 31st birthday, making a 31-year-old ineligible under standard rules.