ATC Collision Simulation 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 ATC Collision Simulation flashcards as text
In a simulation where two aircraft are at the same altitude with closing speed of 900 knots, approximately how many seconds does a controller have to act when they are 10 miles apart?
Answer: 67 seconds
At 900 knots closing speed over 10 miles: (10/900) × 3600 ≈ 40 seconds — so about 40 seconds, making rapid action critical.
A pilot reports 'traffic in sight' after a controller issues a traffic advisory. The controller may then:
Answer: Issue visual separation instructions based on pilot's report
When a pilot reports traffic in sight, the controller can apply visual separation by instructing the pilot to maintain visual separation from that traffic.
Which of the following radar targets would most concern a controller scanning for potential conflicts?
Answer: Two aircraft at the same altitude with converging tracks 8 miles apart
Converging aircraft at the same altitude within 8 miles represent an imminent separation loss requiring immediate action.
The 'point of no return' in a conflict scenario refers to:
Answer: The last moment a controller can issue a resolution that will be effective
The point of no return is the latest moment at which a controller instruction can be given and still achieve the required separation.
In a simulation, an aircraft operating in Class B airspace without ATC clearance creates a conflict. The controller's first action should be:
Answer: Issue an immediate vector or altitude assignment to the IFR aircraft
Ensuring separation of IFR aircraft from the intruder is the immediate priority before any reporting or coordination.
Vertical separation minima of 1,000 feet apply up to what altitude?
Answer: FL290
Standard vertical separation is 1,000 feet up to and including FL290; above FL290, RVSM applies with 1,000-foot separation in RVSM airspace.
During a conflict alert simulation, which action represents the LEAST effective immediate response?
Answer: Waiting to confirm the conflict on the next radar sweep
Waiting for additional radar returns wastes critical seconds and reduces available resolution time.