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Air Traffic Control Procedures & Regulations Flashcards

7 cards from real CPC 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 Control Procedures & Regulations flashcards as text

  1. What is the standard VFR cruising altitude for an aircraft flying a magnetic course of 200 degrees at 9,500 feet?

    Answer: 9,000 feet MSL

    For magnetic courses 180–359 degrees (southerly), VFR cruising altitudes are even thousands plus 500 feet (e.g., 8,500, 10,500), but 9,000 applies below the odd-plus-500 rule for southbound flights.

  2. What phraseology does ATC use to instruct a pilot to maintain their current altitude until reaching a specific fix, then descend?

    Answer: Maintain [altitude] until [fix], then descend

    ATC uses 'Maintain [altitude] until [fix], then descend and maintain [altitude]' to instruct altitude restrictions tied to a specific point.

  3. Under the FAA's Runway Incursion Prevention program, what is a Category A runway incursion?

    Answer: An incursion where a collision narrowly was avoided requiring immediate action

    A Category A runway incursion is the most serious — it involves a separation requirement that results in a collision narrowly being avoided.

  4. What does a steady red light signal from the control tower mean to an aircraft in flight?

    Answer: Continue circling; airport unsafe, do not land

    A steady red light signal to an aircraft in flight means the airport is unsafe and the pilot should not land while continuing to circle.

  5. Which segment of an instrument approach procedure begins at the final approach fix (FAF) and ends at the missed approach point (MAP)?

    Answer: Final approach segment

    The final approach segment begins at the FAF and ends at the MAP, during which the pilot aligns with and descends toward the runway.

  6. When ATC assigns an altitude with the word 'interim' (e.g., 'Climb and maintain flight level 240 as an interim altitude'), it means:

    Answer: A higher altitude is expected but not yet available; the aircraft should expect further climb

    An interim altitude indicates a temporary assignment used until the pilot can be cleared to a higher altitude as traffic and airspace permit.

  7. What is the maximum airspeed for aircraft operating within a Class C airspace surface area?

    Answer: 200 knots indicated airspeed

    FAR 91.117 limits aircraft speed to 200 KIAS in Class C airspace surface areas to promote safety around busy terminal airports.