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Aircraft Performance & Systems Knowledge for Controllers Flashcards

6 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 6 Aircraft Performance & Systems Knowledge for Controllers flashcards as text

  1. What is wake turbulence, and from which part of the aircraft does it originate?

    Answer: Wingtip vortices generated by lift production that trail behind and below an aircraft

    Wake turbulence consists of counter-rotating wingtip vortices that form whenever an aircraft generates lift; they sink and trail behind and below the generating aircraft.

  2. According to FAA wake turbulence categories, which aircraft type generates the most severe wake?

    Answer: Super category aircraft like the A380 and AN-124

    The 'Super' category (A380, AN-124) generates the most severe wake turbulence, requiring the greatest separation from following aircraft.

  3. What is the standard IFR departure separation behind a Heavy jet for a Small aircraft departing the same runway?

    Answer: 2 minutes or 3 nautical miles radar

    A small aircraft departing behind a Heavy must wait 2 minutes (or maintain 3 NM if radar is used) to avoid wake turbulence encounter.

  4. What does 'MACH tuck' or 'Mach tuck' refer to, and why is it relevant to high-altitude ATC?

    Answer: A pitch-down tendency as an aircraft approaches critical Mach number due to shifting center of lift

    Mach tuck occurs when an aircraft nears its critical Mach number and the center of pressure shifts aft, creating a nose-down pitching tendency that can be difficult to recover from.

  5. What is 'coffin corner' and which aircraft type is most susceptible?

    Answer: A narrow speed range at high altitude between stall speed and MMO where there is little margin; affects high-altitude jets

    Coffin corner is the narrow altitude band where an aircraft's stall speed and MMO (maximum operating Mach) converge, leaving almost no safe airspeed range; it primarily affects high-flying jets.

  6. When a jet aircraft experiences a 'compressor stall,' what should the controller expect?

    Answer: Loud banging, possible loss of thrust, and the crew may request priority handling

    A compressor stall causes an audible bang and possible thrust loss; flight crews may declare an emergency or request priority, requiring ATC to provide immediate assistance.