ADX ADX Airport Operations and Ground Procedures 2

Question 1

What does the term 'alternate airport' mean in the context of US domestic dispatch?

Accepted Answer

An airport listed in the dispatch release where the flight may land if the destination becomes unusable

Answer

The originating airport used as a backup if departure is delayed

Answer

Any nearby airport with a fuel cache for emergency refueling

Answer

The FAA-designated diversion point for overwater flights

Question 2

What is an Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) approach and when would a dispatcher consider it?

Accepted Answer

A radar-vectored instrument approach used when ILS or other precision approaches are unavailable

Answer

A visual approach used during clear day operations only

Answer

A ground radar system used to track baggage carts on the ramp

Answer

A satellite-based approach procedure requiring no ground equipment

Question 3

Under FAR Part 121, what is the minimum fuel requirement a dispatcher must ensure is aboard a domestic flight?

Accepted Answer

Enough fuel to reach the destination, fly to the alternate, and have 45 minutes of reserve at cruise speed

Answer

Enough fuel to reach the destination with 30 minutes reserve only

Answer

Full tanks regardless of flight distance

Answer

Fuel for destination plus 1 hour at holding speed with no alternate required

Question 4

What is a 'sterile cockpit' rule and how does it affect dispatcher communications?

Accepted Answer

Below 10,000 feet, crew must focus on flight duties; dispatchers should avoid non-essential calls during this phase

Answer

Dispatchers are prohibited from contacting the cockpit without TSA clearance

Answer

The cockpit door must remain locked during all dispatcher radio calls

Answer

Pilots must silence all ACARS messages during approach

Question 5

What is the significance of 'TDZ elevation' (Touchdown Zone Elevation) for a dispatcher planning an instrument approach?

Accepted Answer

It is the elevation used as the reference for decision altitudes on instrument approaches, affecting weather minimums

Answer

It is the required runway surface friction level for safe landing

Answer

It determines the maximum landing weight for the runway

Answer

It sets the taxiway gradient limit after landing

Question 6

What is a Ground Stop (GS) and how should a dispatcher respond to one?

Accepted Answer

An FAA Traffic Management Initiative that stops departures to a specific airport; dispatcher must hold flights at origin and coordinate with crew

Answer

A ramp supervisor order to park all aircraft during severe weather

Answer

A mandatory fuel stop requirement for flights over 4 hours

Answer

A TSA security measure preventing aircraft from departing internationally