ADX Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ADX facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A dispatcher receives an AIRMET Sierra for the destination airport. Which condition does this specifically warn about? → Mountain obscuration or IFR conditions
2. If a dispatcher's continuous duty operations log shows more than 10 hours of duty without rest, what must occur? → The dispatcher must be relieved and the duty log annotated to reflect the relief
3. A dispatcher amends a flight release after departure. Which document must reflect the amended information? → The original dispatch release with notations of changes
4. During oceanic flight planning, an Aircraft Dispatcher must ensure the flight plan includes an ETOPS planning scenario. ETOPS stands for: → Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards
5. What is the purpose of wing-mounted winglets on commercial jet aircraft? → Reduce induced drag by limiting wingtip vortex strength
6. Which of the following is a dispatcher's obligation under FAR 121.663 related to flight release documents? → Ensure the dispatch release includes weather information sufficient for the flight
7. What weather condition is indicated when a rawinsonde observation shows a sharp temperature inversion and very low dew point spread at a low altitude? → A stable layer that suppresses convection and may trap pollutants
8. Under 14 CFR Part 121, how long must an air carrier retain aircraft dispatch release records? → 3 months
9. A carrier switches from paper dispatch releases to a paperless electronic dispatch system. What FAA approval is required? → An amendment to the carrier's Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) approved by the FAA
10. What does the acronym NOTAM currently stand for following the 2021 FAA update? → Notice to Air Missions
11. What are the five phases of project management? → Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, Closing
12. When may a Part 121 domestic operation be dispatched without listing an alternate airport? → When the 1-2-3 rule is met for the destination
13. What does the term 'MEL' stand for in aircraft operations? → Minimum Equipment List
14. Which federal law established the framework for regulating pollutant discharges into US waters? → Clean Water Act
15. Under 14 CFR 121.687, what information must be included in a domestic dispatch release? → Identification of the flight, aircraft, airports, alternate airports, and pilot in command
16. What must a dispatcher do if a pilot in command refuses to accept a dispatch release? → Accept the refusal and advise the director of operations; the flight may not depart
17. What is the purpose of a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)? → To identify potential hazards in each step of a job and determine preventive measures
18. When an aircraft dispatcher receives a PIREP indicating severe turbulence along a planned route, what is the FIRST action the dispatcher should take? → Relay the PIREP to the flight crew immediately via ACARS or radio
19. Why are tire inspections important for vehicle safety? → Proper tire condition is critical for traction, handling, and preventing blowouts
20. What does the 'autobrake' system on a large jet aircraft automatically adjust during the landing rollout? → Brake hydraulic pressure to maintain a selected deceleration rate
21. What is the correct procedure when a warning light activates during operation? → Safely reduce speed, pull over when possible, and assess the situation
22. What is the primary purpose of professional regulation in the ADX field? → To protect the public by ensuring practitioners meet minimum competency standards
23. What is the purpose of a dispatcher conducting regular safety audits? → To ensure the company meets regulatory guidelines and safety standards
24. What position should an unconscious but breathing person be placed in? → Recovery position (on their side)
25. Which of the following best describes the 'Safety Policy' component of an airline's SMS? → Management's commitment to safety and defined accountability for safety performance
26. Which document must a dispatcher retain and make available for inspection after a flight is completed under Part 121? → The dispatch release, flight plan, and weather reports used
27. Why is stakeholder management important in projects? → Because stakeholder support and engagement are critical to project success
28. What must a dispatcher do if they discover a significant error in a flight release after the aircraft has already departed? → Immediately notify the PIC via radio or ACARS and document the correction
29. Which type of NOTAM contains regulatory information such as amendments to published instrument approach procedures? → FDC NOTAM
30. What does 'VMO/MMO' refer to in aircraft operations? → Maximum operating speed in knots / maximum operating Mach number