Practice Test Geeks(ATC) Air Traffic Controller Practice Test
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ATC Radar and Technology Flashcards

6 cards from real ATC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 ATC Radar and Technology flashcards as text

  1. What is the function of NEXRAD in ATC operations?

    Answer: It is a network of Doppler weather radar systems used by controllers

    NEXRAD (Next Generation Radar) is a network of Doppler weather radars that provides detailed precipitation and wind data, which ATC uses to route aircraft around hazardous weather.

  2. What does a squawk of 7700 indicate?

    Answer: General emergency

    Squawk 7700 is the universal emergency transponder code; when a pilot selects this code, it alerts ATC to a general emergency aboard the aircraft.

  3. What transponder code is assigned to indicate a suspected hijacking?

    Answer: 7500

    Squawk 7500 is the internationally recognized transponder code that a pilot sets to silently alert ATC of an unlawful interference or hijacking situation.

  4. What is the purpose of the Conflict Alert (CA) function in ATC automation systems?

    Answer: To warn controllers of predicted loss of separation between two aircraft

    The Conflict Alert function automatically analyzes projected flight paths and warns controllers when two aircraft are predicted to come within minimum separation standards within a defined time window.

  5. What does ATIS stand for and what is its primary purpose?

    Answer: Automated Terminal Information Service; to broadcast continuous airport weather and NOTAMs

    ATIS (Automated Terminal Information Service) broadcasts continuous recorded messages with current airport conditions, weather, active runways, and NOTAMs so pilots can receive this information before contacting ATC.

  6. What is the difference between primary and secondary surveillance radar (SSR)?

    Answer: Primary reflects radio energy off aircraft; secondary interrogates transponders

    Primary radar detects aircraft by reflecting radio waves off their surfaces, while secondary surveillance radar (SSR) works by interrogating aircraft transponders and receiving encoded replies containing identity and altitude.