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
What does the acronym ASDE stand for in airport surface operations?
Answer: Airport Surface Detection Equipment
ASDE (Airport Surface Detection Equipment) is a radar system used to monitor aircraft and vehicles on the airport surface, especially in low-visibility conditions.
What is the primary purpose of TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System)?
Answer: To issue resolution advisories to pilots to avoid mid-air collisions
TCAS issues Resolution Advisories (RAs) directly to pilots, instructing them to climb or descend to avoid potential mid-air collisions independent of ATC instructions.
What color is typically used on radar displays to indicate a primary radar return (skin paint) with no transponder data?
Answer: Green
Primary radar returns, known as 'skin paints,' are typically displayed in green on older radar scopes, representing raw radar energy reflected off the aircraft.
What does Mode C on an aircraft transponder provide to ATC?
Answer: Pressure altitude readout
Mode C allows an aircraft's transponder to automatically transmit pressure altitude to ATC, enabling controllers to see the aircraft's altitude on their radar display.
What is ARTS in the context of ATC radar systems?
Answer: Automated Radar Terminal System
ARTS (Automated Radar Terminal System) is the computer system used at TRACON facilities that processes radar data and displays aircraft position, identity, and altitude to controllers.
When a radar target shows a flashing data block, what does this typically indicate?
Answer: The aircraft is in a coast or uncorrelated track status
A flashing data block typically indicates a coasting track, meaning the system is projecting the aircraft's position based on its last known position and velocity rather than current radar returns.