ATC Separation Standards 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 Separation Standards flashcards as text
What is a 'loss of separation' (LOS) event in ATC?
Answer: When two IFR aircraft come closer than the applicable minimum separation standards
A loss of separation occurs when two or more IFR aircraft come closer to each other than the minimum required horizontal or vertical separation, representing a serious safety incident that is investigated and reported.
What is the purpose of a 'holding pattern' assigned by ATC?
Answer: To delay an aircraft's progress while maintaining safe, organized separation from other traffic
ATC assigns holding patterns to delay aircraft when the destination or downstream airspace is congested, allowing traffic to flow safely without creating separation conflicts.
What is 'in-trail separation' and where is it most commonly applied?
Answer: Longitudinal spacing between aircraft on the same route, commonly used at departure fixes or on arrival flows
In-trail separation refers to longitudinal (fore-and-aft) spacing maintained between aircraft following the same route or heading, and is commonly applied to manage departure flows and arrival streams.
What does 'merging target procedure' allow ATC to do?
Answer: Authorize a pilot to maintain visual separation from traffic when targets merge on radar
The merging target procedure allows a controller, when radar targets are about to merge, to point out the traffic and authorize the pilot to maintain visual separation, relieving the controller of the radar separation responsibility.
What is the minimum longitudinal non-radar separation for aircraft at the same altitude on the same route?
Answer: 10 minutes
The standard minimum longitudinal non-radar separation is 10 minutes for aircraft at the same altitude and on the same route, based on pilot position reports over the same fix.
What is the primary reason ATC must apply increased separation behind 'Super' category aircraft like the Airbus A380?
Answer: Super aircraft generate extremely powerful wake vortices that persist longer and can seriously upset following aircraft
The Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8 in the 'Super' category generate exceptionally powerful wake vortices due to their enormous size and weight, requiring the largest separation standards to protect following aircraft.