Practice Test Geeks(ATC) Air Traffic Controller Practice Test
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Skills and Qualifications Flashcards

7 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 7 Skills and Qualifications flashcards as text

  1. What minimum vision requirement must FAA Academy ATC candidates meet?

    Answer: 20/40 correctable to 20/20 in each eye

    FAA requires distant vision correctable to 20/20 in each eye, with uncorrected vision no worse than 20/100.

  2. Which cognitive skill is most critical when a controller must simultaneously monitor radar, listen to pilot transmissions, and issue clearances?

    Answer: Divided attention

    Divided attention — the ability to process multiple information streams concurrently — is essential to ATC multitasking.

  3. A newly hired ATC developmental must complete the FAA Academy initial training within how many calendar days of appointment?

    Answer: 180 days

    FAA policy requires developmental controllers to report to and begin the Academy program within 180 days of their appointment.

  4. Which personality trait do FAA selection assessments specifically evaluate because it predicts performance under high-stress ATC conditions?

    Answer: Stress tolerance and emotional stability

    Stress tolerance and emotional stability are targeted traits because controllers must remain calm and decisive during peak traffic or emergencies.

  5. What is the maximum entry age for off-the-street applicants applying to the FAA air traffic controller occupation?

    Answer: 30 years

    Off-the-street applicants must be hired before age 31 (i.e., no older than 30) to allow sufficient years of service before mandatory retirement at 56.

  6. Which of the following best describes 'situational awareness' as a required ATC competency?

    Answer: Continuously perceiving and understanding the dynamic state of the airspace

    Situational awareness is the ongoing mental picture of aircraft positions, intentions, and potential conflicts within the controller's sector.

  7. A candidate for ATC with prior military control tower experience may be eligible for which hiring pathway?

    Answer: Veteran/prior experience (VRA/AT-CTI equivalent) pathway

    Candidates with qualifying military ATC experience can apply through the experienced controller or veteran preference pathway, bypassing some Academy requirements.