ATC ATC Radar and Technology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the function of NEXRAD in ATC operations?
- It provides next-generation radar for aircraft tracking
- It is a network of Doppler weather radar systems used by controllers (Correct answer)
- It replaces primary surveillance radar at en route centers
- It manages radio frequency assignments
Correct 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.
Question 2: What does a squawk of 7700 indicate?
- Radio communication failure
- Unlawful interference (hijacking)
- General emergency (Correct answer)
- VFR flight in uncontrolled airspace
Correct 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.
Question 3: What transponder code is assigned to indicate a suspected hijacking?
- 7500 (Correct answer)
- 7600
- 7700
- 1200
Correct 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.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the Conflict Alert (CA) function in ATC automation systems?
- To alert controllers when an aircraft deviates from its filed flight plan
- To warn controllers of predicted loss of separation between two aircraft (Correct answer)
- To notify supervisors of controller workload issues
- To flag aircraft that have entered restricted airspace
Correct 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.
Question 5: What does ATIS stand for and what is its primary purpose?
- Automated Terminal Information Service; to broadcast continuous airport weather and NOTAMs (Correct answer)
- Air Traffic Identification System; to track aircraft identities
- Automated Tracking and Integration Service; to link radar systems
- Airport Traffic Information Signal; to sequence landing aircraft
Correct 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.
Question 6: What is the difference between primary and secondary surveillance radar (SSR)?
- Primary uses transponder replies; secondary uses reflected radio energy
- Primary reflects radio energy off aircraft; secondary interrogates transponders (Correct answer)
- Primary is used at en route centers; secondary is only at airports
- Primary displays weather; secondary displays aircraft
Correct 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.
ATC ATC Radar and Technology 2
What is the function of NEXRAD in ATC operations?