ATC ATC Separation Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard radar separation minimum in terminal (TRACON) airspace?
- 1 nautical mile
- 3 nautical miles (Correct answer)
- 5 nautical miles
- 7 nautical miles
Correct answer: 3 nautical miles
The standard radar separation minimum in terminal airspace is 3 nautical miles, reduced from the 5-nautical-mile en route standard to accommodate the higher density of traffic near airports.
Question 2: What does it mean when a controller says an aircraft has been 'sequenced' for arrival?
- The aircraft has been given a specific transponder code
- The aircraft has been placed in an ordered line for approach to the airport (Correct answer)
- The aircraft has been cleared for the approach procedure
- The aircraft has been handed off to tower control
Correct answer: The aircraft has been placed in an ordered line for approach to the airport
Sequencing refers to the process of ordering arriving aircraft into a structured flow to the airport, ensuring proper spacing and an efficient, conflict-free approach sequence.
Question 3: What is a 'speed adjustment' used for in ATC separation management?
- To force aircraft to comply with airspace speed limits
- To create or maintain proper spacing between aircraft in a sequence (Correct answer)
- To reduce noise impact in airport communities
- To optimize fuel burn for airlines
Correct answer: To create or maintain proper spacing between aircraft in a sequence
Speed adjustments (increase or reduce speed instructions) are a tool controllers use to fine-tune spacing between aircraft in a sequence without requiring large heading changes.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a 'miles-in-trail' (MIT) restriction?
- To ensure aircraft maintain a minimum number of nautical miles of lateral separation
- To establish a longitudinal spacing requirement between successive aircraft on the same route (Correct answer)
- To define the maximum distance an aircraft can stray from its cleared route
- To specify the distance from the airport at which speed reductions must begin
Correct answer: To establish a longitudinal spacing requirement between successive aircraft on the same route
A miles-in-trail (MIT) restriction is a flow control measure that requires a specific number of nautical miles of longitudinal spacing between successive aircraft on the same route or heading.
Question 5: When can ATC apply visual separation between IFR aircraft?
- Only in Class B airspace during daytime hours
- When a pilot reports the traffic in sight and accepts responsibility for separation (Correct answer)
- Only when both aircraft are operating VFR
- Whenever visibility exceeds 5 miles regardless of pilot report
Correct answer: When a pilot reports the traffic in sight and accepts responsibility for separation
ATC may apply visual separation when a pilot reports the conflicting traffic in sight and either the pilot accepts responsibility for maintaining separation or the controller can observe both aircraft and is confident separation will be maintained.
Question 6: What is a 'slam dunk' arrival in ATC terminology, and why is it undesirable?
- A fast-track military arrival given priority over civilian traffic
- A steep, high-speed descent issued last-minute that can overload a crew's workload (Correct answer)
- An arrival that bypasses the TRACON and is vectored directly by tower
- A go-around instruction given when an aircraft is already on short final
Correct answer: A steep, high-speed descent issued last-minute that can overload a crew's workload
A 'slam dunk' is an informal term for a late, rapid descent clearance issued to an aircraft that forces the crew to manage a high workload situation, and is considered poor ATC practice because it can compromise safety.
ATC ATC Separation Standards 2
What is the standard radar separation minimum in terminal (TRACON) airspace?