ATC Challenges and Stressors 2

Question 1

Which condition is most likely to cause a controller to experience cognitive overload during a busy traffic push?

Accepted Answer

Simultaneously managing multiple aircraft at conflicting altitudes during weather deviations

Answer

Simultaneous management of multiple aircraft with conflicting clearances during weather deviations places maximum demand on working memory and decision-making capacity.

Question 2

A controller notices they have been working a sector for 3.5 hours without a break. According to FAA fatigue mitigation guidance, what is the recommended maximum continuous time on position?

Accepted Answer

2 hours

Answer

FAA Order 7210.3 recommends controllers not work a single position continuously for more than 2 hours to mitigate fatigue effects.

Question 3

What is 'plan continuation bias' as it applies to ATC stress management?

Accepted Answer

The tendency to continue with an original clearance plan even when new information suggests it should change

Answer

Plan continuation bias causes controllers to maintain their original mental plan even as developing situations indicate that a revised approach is needed.

Question 4

During a night shift, a controller experiences microsleeps. What is the MOST dangerous aspect of microsleeps in an ATC environment?

Accepted Answer

The controller remains unaware they have lost consciousness briefly

Answer

Microsleeps are dangerous because the individual is unaware they have occurred, meaning critical information or calls may be entirely missed without the controller realizing it.

Question 5

A runway incursion narrowly avoided by controller intervention is classified as a critical incident. Which program is specifically designed to provide ATC employees peer support after such events?

Accepted Answer

CIS (Critical Incident Stress) Program

Answer

The FAA's Critical Incident Stress (CIS) Program provides trained peer supporters to help controllers process trauma following serious incidents.

(ATC) Air Traffic Controller Practice Test

(ATC) Air Traffic Controller Practice Test

ATC Challenges and Stressors 2