ATSA - Air Traffic Skills Assessment Reading Comprehension Skills Questions and Answers

Question 1

Read the following passage and answer the question.

"According to Federal Aviation Regulations, when two aircraft of the same category are converging at approximately the same altitude, the aircraft on the other's right has the right-of-way. An aircraft in distress always has priority over all other traffic. When two aircraft are approaching to land, the one at the lower altitude has the right-of-way, but it shall not use this advantage to cut in front of another aircraft that is on final approach."

Two single-engine airplanes are approaching a runway for landing. Airplane A is at 1,000 feet and is established on the final approach course. Airplane B is at 800 feet and is slightly behind Airplane A, but is traveling at a higher speed. According to the regulation, which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

Airplane B should yield to Airplane A because Airplane A is on final approach.

Answer

Airplane B has the right-of-way because it is at a lower altitude.

Answer

The aircraft on the right has the right-of-way.

Answer

The faster aircraft has the right-of-way to ensure efficiency.

Question 2

Read the following passage and answer the question.

"In the event of a radio failure, Air Traffic Control (ATC) may use a light gun to issue instructions. For aircraft on the ground, a steady green light signals 'cleared for takeoff,' while a flashing green light means 'cleared to taxi.' A steady red light means 'stop,' and a flashing red light instructs the pilot to 'taxi clear of the runway in use.' A flashing white light indicates 'return to starting point on airport.' An alternating red and green light advises the pilot to 'exercise extreme caution.'"

A pilot is on the ground and has experienced a complete radio failure. After taxiing toward the runway, the pilot sees a flashing red light signal from the control tower. Which of the following actions is required?

Accepted Answer

Move the aircraft off the active runway.

Answer

Stop the aircraft immediately.

Answer

Proceed with takeoff as cleared.

Answer

Return to the initial parking position.

Question 3

Read the following passage and answer the question.

"A METAR is a routine aviation weather report issued hourly, unless significant weather changes necessitate a special report, known as a SPECI. A typical METAR contains data on wind, visibility, runway visual range (RVR), present weather, sky conditions, temperature, and altimeter setting. The purpose is to provide a standardized, detailed snapshot of current meteorological conditions at an airport. This allows flight crews and operational personnel to make informed, timely decisions regarding flight safety."

What is the primary function of a METAR report as described in the passage?

Accepted Answer

To communicate a standardized summary of current weather conditions at a specific location.

Answer

To provide a long-range weather forecast for pilots.

Answer

To issue special alerts (SPECI) for in-flight emergencies only.

Answer

To report exclusively on wind and visibility for takeoffs.

Question 4

Read the following passage and answer the question.

"Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) is an event in which an airworthy aircraft, under the full control of the pilot, is unintentionally flown into terrain, water, or an obstacle. In most CFIT scenarios, the flight crew is unaware of the impending danger until it is too late. The principal causes of CFIT accidents include loss of situational awareness and navigational errors. Advanced systems like the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) have been crucial in reducing CFIT accidents by providing automated alerts when an aircraft is near the surface."

Based on the passage, what can be inferred about the aircraft's mechanical state during a CFIT event?

Accepted Answer

The aircraft is functioning properly without any significant mechanical failure.

Answer

The aircraft is typically experiencing a critical engine or system malfunction.

Answer

The aircraft's navigation systems have completely failed.

Answer

The aircraft has been intentionally flown into the terrain by the pilot.

Question 5

Read the following passage and answer the question.

"Runway markings are essential for pilot guidance. The runway threshold marks the beginning of the surface available for landing and is identified by longitudinal white stripes. An area preceding the threshold marked with large yellow chevrons is known as a blast pad or stopway. This surface is not designed to support aircraft and is intended to prevent jet blast erosion; it must not be used for taxiing, takeoff, or landing. A displaced threshold, marked by white arrows leading to the threshold, indicates a portion of the runway that is available for taxi and takeoff but not for landing."

A pilot on approach sees an area marked with yellow chevrons before the main runway surface. According to the text, for which of the following activities can this area be used?

Accepted Answer

It must not be used for taxiing, takeoff, or landing.

Answer

It can be used for taxiing and takeoff.

Answer

It can be used for landing rollout.

Answer

It is the designated start of the takeoff roll.

Question 6

Read the following passage and answer the question.

"Wake turbulence is a disturbance formed behind an aircraft, with the most dangerous components being wingtip vortices. The strength of these vortices is governed by the aircraft's weight, speed, and wing configuration. The greatest vortex strength is generated when the aircraft is heavy, clean (flaps and gear retracted), and slow. This condition is common during takeoff and initial climb or when on approach. These vortices tend to sink and can pose a significant hazard to following aircraft, especially smaller ones."

According to the passage, which combination of factors creates the most powerful wake turbulence?

Accepted Answer

A heavy aircraft at low speed with a clean configuration.

Answer

A light aircraft at high speed with flaps extended.

Answer

A heavy aircraft at high speed, regardless of configuration.

Answer

Any aircraft during the cruise phase of flight.