ATSA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ATSA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following is a sign of poor teamwork in an ATC facility? → Withholding information from a colleague to appear more competent
2. During the ATC Collision Simulation, two aircraft icons, '3' and '7', are on a direct collision course. What is the appropriate action to take? → Press either '3' or '7' on the numeric keypad.
3. You are given: X=20, Y=X÷4, Z=Y×Y. What is Z+Y? → 30
4. Which piece of hardware is essential for interacting with the aircraft icons during the ATC Collision Simulation? → The numeric keypad
5. Which statement about altitude assignments for conflict resolution is correct? → Either climbing or descending may be used, based on traffic and efficiency
6. You see: K=3, L=K×K, M=L+K. What is M? → 12
7. When multiple non-urgent tasks pile up during a peak period, the most effective approach is to: → Defer non-safety-critical tasks and address them as traffic allows
8. Which of the following skills is specifically tested by the introduction of math problems during the later stages of the ATC Collision Simulation? → Prioritization and multitasking
9. A controller assigns an aircraft a left 360° orbit over a fix. After completing the orbit, in what direction is the aircraft facing compared to when it started? → Same as the original heading
10. A pilot reads back a clearance with altitude 14,500 ft, but the original was 15,400 ft. Which digits were transposed? → The last two digits
11. A temperature gauge reads -20°C outside. The cabin temperature is +22°C. What is the difference between outside and cabin temperature? → 42°C
12. A sequence: X=9, Y=X-6, Z=X+Y. What is Z×Y? → 36
13. A controller has three aircraft on different frequencies and a fourth on guard. Which should receive primary attention? → The aircraft with the most immediate separation requirement
14. How should a controller respond when they disagree with a supervisor's decision during an active operation? → Voice concerns calmly through appropriate channels after ensuring safety
15. Can a ground controller approve takeoff for an aircraft? → No
16. You memorize: F=100, G=25, H=F-G×3. What is H? → 25
17. A number string 74836 is shown. What is the product of the first digit and the last digit? → 28
18. An aircraft is 150 nm from an airport and must cross an intermediate fix that is 90 nm from the airport in 15 minutes. What speed must it maintain to the fix? → 240 knots
19. A controller who maintains consistent performance whether being evaluated or not is demonstrating: → Reliability and integrity
20. What is the purpose of a Runway Incursion Prevention program at airports? → To prevent unauthorized or unsafe entries onto active runways
21. A controller who becomes defensive when a safety concern is raised about their work is exhibiting: → A barrier to effective safety culture
22. A data block shows speed as 342 knots. Later it reads 324 knots. By how many knots has the speed changed? → 18 knots
23. What color are the obstruction lights required on towers over 200 feet AGL in the United States? → Red (steady or flashing)
24. Given T=6, U=T×2, V=U÷T, W=V+U. What is W? → 14
25. Some restricted areas are active at night. Area X is not active at night. Which conclusion is logically valid? → Area X may be restricted during the day
26. You are given four codes to remember: 3315, 3351, 3135, 3153. Which code has the digit 5 in position 3? → 3351
27. Which response best reflects high emotional intelligence in a high-pressure ATC environment? → Recognizing your emotional state and managing it without letting it affect performance
28. A pilot reports a bird strike on departure and declares an emergency. The tower controller's first priority should be: → Clear the runway and provide emergency services notification
29. No VFR flight may enter Class A airspace. Aircraft N88TQ entered Class A airspace. What must be true? → N88TQ is not VFR
30. If M=18 and N=M÷6, what is N×3? → 9