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Air Controller Trivia Flashcards

7 cards from real ATSA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Air Controller Trivia flashcards as text

  1. What transponder code should a pilot squawk if experiencing a radio communication failure?

    Answer: 7600

    Squawk 7600 is the universal code for radio communication failure, distinct from 7700 (general emergency) and 7500 (hijack).

  2. What is the primary purpose of the Final Approach Fix (FAF) on an instrument approach?

    Answer: The point where final descent on an instrument approach begins

    The FAF marks where the pilot begins the final descent segment of a non-precision instrument approach toward the runway.

  3. In ATC phraseology, what does 'verify' mean when issued as an instruction?

    Answer: Check and confirm the accuracy of the information given

    'Verify' is used by controllers to request that pilots check and confirm specific information, such as altitude or routing.

  4. Which ATC facility is responsible for issuing IFR clearances to departing aircraft at airports without a tower?

    Answer: Flight Service Station or ARTCC clearance delivery

    At non-towered airports, pilots call Flight Service or use a Clearance Delivery frequency provided by the controlling ARTCC to receive their IFR clearance.

  5. What is the standard VFR cruising altitude rule for aircraft flying on magnetic courses between 180° and 359°?

    Answer: Even thousands plus 500 feet

    Under 14 CFR 91.159, VFR aircraft on magnetic courses 180°–359° must fly at even thousands plus 500 feet (e.g., 4,500 or 6,500 feet).

  6. What does a solid white light from an airport light gun signal mean to an aircraft on the ground?

    Answer: Cleared to taxi

    A steady white light gun signal directed at a ground vehicle or aircraft means cleared to taxi (for aircraft on the ground).

  7. How many seconds of radar data are typically displayed in a primary radar target's 'history trail' on most ATC displays?

    Answer: 4–6 position updates (roughly 24–36 seconds at 4.7s scan)

    Most ATC radar systems display 4–6 historical position dots, representing about 24–36 seconds of track history based on the radar's rotation rate.