Situational Awareness and Scanning Techniques Flashcards

An ATSA candidate reviews a radar display with 6 aircraft. Which factor is MOST critical to assess first when scanning?

Answer: Aircraft in potential conflict

Identifying potential conflicts between aircraft is the highest-priority task because collision avoidance is paramount in ATC.

While monitoring three frequencies simultaneously, a controller hears a pilot report turbulence on frequency 2. The correct immediate action is to:

Answer: Relay the PIREP to other aircraft in the area

A PIREP (pilot report) of turbulence should be relayed to other aircraft in the affected area to maintain situational awareness.

During an ATSA simulation, two aircraft converge at the same altitude. The controller issues a turn instruction to Aircraft A. What must the controller verify next?

Answer: That Aircraft A reads back the instruction correctly

A correct readback from the pilot confirms the instruction was received and understood, closing the communication loop.

A controller notices an aircraft's data tag has disappeared from the radar scope. The FIRST action should be:

Answer: Attempt to contact the aircraft immediately

Loss of radar contact requires immediate radio contact to verify the aircraft's position and status.

In the ATSA scan test, which technique best helps a controller track multiple aircraft simultaneously?

Answer: Use a systematic left-to-right sweep of the display

A systematic, consistent scan pattern ensures no aircraft is overlooked and prevents fixation errors.

An aircraft reports at FL240 but radar shows it at FL230. The controller should:

Answer: Query the pilot to confirm altitude and check altimeter setting

A 1,000-foot discrepancy requires the controller to verify by questioning the pilot and checking altimeter settings before accepting either reading.