ATSA Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the ATSA exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 ATSA Exam Format at a Glance

100

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

70.00%

Passing Score

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📚 ATSA Topics to Study (69)

Air Controller Knowledge · 7 cards Air Controller Knowledge · 7 cards Air Controller Knowledge · 7 cards Air Controller Knowledge · 7 cards Air Controller Trivia · 7 cards Air Controller Trivia · 7 cards Air Controller Trivia · 7 cards Air Controller Trivia · 7 cards Air Traffic Controller Entry · 7 cards Air Traffic Controller Entry · 7 cards Air Traffic Controller Entry · 7 cards Air Traffic Controller Entry · 7 cards ATC Collision Simulation · 7 cards ATC Collision Simulation · 7 cards ATC Collision Simulation · 7 cards ATC Collision Simulation · 7 cards Deductive Reasoning Scenarios · 7 cards Deductive Reasoning Scenarios · 7 cards Deductive Reasoning Scenarios · 7 cards Deductive Reasoning Scenarios · 7 cards Logical Reasoning Word Problems · 7 cards Logical Reasoning Word Problems · 7 cards Logical Reasoning Word Problems · 7 cards Logical Reasoning Word Problems · 7 cards Multitasking and Prioritization · 7 cards Multitasking and Prioritization · 7 cards Multitasking and Prioritization · 7 cards Multitasking and Prioritization · 7 cards Numerical Memory and Differences · 7 cards Numerical Memory and Differences · 7 cards

See all 69 topics as flashcards →

✍️ Sample ATSA Questions & Answers

1. When a controller clears an aircraft to 'descend via' a published STAR, what is the pilot expected to do?

✓ Fly the lateral path and comply with all published altitude and speed restrictions on the STAR

'Descend via' authorizes the aircraft to follow the STAR's lateral course while complying with all depicted crossing restrictions for altitude and speed.

2. A radar return appears at bearing 270° and range 30 nm from the antenna. In what cardinal direction from the antenna is the aircraft?

✓ West

Bearing 270° corresponds to due west.

3. Two aircraft report headings of 275° and 247°. What is the difference between these headings?

✓ 28°

275 minus 247 equals 28 degrees.

4. An aircraft departs point A heading due east. After 30 nm it turns 90° left (north) and flies 40 nm. How far is it from point A in a straight line?

✓ 50 nm

This forms a 3-4-5 right triangle: √(30² + 40²) = √(900+1600) = √2500 = 50 nm.

5. 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

A complete 360° orbit returns the aircraft to its original heading.

6. What is the purpose of a 'point out' between two ATC facilities?

✓ To alert the adjacent controller of traffic that will enter their airspace without a full handoff

A point out identifies traffic to the adjacent sector that will penetrate their airspace so they can plan accordingly without assuming communications.

🎯 Free ATSA Practice Tests

Numerical Memory and Differences · 7 questions Numerical Memory and Differences · 7 questions Numerical Memory and Differences · 7 questions Air Controller Knowledge · 7 questions Air Controller Knowledge · 7 questions Air Controller Knowledge · 7 questions Air Controller Knowledge · 7 questions ATC Collision Simulation · 7 questions ATC Collision Simulation · 7 questions Numerical Memory and Differences · 7 questions

📖 ATSA Guides & Articles

Your ATSA Study Path

1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation

🃏 ATSA Flashcards (468)🏆 ATSA Exam Simulation

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