ATSA ATC Collision Simulation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A conflict alert (CA) is triggered when the computer predicts a loss of separation within how many minutes?
- 1 minute
- 2 minutes (Correct answer)
- 3 minutes
- 5 minutes
Correct answer: 2 minutes
The Conflict Alert (CA) automation typically predicts a loss of separation within 2 minutes to give controllers sufficient response time.
Question 2: An aircraft is assigned FL350 but the pilot reports unable due to turbulence and requests FL310. Another aircraft is at FL310 on the same route 15 miles ahead. The controller should:
- Approve FL310 immediately since 15 miles provides adequate separation
- Deny the request and offer an alternative altitude with adequate separation
- Issue a speed reduction to the lead aircraft first to increase spacing, then approve FL310
- Both B and C could be correct depending on radar separation achieved (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Both B and C could be correct depending on radar separation achieved
The controller can approve FL310 only after ensuring 5-mile radar separation is established or can be established, which may require coordinating speed or routing.
Question 3: In ATSA collision simulation testing, what skill is primarily being evaluated?
- Mathematical calculation of fuel burn rates
- Ability to detect and resolve developing conflicts before separation is lost (Correct answer)
- Memory of federal aviation regulations
- Proficiency with radio phraseology
Correct answer: Ability to detect and resolve developing conflicts before separation is lost
The collision simulation portion of the ATSA evaluates a candidate's ability to scan for, identify, and resolve conflicts among multiple aircraft.
Question 4: Two aircraft are at the same altitude; Aircraft 1 is southbound at 360 knots and Aircraft 2 is northbound at 420 knots. They are currently 40 miles apart. How many minutes until they would meet without intervention?
- 3.1 minutes (Correct answer)
- 4.0 minutes
- 5.2 minutes
- 6.5 minutes
Correct answer: 3.1 minutes
Combined closing speed is 780 knots; 40 miles ÷ 780 knots × 60 min ≈ 3.1 minutes.
Question 5: Which statement about altitude assignments for conflict resolution is correct?
- Always descend the higher aircraft to resolve conflicts
- Always climb the lower aircraft to resolve conflicts
- Either climbing or descending may be used, based on traffic and efficiency (Correct answer)
- Speed changes are preferred over altitude changes in all cases
Correct answer: Either climbing or descending may be used, based on traffic and efficiency
Controllers choose the most efficient resolution based on all factors including traffic density, weather, and aircraft performance.
Question 6: A pilot on a VFR flight plan is observed on radar on a collision course with an IFR aircraft. The controller should:
- Only issue traffic advisories since the VFR aircraft is not under IFR control
- Issue safety alerts to both aircraft regardless of flight rules (Correct answer)
- Ignore the VFR aircraft since it has see-and-avoid responsibility
- Immediately revoke the VFR aircraft's transponder code
Correct answer: Issue safety alerts to both aircraft regardless of flight rules
Controllers are required to issue safety alerts to all aircraft under their jurisdiction and those in their coverage area when a hazard exists.
Question 7: When multiple conflict alerts appear simultaneously on a radar display, a controller should prioritize based on:
- Aircraft size and passenger count
- Time to conflict and severity of the loss of separation (Correct answer)
- Alphabetical order of the flight callsigns
- Which aircraft is heavier
Correct answer: Time to conflict and severity of the loss of separation
Conflicts with the least time remaining and greatest severity receive first attention to prevent the most imminent collision.
ATSA ATC Collision Simulation 4
A conflict alert (CA) is triggered when the computer predicts a loss of separation within how many minutes?