ATSA ATC Collision Simulation 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A safety alert must be issued when a controller observes an aircraft is in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or other aircraft. This alert is:
- Optional based on controller workload
- Mandatory and takes priority over other transmissions (Correct answer)
- Only required for IFR aircraft
- Only required if the pilot has not reported traffic in sight
Correct answer: Mandatory and takes priority over other transmissions
Safety alerts are mandatory and represent a controller's highest priority transmission when a hazard is observed.
Question 2: In a simulation, an aircraft deviates from its assigned route and enters another aircraft's protected airspace. After issuing a safety alert, what is the controller's next step?
- Immediately hand off the deviating aircraft
- Issue resolution instructions and coordinate as necessary (Correct answer)
- Suspend all other traffic and report to the supervisor
- Allow the pilots to self-separate using TCAS
Correct answer: Issue resolution instructions and coordinate as necessary
After issuing a safety alert, the controller provides resolution instructions and coordinates with adjacent positions if needed.
Question 3: Which of the following scenarios represents a loss of separation in terminal radar airspace (within 40 miles of the airport)?
- Two aircraft 4 miles apart laterally at the same altitude
- Two aircraft 2 miles apart laterally at the same altitude (Correct answer)
- Two aircraft 500 feet vertically apart on parallel routes
- Two aircraft 3 miles apart with 800 feet vertical
Correct answer: Two aircraft 2 miles apart laterally at the same altitude
In terminal airspace, the standard radar separation is 3 miles; 2 miles laterally at the same altitude constitutes a loss of separation.
Question 4: During conflict simulation training, recognizing 'overtake geometry' is important. This occurs when:
- Two aircraft are on head-on courses
- A faster aircraft is directly behind a slower aircraft at the same altitude on the same route (Correct answer)
- An aircraft is climbing into another aircraft's altitude
- Two aircraft are on perpendicular courses
Correct answer: A faster aircraft is directly behind a slower aircraft at the same altitude on the same route
Overtake geometry involves a faster trailing aircraft closing on a slower leading aircraft; the conflict develops slowly but can be missed if not monitored.
Question 5: A controller notices a conflict on radar but is unsure if separation will actually be lost. The appropriate action is to:
- Wait until the Conflict Alert audible alarm sounds before acting
- Take immediate action to ensure separation while the situation is still manageable (Correct answer)
- Ask the pilot to confirm their altitude
- Request the adjacent sector to handle the conflict
Correct answer: Take immediate action to ensure separation while the situation is still manageable
Controllers should not wait for automation alarms; early intervention when a conflict is suspected avoids the urgency of last-minute resolution.
Question 6: In a simulated conflict, the controller instructs a pilot to 'turn left heading 270, traffic 12 o'clock, 3 miles, same altitude.' The pilot responds 'unable, IMC and TCAS RA climb.' The controller should:
- Insist on the left turn to ensure radar separation
- Acknowledge the RA and coordinate the climb with the adjacent altitude (Correct answer)
- Declare an emergency on the aircraft's behalf
- Immediately contact the area supervisor
Correct answer: Acknowledge the RA and coordinate the climb with the adjacent altitude
When a pilot responds with a TCAS RA, the controller must not counter it and instead facilitates the RA maneuver by coordinating as needed.
Question 7: Which factor most significantly reduces a controller's ability to detect a developing conflict in a simulation?
- High aircraft count on the radar display increasing cognitive load (Correct answer)
- Quiet radio frequency with few transmissions
- Aircraft flying at exactly filed altitudes
- Good weather across the entire sector
Correct answer: High aircraft count on the radar display increasing cognitive load
High traffic density increases cognitive load and the chance of fixation, making it easier to miss a developing conflict on a busy radar display.
ATSA ATC Collision Simulation 5
A safety alert must be issued when a controller observes an aircraft is in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or other aircraft.
This alert is: