ATSA Reading Comprehension Skills 4

Question 1

A passage reads: 'Wake turbulence is generated by all aircraft in flight. The greatest hazard exists behind and below a heavy aircraft, particularly during approach and departure.' A small aircraft is following a heavy jet on final approach. In which position is the small aircraft at greatest risk?

Accepted Answer

Below and behind the heavy jet's flight path

Answer

The passage directly states that the greatest hazard is behind and below a heavy aircraft, placing the small aircraft in the highest-risk position.

Question 2

A procedure states: 'When a pilot declares an emergency, the controller shall provide maximum assistance, which includes priority handling, direct routing, and coordination with other facilities as needed.' A pilot declares an emergency 80 miles from the destination. What should the controller do first?

Accepted Answer

Begin providing priority handling, direct routing, and necessary coordination immediately

Answer

The procedure requires maximum assistance immediately upon an emergency declaration, including all three listed actions without waiting for the pilot to specify needs.

Question 3

A passage states: 'The term 'immediately' in ATC clearances means the action should be taken without delay. Failure to comply immediately when instructed may create a traffic conflict.' A controller says 'Turn left heading 270 immediately.' The pilot responds 'Roger' but waits 30 seconds before turning. What risk does the passage indicate?

Accepted Answer

A potential traffic conflict due to the delayed response

Answer

The passage specifically states that failure to comply immediately 'may create a traffic conflict,' which is the identified risk of the delayed turn.

Question 4

An order reads: 'Intersecting runway operations are permitted only when the tower supervisor determines that adequate separation can be maintained and all controllers involved are briefed.' A supervisor approves intersecting runway operations but briefs only two of the three involved controllers. Is the condition met?

Accepted Answer

No, because all controllers involved must be briefed per the order

Answer

The order requires that all controllers involved be briefed; briefing only two of three controllers does not satisfy this explicit requirement.

Question 5

A passage about METARs reads: 'A SPECI is a special observation issued when conditions change significantly, such as when visibility drops below 3 miles or ceiling drops below 1,500 feet.' Visibility was 5 miles and drops to 2.5 miles. Should a SPECI be issued?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because visibility dropped below the 3-mile threshold for a SPECI

Answer

The passage states a SPECI is issued when visibility drops below 3 miles; a drop to 2.5 miles crosses that threshold, triggering a SPECI regardless of ceiling conditions.

ATSA - Air Traffic Skills Assessment Practice Test

ATSA - Air Traffic Skills Assessment Practice Test

ATSA Reading Comprehension Skills 4