ATSA Speed and Distance Calculations 3

Question 1

What is the minimum en route radar separation standard used by FAA controllers in domestic airspace?

Accepted Answer

5 nautical miles

Answer

FAA Order 7110.65 specifies 5 nm as the minimum en route radar separation standard in domestic airspace.

Question 2

An aircraft at FL280 must descend to 10,000 feet MSL at a rate of 2,000 feet per minute. How long will the descent take?

Accepted Answer

9 minutes

Answer

Altitude change: 28,000 – 10,000 = 18,000 ft; 18,000 ÷ 2,000 ft/min = 9 minutes.

Question 3

An aircraft is 60 nm from the airport flying at 360 knots. ATC issues a speed reduction instruction effective 5 minutes from now. How far from the airport will the aircraft be when the restriction takes effect?

Accepted Answer

30 nm

Answer

Distance covered in 5 min: 360 × (5/60) = 30 nm; remaining distance: 60 – 30 = 30 nm.

Question 4

A controller estimates Aircraft A will reach a reporting fix in 8 minutes and Aircraft B will reach the same fix in 5 minutes. Both aircraft are flying at 300 knots on the same route. What is the current distance separation between them?

Accepted Answer

15 nm

Answer

Time difference = 8 – 5 = 3 minutes; at 300 knots, 3 min = 300 × (3/60) = 15 nm separation.

Question 5

A pilot reports 3 hours of fuel remaining. The destination is 500 nm away. What minimum groundspeed must the pilot maintain to arrive with a 30-minute fuel reserve?

Accepted Answer

200 knots

Answer

Usable flight time: 3.0 – 0.5 = 2.5 hours; minimum speed = 500 nm ÷ 2.5 hr = 200 knots.

ATSA - Air Traffic Skills Assessment Practice Test

ATSA - Air Traffic Skills Assessment Practice Test

ATSA Speed and Distance Calculations 3