ATSA Speed and Distance Calculations

Question 1

An aircraft is cruising at 360 knots and is 180 nautical miles from its destination. What is the estimated time of arrival?

Accepted Answer

30 minutes

Answer

180 nm ÷ 360 knots = 0.5 hours = 30 minutes.

Question 2

A controller needs an aircraft to cover 240 nautical miles in 40 minutes. What groundspeed must the aircraft maintain?

Accepted Answer

360 knots

Answer

240 nm ÷ (40/60 hr) = 240 × 1.5 = 360 knots.

Question 3

An aircraft traveling at 450 knots — how many nautical miles will it cover in 20 minutes?

Accepted Answer

150 nm

Answer

450 knots × (20/60 hr) = 450 × 0.333 = 150 nm.

Question 4

Two aircraft are on a direct collision course 50 nautical miles apart, each flying at 300 knots toward the other. How many minutes until potential conflict if no action is taken?

Accepted Answer

5 minutes

Answer

Combined closure rate = 300 + 300 = 600 knots; 50 nm ÷ 600 knots × 60 = 5 minutes.

Question 5

Aircraft A is following Aircraft B on the same route. A is 20 nautical miles behind, traveling at 300 knots. B is traveling at 250 knots. How many minutes until A closes the gap to zero?

Accepted Answer

24 minutes

Answer

Closure rate = 300 – 250 = 50 knots; 20 nm ÷ 50 knots × 60 = 24 minutes.

ATSA - Air Traffic Skills Assessment Practice Test

ATSA - Air Traffic Skills Assessment Practice Test

ATSA Speed and Distance Calculations