CPC Aircraft Performance & Systems Knowledge for Controllers 2

Question 1

What does TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) issue to pilots, and how should controllers respond?

Accepted Answer

Resolution advisories (RAs) that pilots must follow; controllers must not issue conflicting instructions during an RA

Answer

When a TCAS Resolution Advisory (RA) is issued, pilots must follow it even if it conflicts with ATC instructions; controllers must not countermand an RA and should resume normal separation after the RA is resolved.

Question 2

A pilot announces 'TCAS RA, climbing.' What should the controller do immediately?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the TCAS RA, do not issue conflicting instructions, and clear the airspace above if possible

Answer

The controller must acknowledge the RA, avoid issuing instructions that conflict with the RA maneuver, and monitor the situation until the crew reports 'clear of conflict.'

Question 3

What is GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System), and what immediate action should a controller take when a pilot reports a GPWS alert?

Accepted Answer

Issue emergency handling and clear airspace for immediate climb

Answer

A GPWS alert indicates potential controlled flight into terrain (CFIT); controllers must immediately provide unrestricted climb clearance and emergency handling without delay.

Question 4

What does an aircraft's 'V speeds' (e.g., V1, VR, V2) communicate to controllers about departure operations?

Accepted Answer

Critical decision, rotation, and safety speeds that determine abort/continue decisions and climb performance

Answer

Understanding V speeds helps controllers appreciate why crews cannot stop after V1, and why departure separations must allow adequate runway and obstacle clearance time.

Question 5

What is 'engine-out performance' and why does it affect ATC handling of departures?

Accepted Answer

Aircraft climb performance is significantly degraded, requiring special routing and altitude consideration

Answer

Engine-out climb performance is substantially less than all-engines-operating, meaning aircraft may be unable to climb at normal rates and may need specific departure routes to clear obstacles.

(CPC) Certified Professional Controller Practice Test

(CPC) Certified Professional Controller Practice Test

CPC Aircraft Performance & Systems Knowledge for Controllers 2