CPC Aircraft Performance & Systems Knowledge for Controllers

Question 1

What is wake turbulence, and from which part of the aircraft does it originate?

Accepted Answer

Wingtip vortices generated by lift production that trail behind and below an aircraft

Answer

Engine exhaust turbulence from the rear of jet engines

Answer

Turbulent airflow from landing gear during approach

Answer

Prop wash from propeller-driven aircraft only

Question 2

According to FAA wake turbulence categories, which aircraft type generates the most severe wake?

Accepted Answer

Super category aircraft like the A380 and AN-124

Answer

Heavy jets above 255,000 lbs

Answer

Any aircraft with wing-mounted engines

Answer

Aircraft with high wing loading regardless of size

Question 3

What is the standard IFR departure separation behind a Heavy jet for a Small aircraft departing the same runway?

Accepted Answer

2 minutes or 3 nautical miles radar

Answer

3 minutes or 5 nautical miles radar

Answer

2 minutes only, no radar option

Answer

1 minute with radar monitoring

Question 4

What does 'MACH tuck' or 'Mach tuck' refer to, and why is it relevant to high-altitude ATC?

Accepted Answer

A pitch-down tendency as an aircraft approaches critical Mach number due to shifting center of lift

Answer

A fuel-saving technique used at cruise altitude

Answer

An engine compressor stall at high Mach speeds

Answer

A navigation correction maneuver near the Mach limit

Question 5

What is 'coffin corner' and which aircraft type is most susceptible?

Accepted Answer

A narrow speed range at high altitude between stall speed and MMO where there is little margin; affects high-altitude jets

Answer

An area of airspace near mountains with no escape route

Answer

The low-speed, high-drag regime during approach; affects all aircraft

Answer

A difficult visual approach segment; affects large aircraft

Question 6

When a jet aircraft experiences a 'compressor stall,' what should the controller expect?

Accepted Answer

Loud banging, possible loss of thrust, and the crew may request priority handling

Answer

Immediate and rapid altitude loss requiring emergency descent clearance

Answer

Silent failure with no impact on aircraft performance

Answer

Automatic restart within 30 seconds with no crew action required