CPC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the primary purpose of standard phraseology in ATC communication? → To ensure clear and accurate communication
2. What does 'Wilco' mean in radio communication? → Will comply
3. What does a pilot report of 'moderate icing in cloud' indicate to an approach controller? → Ice accumulation is rapid enough to affect performance and may warrant re-routing
4. What is the purpose of secondary radar? → Identify aircraft via transponder replies
5. Which cloud type is most associated with severe turbulence, hail, and lightning that controllers must relay to pilots? → Cumulonimbus
6. What is the maximum IFR altitude for non-RVSM aircraft in US domestic airspace? → FL290
7. Which of the following best describes the concept of Miles-in-Trail (MIT) restrictions? → Longitudinal spacing requirements between successive aircraft on a common route or fix
8. What is the upper limit of Class G (uncontrolled) airspace when it underlies Class E airspace that begins at 1,200 ft AGL? → 1,200 ft AGL
9. What does 'task saturation' mean in ATC operations? → When the volume of tasks exceeds the controller's ability to manage them safely
10. How should emergency messages be initiated on the radio? → Mayday
11. When a pilot declares 'minimum fuel,' what obligation does this create for ATC? → Acknowledge and ensure the aircraft is not subjected to undue delay
12. The RNAV SID (Standard Instrument Departure) helps traffic flow management by: → Standardizing departure routes to reduce controller workload and improve traffic flow
13. Which squawk code indicates a radio communication failure? → 7600
14. A Convective SIGMET is automatically issued when a thunderstorm cell contains hail at the surface of at least: → 3/4 inch diameter
15. Why is regular emergency training important for airport personnel? → To prepare for emergencies
16. When two aircraft are on opposite-direction courses at the same altitude, which type of separation is most critically important to establish first? → Vertical separation
17. What does the term 'separation' refer to in ATC? → Spacing between aircraft
18. A pilot requests 'ride reports' from ATC. What is the controller's proper action? → Relay available PIREPs and solicit new reports from other aircraft in the area
19. A Warning Area extends how far from the US coastline? → 3 nautical miles or more beyond the 3 NM limit
20. What is the importance of brevity in ATC communication? → To speed up and clarify instructions
21. What does the term 'flow control' refer to in ATC traffic management? → Regulating the rate of traffic into a congested sector or airport
22. What ATC safety program requires controllers to voluntarily report errors without fear of punitive action? → ATSAP (Air Traffic Safety Action Program)
23. The '3-to-1 rule' in CRM (Crew Resource Management) adapted for ATC involves: → Prioritizing the three most critical aircraft when task saturated
24. A Special Use Airspace (SUA) that is active and published in NOTAMs but not continuously staffed is known as what? → Restricted Area
25. When applying non-radar separation, the minimum longitudinal time separation between aircraft on the same track at the same altitude is typically: → 10 minutes
26. What is a NOTAM in air traffic control? → Notice to Airmen for safety alerts
27. What is the standard vertical separation minimum between aircraft operating in Class A airspace below FL290? → 1,000 feet
28. When a jet aircraft experiences a 'compressor stall,' what should the controller expect? → Loud banging, possible loss of thrust, and the crew may request priority handling
29. What is the purpose of an Airspace Flow Program (AFP)? → To manage traffic flow through a constrained fix or sector by issuing EDCTs
30. When a pilot reports a ceiling of 800 feet and visibility of 1.5 miles, the conditions are classified as: → IFR