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. In a Letters of Agreement (LOA) between two ATC facilities, the primary purpose is to: → Define standard coordination procedures and transfer-of-control points
2. What is the primary purpose of standard phraseology in ATC communication? → To ensure clear and accurate communication
3. What does 'Wilco' mean in radio communication? → Will comply
4. 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
5. What is the purpose of secondary radar? → Identify aircraft via transponder replies
6. Which cloud type is most associated with severe turbulence, hail, and lightning that controllers must relay to pilots? → Cumulonimbus
7. Which phrase should a controller use when they want a pilot to expedite through an altitude to avoid conflicting traffic? → 'EXPEDITE CLIMB/DESCENT TO [altitude]' with the reason if necessary
8. What is the maximum IFR altitude for non-RVSM aircraft in US domestic airspace? → FL290
9. What is the primary purpose of Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) Mode C? → Pressure altitude encoding
10. A pilot reports receiving two simultaneous transmissions and cannot understand either message. The controller's BEST immediate response is to: → Instruct all aircraft on the frequency to stand by and identify who transmitted
11. 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
12. Under OSHA regulations, which type of safety training must be provided to employees BEFORE they are exposed to specific workplace hazards? → Initial hazard training at the time of hire or reassignment
13. 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
14. When establishing an emergency operations center (EOC) for financial crisis management, which function should the controller primarily lead? → Cash flow monitoring and emergency financial reporting
15. DME slant range distance differs from actual ground distance most significantly when an aircraft is: → At high altitude and close to the DME station
16. What does 'task saturation' mean in ATC operations? → When the volume of tasks exceeds the controller's ability to manage them safely
17. Which of the following is an example of a 'second-order' financial impact from an operational emergency, as opposed to a direct cost? → Reputational damage leading to customer attrition
18. How should emergency messages be initiated on the radio? → Mayday
19. A controller discovers a significant payroll processing error affecting 500 employees on payday. What is the FIRST action to take? → Notify HR and document the scope of the error before taking corrective action
20. What is the maximum airspeed for aircraft operating within a Class C airspace surface area? → 200 knots indicated airspeed
21. When a pilot declares 'minimum fuel,' what obligation does this create for ATC? → Acknowledge and ensure the aircraft is not subjected to undue delay
22. The RNAV SID (Standard Instrument Departure) helps traffic flow management by: → Standardizing departure routes to reduce controller workload and improve traffic flow
23. Which radar mode is used exclusively for military IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) and is not used in civil ATC? → Mode 4
24. Which tool is most commonly used by ATC facilities to coordinate non-routine traffic situations in real time? → Direct landline (interphone) between sectors or facilities
25. Which squawk code indicates a radio communication failure? → 7600
26. A Convective SIGMET is automatically issued when a thunderstorm cell contains hail at the surface of at least: → 3/4 inch diameter
27. Why is regular emergency training important for airport personnel? → To prepare for emergencies
28. 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
29. What is the primary purpose of Pilot's Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)? → To broadcast continuous recorded noncontrol information to reduce frequency congestion
30. What does the term 'separation' refer to in ATC? → Spacing between aircraft