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Aircraft Performance & Systems Knowledge for Controllers Flashcards

6 cards from real CPC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Aircraft Performance & Systems Knowledge for Controllers flashcards as text

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

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

    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.

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

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

    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.'

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

    Answer: Issue emergency handling and clear airspace for immediate climb

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

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

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

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

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

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

    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.

  6. What is the significance of 'aircraft category' (A, B, C, D) in approach operations?

    Answer: It defines approach speed ranges that determine procedure turn timing, visibility requirements, and missed approach instructions

    Aircraft approach categories (based on 1.3 times stall speed in landing configuration) determine the approach minima, timing, and procedure design for each aircraft type.