CTO Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. When must a tower controller discontinue a LAHSO operation in progress? → When the landing aircraft reports unable to comply or when VMC is not maintained
2. When a pilot requests a straight-in approach to a tower-controlled airport, the controller should: → Evaluate traffic flow and issue appropriate sequencing or approval
3. What is the correct phraseology when canceling an IFR clearance for a departing aircraft that will operate VFR? → 'Cancel IFR clearance, [aircraft ID] IFR flight plan cancelled'
4. A strategic nap of 10–20 minutes before a night shift primarily benefits controllers by: → Reducing sleep inertia effects and boosting alertness during the shift
5. What class of airspace surrounds major airports? → Class B
6. What is the minimum flight visibility required for VFR flight operations in Class D airspace? → 3 statute miles
7. When issuing a taxi clearance, Ground Control should issue instructions to the runway via: → Specific taxiways and include all hold-short instructions explicitly
8. Under FAA Order 7110.65, what is the minimum rest period required between ATC shifts? → 10 hours
9. Why are airspace regulations important? → Ensure safety and efficiency
10. What is the purpose of a 'traffic alert' issued by the tower controller? → To alert a pilot to conflicting traffic when a collision risk exists
11. Squawk code 7500 is reserved for which emergency? → Unlawful interference or hijacking
12. Which visual indicator on a non-towered airport's segmented circle shows the traffic pattern direction for a specific runway? → Traffic pattern indicators (L-shaped extensions on wind cone mast)
13. At a non-towered airport, which radio frequency is pilots expected to use for self-announce traffic advisories? → 122.8 MHz CTAF or published UNICOM frequency
14. A METAR observation reports winds as '27018G32KT'. What does the 'G32' portion indicate? → Gust speed of 32 knots
15. What is controlled airspace? → Where ATC provides services
16. When two aircraft are on a collision course and neither is clearly the right-of-way holder, the general rule is: → The aircraft on the left must give way to the aircraft on the right
17. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for fatigue management & human factors in CTO practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
18. When coordinating a low-approach or touch-and-go for an IFR aircraft with TRACON, the tower must ensure: → TRACON is aware so they can maintain proper separation from other IFR traffic
19. What is the primary purpose of a 'downwind extension' issued to an arriving VFR aircraft? → To create additional spacing before turning the aircraft to base and final
20. When may a controller use light gun signals without prior coordination? → Anytime normal radio communication fails or cannot be established
21. What is the primary objective of aviation safety protocols? → Minimize accidents and ensure safety
22. Under the crew resource management (CRM) concept adapted for ATC, 'assertiveness' refers to: → Speaking up to prevent errors even when it challenges authority
23. How should controllers handle communication during emergencies? → Give clear and calm instructions
24. What is the standard traffic pattern altitude for piston-powered aircraft at a non-towered airport? → 1,000 feet AGL
25. What action should a tower controller take when an aircraft reports an engine fire on departure? → Clear the runway immediately and notify ARFF
26. A pilot is cleared to 'Taxi to the ramp via Alpha, hold short of Bravo.' The pilot reads back 'Taxi to the ramp via Alpha.' What must the controller do? → Correct the readback and restate the hold-short instruction explicitly
27. What should be the first action in an aviation emergency? → Alert emergency teams
28. At a non-towered airport, who has the right of way when two aircraft are on final approach simultaneously? → The aircraft at lower altitude
29. A Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) for runway closure at a towered airport is categorized as which type? → NOTAM (D)
30. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for non-towered airport operations in CTO practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment