CTO Air Traffic Control Procedures & Communications 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What squawk code should a controller assign to an aircraft experiencing a radio communication failure?
- 7500
- 7600 (Correct answer)
- 7700
- 1200
Correct answer: 7600
Transponder code 7600 indicates a radio communication failure (NORDO), distinguishing it from hijacking (7500) and general emergency (7700).
Question 2: When issuing a taxi clearance to a runway crossing, which element is REQUIRED by FAA Order 7110.65?
- The aircraft's gross weight must be confirmed
- An explicit clearance to cross each runway must be issued separately (Correct answer)
- The pilot must acknowledge all taxiway names verbally
- Clearance is implied by the destination runway assignment
Correct answer: An explicit clearance to cross each runway must be issued separately
Each runway crossing must be explicitly cleared by the controller; blanket taxi-to-runway clearances do not authorize runway crossings.
Question 3: An aircraft on final approach reports a bird strike and loss of engine power. The controller's FIRST action should be:
- Notify the ARFF immediately and clear the runway (Correct answer)
- Ask the pilot if they need the equipment
- File an Aviation Safety Hotline report
- Transfer the aircraft to approach control
Correct answer: Notify the ARFF immediately and clear the runway
With an emergency aircraft on final, the controller must immediately notify ARFF and ensure the runway is clear to support the landing.
Question 4: What is the correct controller response when a pilot states 'Unable' to a clearance or instruction?
- Declare a pilot deviation and file a report
- Acknowledge and issue an alternative clearance that meets the pilot's capability (Correct answer)
- Repeat the original clearance at least once more
- Transfer the aircraft to the supervisor
Correct answer: Acknowledge and issue an alternative clearance that meets the pilot's capability
When a pilot declares 'Unable,' the controller must acknowledge and work to find an alternative that is both safe and operationally acceptable.
Question 5: Under FAR Part 91, pilots of large turbine-powered aircraft must report which condition to ATC immediately upon detection?
- Any passenger complaints
- A TCAS Resolution Advisory (RA) (Correct answer)
- Low fuel state below one hour endurance
- Loss of cabin pressurization above FL180
Correct answer: A TCAS Resolution Advisory (RA)
FAR 91.221 requires pilots to notify ATC immediately whenever a TCAS RA is issued, as it may conflict with ATC instructions.
Question 6: Which condition defines a 'runway incursion' according to FAA definitions?
- Any unauthorized vehicle or aircraft on an active runway movement area (Correct answer)
- An aircraft landing without a clearance in VMC
- A pilot taxiing past a hold short point without entering the runway
- Two aircraft occupying the same taxiway simultaneously
Correct answer: Any unauthorized vehicle or aircraft on an active runway movement area
The FAA defines a runway incursion as any occurrence at an aerodrome involving incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected area of a surface designated for landing or takeoff.
Question 7: A controller issues a speed adjustment to a final approach aircraft. What is the minimum speed that may be assigned to a turbojet aircraft on final approach within 5 NM of the runway?
- 150 knots indicated airspeed (Correct answer)
- 160 knots indicated airspeed
- 170 knots indicated airspeed
- No minimum exists — pilot has final authority
Correct answer: 150 knots indicated airspeed
FAA Order 7110.65 specifies 150 knots as the minimum speed that may be assigned to turbojet aircraft within 5 NM of the runway on final approach.
CTO Air Traffic Control Procedures & Communications 4
What squawk code should a controller assign to an aircraft experiencing a radio communication failure?