CTO Coordination with Radar Facilities 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a tower controller initiates a handoff to a TRACON, what action must the receiving radar controller take to complete the handoff?
- Acknowledge verbally on the landline only
- Initiate a point-out to the adjacent facility
- Accept the data block by taking the handoff in the automated system (Correct answer)
- Cancel the aircraft's IFR flight plan
Correct answer: Accept the data block by taking the handoff in the automated system
The receiving radar controller completes a handoff by accepting the data block in the automated tracking system, indicating they have assumed responsibility for the aircraft.
Question 2: A TRACON issues a speed restriction of 180 knots to an arrival. When the tower assumes control, the tower controller may change the speed restriction:
- At any time without coordination
- Only after the aircraft lands
- Only after coordinating with the TRACON or when the aircraft is inside the final approach fix (Correct answer)
- Only with written authorization
Correct answer: Only after coordinating with the TRACON or when the aircraft is inside the final approach fix
Speed restrictions issued by a radar facility remain in effect until the tower coordinates a change or the aircraft passes the final approach fix, after which the tower has speed authority.
Question 3: What is a 'point-out' in the context of tower-radar facility coordination?
- A written report of a runway incursion
- Notification to an adjacent facility of an aircraft that will penetrate their airspace without a handoff (Correct answer)
- A pilot's request to deviate from their filed route
- A radar controller alerting the tower to traffic on the runway
Correct answer: Notification to an adjacent facility of an aircraft that will penetrate their airspace without a handoff
A point-out is coordination where one facility notifies another of an aircraft that will enter or transit their airspace without being handed off to that facility's control.
Question 4: When a tower controller loses radio contact with a departing aircraft, the FIRST action should be to:
- File a PIREP immediately
- Notify the ARTCC directly, bypassing TRACON
- Attempt contact on guard frequency and notify the radar facility (Correct answer)
- Issue a NOTAM for the departure airport
Correct answer: Attempt contact on guard frequency and notify the radar facility
The tower should attempt contact on guard (121.5 MHz) and simultaneously notify the radar facility so radar vectors and contact attempts can be coordinated.
Question 5: Which document defines the specific coordination procedures between a tower and its associated TRACON?
- The Airport Improvement Program
- Letter of Agreement (LOA) (Correct answer)
- Terminal Radar Approach Control Handbook only
- FAA Order 7400.11
Correct answer: Letter of Agreement (LOA)
Letters of Agreement (LOAs) establish the specific coordination procedures, altitudes, and responsibilities between individual facilities.
Question 6: A tower controller receives a call from TRACON stating 'traffic alert, aircraft 2 miles final, 200 knots.' The tower's responsibility is to:
- Immediately close the runway
- Ensure the runway is clear and relay the information to any aircraft on the runway (Correct answer)
- Instruct TRACON to issue a go-around
- Declare an emergency for the arrival
Correct answer: Ensure the runway is clear and relay the information to any aircraft on the runway
The tower must verify the runway is clear and take appropriate action, which may include clearing runway traffic or issuing a go-around to the arrival.
Question 7: During VFR operations, a tower controller may approve an aircraft's request to operate in Class D airspace without radar contact if:
- The pilot holds an instrument rating
- The tower has visual contact or the pilot establishes radio contact and meets weather minimums (Correct answer)
- TRACON provides explicit approval for each flight
- The aircraft is below 1,000 feet AGL
Correct answer: The tower has visual contact or the pilot establishes radio contact and meets weather minimums
Class D airspace requires only that the pilot establish two-way radio communications with the tower; radar contact is not required for VFR operations.
CTO Coordination with Radar Facilities 2
When a tower controller initiates a handoff to a TRACON, what action must the receiving radar controller take to complete the handoff?