CTO Runway Incursion Prevention 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of the Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE-X) system?
- To provide controllers with real-time surveillance of aircraft and vehicles on the airport surface (Correct answer)
- To automate runway crossing clearances during low visibility
- To transmit weather data to approaching aircraft
- To replace the need for ground controller position staffing
Correct answer: To provide controllers with real-time surveillance of aircraft and vehicles on the airport surface
ASDE-X fuses radar, multilateration, and ADS-B data to give controllers a real-time picture of all traffic on the airport surface.
Question 2: During low visibility operations, which additional procedure is typically required before an aircraft is cleared onto an active runway?
- A positive identification of the aircraft's position confirmed by ASDE or a position report (Correct answer)
- A coordination call to the ARTCC
- A PIREP from the preceding aircraft
- Written clearance delivery confirmation
Correct answer: A positive identification of the aircraft's position confirmed by ASDE or a position report
In low visibility, controllers must positively confirm an aircraft's position using ASDE or pilot position reports before issuing runway entry clearances.
Question 3: A Runway Status Light (RWSL) system that shows red lights embedded in a runway means:
- The runway is unsafe to enter or cross because of aircraft activity (Correct answer)
- The runway is closed for maintenance
- The ILS critical area is active
- An aircraft has declared an emergency on that runway
Correct answer: The runway is unsafe to enter or cross because of aircraft activity
Red Runway Entrance Lights (RELs) embedded in the runway surface automatically illuminate to warn pilots not to enter or cross when the runway is active.
Question 4: What does 'progressive taxi instructions' mean in the context of runway incursion prevention?
- Step-by-step taxi directions provided by the controller to help a pilot navigate a complex airport (Correct answer)
- Instructions issued progressively faster to expedite flow
- Taxi clearances issued only after an aircraft has reached each waypoint
- Automated taxi guidance displayed on the pilot's EFB
Correct answer: Step-by-step taxi directions provided by the controller to help a pilot navigate a complex airport
Progressive taxi instructions guide pilots through unfamiliar or complex taxi routes one step at a time, reducing wrong-turn incursions.
Question 5: Which incursion prevention tool provides an automatic audio and visual alert to the tower controller when a potential runway conflict is detected?
- AMASS (Airport Movement Area Safety System) (Correct answer)
- ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service)
- ARTS (Automated Radar Terminal System)
- VSCS (Voice Switching and Control System)
Correct answer: AMASS (Airport Movement Area Safety System)
AMASS processes ASDE radar data and automatically alerts controllers to potential runway conflicts with aircraft or vehicles.
Question 6: When must a controller obtain a read-back of a runway holding instruction from a pilot?
- Always — a read-back of hold short instructions is required every time (Correct answer)
- Only when the instruction is issued in IMC
- Only for aircraft with gross weight over 12,500 lbs
- Only when another aircraft is on final within 5 miles
Correct answer: Always — a read-back of hold short instructions is required every time
FAA Order 7110.65 requires controllers to obtain a read-back of all runway holding instructions to verify pilot understanding.
Question 7: An aircraft is cleared for takeoff. A vehicle then enters the runway from an intersecting taxiway. What is the controller's FIRST action?
- Cancel the takeoff clearance immediately and instruct the aircraft to stop (Correct answer)
- Alert the vehicle operator to clear the runway
- Issue a traffic alert to the departing aircraft
- Notify airport operations of the incursion
Correct answer: Cancel the takeoff clearance immediately and instruct the aircraft to stop
The controller's first priority is to prevent a collision — cancelling the takeoff clearance and stopping the aircraft takes immediate precedence.
CTO Runway Incursion Prevention 3
What is the purpose of the Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE-X) system?