DADE Air Traffic Control Coordination 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is established by NOTAM under which FAR authority?
- 14 CFR Part 91.137 (Correct answer)
- 14 CFR Part 121.591
- 14 CFR Part 91.103
- 49 CFR Part 1542
Correct answer: 14 CFR Part 91.137
14 CFR 91.137 authorizes TFRs for disaster/hazard areas, and related sections cover Presidential, VIP, and security TFRs.
Question 2: When coordinating a flight through Special Use Airspace (SUA) that is scheduled to be active, the dispatcher must:
- Route the aircraft through the SUA and let ATC handle the separation
- Obtain coordination approval from the controlling agency or plan routing around the active SUA (Correct answer)
- File an ASDI alert and proceed normally
- Declare IFR to receive automatic clearance through all restricted areas
Correct answer: Obtain coordination approval from the controlling agency or plan routing around the active SUA
Active SUA (restricted areas, prohibited areas) requires either routing around the airspace or obtaining prior coordination with the controlling agency.
Question 3: A SIGMET for severe turbulence along a planned route prompts ATC to recommend a 50-mile deviation. The dispatcher's authority in this situation is:
- ATC has final authority; the dispatcher must accept the deviation
- The dispatcher and PIC jointly make operational decisions; the dispatcher can authorize or deny the deviation based on safety assessment (Correct answer)
- Only the PIC can decide; the dispatcher has no authority over route changes in flight
- The airline's CEO must approve all significant route deviations
Correct answer: The dispatcher and PIC jointly make operational decisions; the dispatcher can authorize or deny the deviation based on safety assessment
Under 14 CFR 121.535, the dispatcher and PIC share joint responsibility for the safe conduct of the flight, including route deviation decisions.
Question 4: Which type of NOTAM would a dispatcher check specifically for active Temporary Flight Restrictions around a major sporting event?
- NOTAM (D) — distant NOTAMs
- FDC NOTAMs — regulatory and aeronautical data changes (Correct answer)
- NOTAM (L) — local NOTAMs distributed only at the origin
- PIREP NOTAMs issued by affected pilots
Correct answer: FDC NOTAMs — regulatory and aeronautical data changes
FDC (Flight Data Center) NOTAMs are used for regulatory and safety matters including TFRs and instrument procedure amendments.
Question 5: A prohibited area (P-area) differs from a restricted area (R-area) in that:
- Prohibited areas allow IFR traffic with ATC clearance; restricted areas do not
- Flight within a prohibited area is not permitted under any circumstances, while restricted areas may be entered with controlling agency permission (Correct answer)
- Restricted areas are permanent; prohibited areas are only temporary
- Prohibited areas apply only to foreign-registered aircraft
Correct answer: Flight within a prohibited area is not permitted under any circumstances, while restricted areas may be entered with controlling agency permission
Prohibited areas (e.g., P-56 over Washington D.C.) are absolutely off-limits, while restricted areas may be transited when not active or with permission.
Question 6: When must a dispatcher file an amended IFR flight plan with ATC due to a significant en route weather deviation?
- Only if the deviation exceeds 500 feet of assigned altitude
- Whenever the deviation results in a significant change to the planned route or altitude that ATC is not already controlling (Correct answer)
- Only after landing when the post-flight report is filed
- Amendments are never required; ATC radar tracks the aircraft automatically
Correct answer: Whenever the deviation results in a significant change to the planned route or altitude that ATC is not already controlling
Significant route or altitude changes not already coordinated with ATC require amended plan filing to ensure proper separation and flight following.
Question 7: What is the dispatcher's action when a flight is airborne and ATC issues a Reroute that extends the flight time beyond the fuel range on the dispatch release?
- Accept the reroute and notify the captain; ATC authority supersedes dispatch fuel planning
- Coordinate with the PIC and amend the dispatch release, potentially directing a fuel stop or alternate (Correct answer)
- Issue a MAYDAY on behalf of the flight
- File a NASA ASRS report and take no further action
Correct answer: Coordinate with the PIC and amend the dispatch release, potentially directing a fuel stop or alternate
If a reroute affects fuel sufficiency, the dispatcher must reassess the release, coordinate with the PIC, and amend it as necessary to maintain legal fuel requirements.
DADE Air Traffic Control Coordination 3
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is established by NOTAM under which FAR authority?