Air Traffic Controller Flashcards
7 cards from real FEAST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Air Traffic Controller flashcards as text
An aircraft declares a MAYDAY emergency. What is the ATC's FIRST required action?
Answer: Acknowledge the emergency and ask the pilot's intentions
ATC must first acknowledge the emergency and determine the pilot's intentions before taking any other action.
What does the term 'final approach fix' (FAF) refer to in instrument approach procedures?
Answer: The point where the final descent to the runway begins
The FAF is the designated point where the aircraft begins its final descent toward the runway during an instrument approach.
When two aircraft are converging at the same altitude, which has the right of way according to FAA rules?
Answer: The aircraft to the other's right
FAA rules specify that when two aircraft converge at the same altitude, the aircraft to the other's right has the right of way.
What squawk code should a pilot use when experiencing radio failure in VFR conditions?
Answer: 7600
Squawk 7600 is the transponder code reserved for lost communications (radio failure).
An aircraft is at 5,000 ft MSL and the terrain elevation below is 3,500 ft. What is the aircraft's AGL altitude?
Answer: 1,500 ft
AGL (above ground level) is calculated by subtracting terrain elevation from MSL altitude: 5,000 - 3,500 = 1,500 ft.
What is the standard separation minimum between IFR aircraft at the same altitude in radar-controlled airspace?
Answer: 3 nautical miles
The standard radar separation minimum for IFR aircraft at the same altitude is 3 nautical miles in most controlled airspace.
What action should ATC take if an aircraft does not respond to a frequency change after repeated calls?
Answer: Try broadcasting in the blind on guard frequency 121.5 MHz
If an aircraft does not respond, ATC should attempt contact on the emergency guard frequency 121.5 MHz by broadcasting in the blind.