Logical Reasoning and Rules Flashcards

Rule: Aircraft may only enter sector Alpha if: (1) altitude is between FL200 and FL400, and (2) the aircraft is on an approved route. Aircraft X is at FL250 on an approved route. Aircraft Y is at FL180 on an approved route. Aircraft Z is at FL300 on a non-approved route. Which aircraft may enter sector Alpha?

Answer: Aircraft X only

Aircraft X meets both conditions (FL250 is within FL200-FL400, and it is on an approved route). Y fails condition 1 (FL180 is below FL200). Z fails condition 2 (non-approved route).

A procedure states: 'Separation minima are reduced from 5 NM to 3 NM only if: (a) radar coverage is confirmed, and (b) the sector is not in a high-density period, and (c) a supervisor approves the reduction.' A controller wants to apply 3 NM separation. The radar is confirmed, the supervisor has approved, but it is a high-density period. The controller may:

Answer: Not apply 3 NM separation — all three conditions must be met and condition (b) is not satisfied

All three conditions are required (AND logic). Failing any one condition means the reduction cannot be applied, regardless of how many other conditions are met.

Sequence rule: Aircraft must be sequenced for the ILS as follows: Heavy aircraft first, then Medium aircraft, then Light aircraft. Within each weight category, earlier estimated arrival time (EAT) takes priority. Four aircraft have these profiles: Alpha — Medium, EAT 12:10; Bravo — Heavy, EAT 12:15; Charlie — Light, EAT 12:05; Delta — Heavy, EAT 12:08. The correct ILS sequence is:

Answer: Delta, Bravo, Alpha, Charlie

Heavies first: Delta (12:08) before Bravo (12:15). Then Mediums: Alpha (12:10). Then Lights: Charlie (12:05). Sequence: Delta, Bravo, Alpha, Charlie.

Rule: A squawk code of 7700 indicates general emergency. A squawk code of 7600 indicates communication failure. A squawk code of 7500 indicates hijack. A radar target appears with squawk 7600. The controller's correct interpretation is:

Answer: The aircraft has lost radio communication and cannot be contacted on the normal frequency

Squawk 7600 specifically means communication failure (NORDO — no radio). This is distinct from 7700 (emergency) and 7500 (hijack).

An instruction states: 'Vectors to final shall not be issued if the glide slope is not captured, unless an ILS hold short instruction is applied.' An aircraft on base leg has not yet captured the glide slope. A hold short instruction has been applied. Can vectors to final be issued?

Answer: Yes — the exception condition (hold short instruction applied) is satisfied, so vectors to final may be issued

The rule is: vectors not permitted UNLESS glide slope captured OR hold short instruction applied. Since hold short is applied, the exception is met and vectors may be issued.

Five aircraft are holding at the same fix at different levels: FL90 lowest, FL100, FL110, FL120, FL130 highest. Inbound aircraft must be descended from highest to lowest and released for approach in that order. A slot opens for an approach. Which aircraft is released first and which second?

Answer: FL130 released first, FL120 released second — descend from highest hold to lowest in sequence

The rule states highest level first. FL130 is highest and released first; FL120 is next highest and released second as FL130 vacates.