FEAST Air Traffic Controller Knowledge 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the 'outer marker' used for in a traditional ILS approach?
- It marks approximately 4–7 miles from the runway threshold to initiate descent on the glide slope (Correct answer)
- It indicates the missed approach point at the runway end
- It marks the final approach fix for GPS approaches
- It signals the start of the visual segment in an approach
Correct answer: It marks approximately 4–7 miles from the runway threshold to initiate descent on the glide slope
The outer marker is an NDB/marker beacon approximately 4–7 nautical miles from the runway, alerting crews they are on the localizer and should intercept the glide slope.
Question 2: Which airspace class requires a clearance and two-way radio communication for both VFR and IFR aircraft?
- Class B (Correct answer)
- Class C
- Class D
- Class E
Correct answer: Class B
Class B airspace (around the busiest airports) requires an explicit ATC clearance before entry for all aircraft, regardless of flight rules.
Question 3: A controller who issues a 'short approach' instruction is asking the pilot to:
- Reduce the length of the traffic pattern to land sooner (Correct answer)
- Conduct an immediate go-around
- Fly a longer final approach segment
- Initiate a visual approach from cruise altitude
Correct answer: Reduce the length of the traffic pattern to land sooner
A short approach instruction directs the pilot to cut the downwind or base leg of the pattern to expedite sequencing.
Question 4: What radar tool do controllers use to project where an aircraft will be in the future based on current track?
- Leader line or track vector (Correct answer)
- Altitude readout tag
- Data block history dots
- Range ring overlay
Correct answer: Leader line or track vector
Leader lines (track vectors) extend from the aircraft symbol in the direction of travel, giving controllers a projected future position.
Question 5: Under what condition would a controller issue a 'low altitude alert'?
- When radar shows an aircraft is dangerously close to terrain or obstacles (Correct answer)
- When an aircraft descends below the glide slope on an ILS
- When two aircraft are less than 3 NM apart
- When an aircraft exceeds its maximum operating altitude
Correct answer: When radar shows an aircraft is dangerously close to terrain or obstacles
Low Altitude Alert Systems (LAAS) automatically warn controllers when a radar-tracked aircraft is approaching minimum safe altitude near terrain.
Question 6: What does the term 'progressive taxi instructions' mean?
- Step-by-step routing guidance provided to a pilot unfamiliar with the airport (Correct answer)
- Instructions to taxi at maximum safe speed
- Clearance to taxi without stopping to any assigned gate
- Routing via multiple taxiways at the controller's discretion
Correct answer: Step-by-step routing guidance provided to a pilot unfamiliar with the airport
Progressive taxi instructions are issued turn-by-turn to assist pilots navigating complex or unfamiliar airport layouts.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of the Military Operations Area (MOA)?
- To separate military training activities from IFR traffic (Correct answer)
- To restrict all civilian aircraft from entering military airspace
- To designate airspace for weapons testing exclusively
- To establish no-fly zones near military installations
Correct answer: To separate military training activities from IFR traffic
MOAs are established to contain nonhazardous military flight activities and separate them from IFR traffic, while VFR flight is permitted at pilot's own risk.
FEAST Air Traffic Controller Knowledge 4
What is the 'outer marker' used for in a traditional ILS approach?