FEAST Air Traffic Controller Knowledge 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a controller says 'resume own navigation,' the crew should:
- Discontinue ATC radar vectors and navigate via their flight plan or clearance (Correct answer)
- Return to VFR flight rules immediately
- Request a new IFR routing from departure control
- Climb to cruise altitude using the published SID
Correct answer: Discontinue ATC radar vectors and navigate via their flight plan or clearance
This phrase ends the period of ATC radar vectoring and returns navigation responsibility to the flight crew.
Question 2: What is the 'transition level' in ATC operations?
- The lowest flight level at which aircraft use standard altimeter setting (29.92 in Hg) (Correct answer)
- The altitude at which an aircraft changes from radar to procedural control
- The handoff point between departure and center control
- The altitude above which RVSM applies
Correct answer: The lowest flight level at which aircraft use standard altimeter setting (29.92 in Hg)
The transition level is the lowest available flight level above the transition altitude, where aircraft switch from local QNH to standard pressure (29.92 in Hg).
Question 3: Which light gun signal tells an aircraft in flight to give way and continue circling?
- Flashing red (Correct answer)
- Steady red
- Alternating red and green
- Flashing green
Correct answer: Flashing red
A flashing red light directed at an aircraft in flight means to give way to other aircraft and continue circling.
Question 4: In ATC, what does 'NORDO' refer to?
- An aircraft with no radio communication capability (Correct answer)
- A no-radar operations environment
- A non-directional beacon approach
- Normal departure operations
Correct answer: An aircraft with no radio communication capability
NORDO describes an aircraft that has no functioning radio, requiring special ATC procedures such as light gun signals.
Question 5: What is the FAA-defined purpose of a Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA)?
- To provide radar sequencing and separation for participating VFR and IFR traffic (Correct answer)
- To restrict all aircraft to IFR operations near busy airports
- To enforce mandatory altitude restrictions around military bases
- To provide Class B-equivalent services at smaller airports
Correct answer: To provide radar sequencing and separation for participating VFR and IFR traffic
TRSAs offer voluntary radar separation services to VFR aircraft near airports that don't qualify for Class B or C airspace.
Question 6: What is a 'Point Out' procedure in radar ATC operations?
- A coordination technique where one controller alerts another to an aircraft entering their sector (Correct answer)
- A method for identifying an untracked aircraft on radar
- A visual scan procedure for non-radar environments
- A pilot report of traffic sighted visually
Correct answer: A coordination technique where one controller alerts another to an aircraft entering their sector
A point out is a coordination call between adjacent controllers to advise of an aircraft that will transit the receiving controller's airspace without a full handoff.
Question 7: When ATC issues 'traffic alert, turn left heading 270, climb and maintain 5,000,' this instruction is from which system?
- TCAS Resolution Advisory relayed verbally by ATC
- Conflict Alert (CA) issued by the controller (Correct answer)
- Traffic Information Service (TIS) automated broadcast
- Safety Logic Alert (SLA) from sector radar
Correct answer: Conflict Alert (CA) issued by the controller
Conflict Alert (CA) is an automated radar tool that warns controllers of predicted losses of separation, prompting them to issue immediate avoidance instructions.
FEAST Air Traffic Controller Knowledge 5
When a controller says 'resume own navigation,' the crew should: