Free Air Traffic Controller Entry Question and Answers

Question 1

What distance from the center controller does an approach controller receive an aircraft?

Accepted Answer

40 miles

Answer

An approach controller typically assumes control of an aircraft from a center controller when the aircraft is approximately 40 miles from the destination airport. This distance marks the transition from the en route phase of flight to the terminal area. It provides the approach controller with sufficient airspace and time to sequence, space, and vector arriving aircraft for their descent and final approach to the airport.

Question 2

Would an aircraft go to departure, approach, or tower if it missed the approach and had to go around?

Accepted Answer

Departure

Answer

If an aircraft misses an approach and has to execute a go-around, it is typically directed to the Departure controller. A go-around essentially initiates a new departure sequence, requiring the aircraft to climb and re-enter the flow of outbound traffic. The Departure controller is responsible for managing aircraft climbing out of the airport's airspace and will either re-sequence the aircraft for another approach or direct it to an alternate plan.

Question 3

If you were in the tower, which are the EXCLUSIVE FIVE ATC positions that you would direct an aircraft to?

Accepted Answer

Ground, Departure, & Approach, Clearance Delivery, Tower

Answer

The five exclusive ATC positions that a tower controller would directly hand off an aircraft to are Ground, Departure, Approach, Clearance Delivery, and Tower (for internal coordination). These positions cover the various stages of flight within and immediately surrounding an airport, from initial clearance and taxi to takeoff and approach. Center control manages en route traffic, which is typically outside the direct handoff scope of a local tower controller.

Question 4

How many miles must pass before a departure controller turns over control of the airplane to a center controller?

Accepted Answer

40 miles out

Answer

A departure controller typically hands over control of an airplane to a center controller when the aircraft is approximately 40 miles out from the airport. This distance signifies the boundary where the aircraft transitions from the terminal departure airspace, managed by the departure controller, to the broader en route airspace, which is managed by the center controller. This ensures continuous air traffic services as the aircraft proceeds on its flight path.

Question 5

Can a ground controller approve takeoff for an aircraft?

Accepted Answer

No

Answer

No, a ground controller cannot approve takeoff for an aircraft. The ground controller is responsible for managing aircraft movement on the airport surface, including taxiways and non-active runways. Takeoff clearance is exclusively issued by the Local (Tower) controller, who has oversight of the active runways and the immediate airspace around the airport to ensure safety during takeoff and landing operations.

ATSA - Air Traffic Skills Assessment Practice Test

ATSA - Air Traffic Skills Assessment Practice Test

Free Air Traffic Controller Entry Question and Answers