ATSA Situational Awareness and Scanning Techniques

Question 1

An ATSA candidate reviews a radar display with 6 aircraft. Which factor is MOST critical to assess first when scanning?

Accepted Answer

Aircraft in potential conflict

Answer

Identifying potential conflicts between aircraft is the highest-priority task because collision avoidance is paramount in ATC.

Question 2

While monitoring three frequencies simultaneously, a controller hears a pilot report turbulence on frequency 2. The correct immediate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Relay the PIREP to other aircraft in the area

Answer

A PIREP (pilot report) of turbulence should be relayed to other aircraft in the affected area to maintain situational awareness.

Question 3

During an ATSA simulation, two aircraft converge at the same altitude. The controller issues a turn instruction to Aircraft A. What must the controller verify next?

Accepted Answer

That Aircraft A reads back the instruction correctly

Answer

A correct readback from the pilot confirms the instruction was received and understood, closing the communication loop.

Question 4

A controller notices an aircraft's data tag has disappeared from the radar scope. The FIRST action should be:

Accepted Answer

Attempt to contact the aircraft immediately

Answer

Loss of radar contact requires immediate radio contact to verify the aircraft's position and status.

Question 5

In the ATSA scan test, which technique best helps a controller track multiple aircraft simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Use a systematic left-to-right sweep of the display

Answer

A systematic, consistent scan pattern ensures no aircraft is overlooked and prevents fixation errors.

ATSA - Air Traffic Skills Assessment Practice Test

ATSA - Air Traffic Skills Assessment Practice Test

ATSA Situational Awareness and Scanning Techniques