Air Traffic Control (ATC) Day 1 Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• Name a surveillance technology other than primary radar used by ATC and its purpose.
• FAA JO 7110.65 prescribes procedures and phraseology for use by controllers. Which option enumerates this?
• What is a beacon code?
• Which of the following is an ATCT position?
• What is a 'handoff' and what information is exchanged?
• How do weather events influence controller routing decisions?
• What is the spoken form for 2230 Central Time (CST)?
• What is "special handling" in ATC?
• What is the spoken form of the field elevation 1641?
• In the wind example, which spoken phrase correctly describes wind from 210 degrees with a base of 5 knots gusting to 16 knots?
• AFMAN 13-204v3 is best described as which type of publication?
• Flight Level notation is used for aircraft at what altitude?
• Which factor determines greater trailing spacing behind heavy aircraft?
• How is surface movement coordinated at a busy airport?
• From which RAPCON position is an arriving aircraft typically transferred to Arrival?
• What are vertical and lateral separation in ATC terms?
• In non-towered operations, why do pilots use a common traffic advisory frequency?
• AFMAN 11-202v3 is best described as which type of publication?
• Which document coordinates operations with other agencies such as FAA ARTCC away from base?
• Under what circumstances may ATC issue a restriction or hold to expedite traffic flow?
• What is the difference between 'descend via' and 'descend to' in a clearance?
• How does radar vectoring assist with sequencing?
• Which ATCT position is responsible for separating and providing ATC Tower service to aircraft in the airspace surrounding the airport and the active runways?
• What distinguishes a Senior Controller (SC) from a Watch Supervisor?
• What is the difference between tower control and enroute control?
• How should ATC respond to an apparent loss of separation between two aircraft?
• In arrival operations, a hold at a fix is used for what purpose?
• What factors affect VFR separation from IFR traffic?
• Which role is responsible for performing position certifications as well as controller testing and evaluations?
• Which position controls traffic on the taxiways (aircraft, vehicles, pedestrians, etc) into the movement area, and handoff to the tower?
• A Standard Instrument Departure (SID) primarily provides which of the following?
• Which statement is true about Mode C transponder usage?
• In aviation phraseology, what digit does the word 'Fife' represent?
• Which agency publishes the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)?
• Why is readback/hearback essential for safety in ATC communications?
• What does 'Negative' mean?
• Which ATCT position clears Aircraft for takeoff or Landing?
• Which statement best describes the responsibilities of Chief Controller-CCTLR?
• What is the primary purpose of ATC phraseology?
• What is the purpose of 'line up and wait' in runway operations?
• In the heading example, how is 175° spoken?
• What is the Altimeter Setting example shown in the material?
• How is Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR) defined and when might it be used?
• Which task describes the responsibilities of the NSE?
• What does MSL stand for?
• NOTAMs convey information about what?
• ADS-B capabilities do not improve which of the following?
• Mode C in SSR provides which type of information to ATC?
• Define an airway in IFR navigation.
• What information should NOTAMs convey to pilots?
• What does 'WILCO' mean?
• Which ATCT position is responsible for transmitting departure clearances to IFR flights?
• Why is readback of an approach clearance important?
• Which statement best describes vertical separation?
• How will approach controllers identify themselves for departing aircraft?
• Why is altitude data important in SSR?
• Which statement best defines minimum vectoring altitude (MVA)?
• What are the wake turbulence categories and their general implications for spacing?
• Why is coordination with other facilities before an approach important?
• What is wake turbulence and why is it important for sequencing?
• What is the effect of NOTAMs on flight planning and ATC operations?
• When must a readback be provided by a pilot?
• What is the standard phraseology for a speed reduction instruction?
• Which statement accurately describes PSR and SSR regarding altitude information?
• Which position is associated with a 7-9 skill level?
• What is the purpose of readback in ATC communications?
• If ATC clears you "as filed," can you deviate for weather without explicit approval?
• How is Runway 21 Right spoken in ATC communications?
• CTAF stands for what?
• What makes for good ATC phraseology?
• What is meant by "positive control" in ATC?
• Which publication is established between facilities on the same base and contains procedures unique to that location?
• Which data item is exchanged during a handoff between controllers?
• Which of the following is NOT a RAPCON position?
• The purpose of NOTAMs is to inform pilots of changes that could affect:
• Which document prescribes procedures and phraseology for use by controllers?
• Which term is used to indicate agreement and readiness to comply with a clearance?
• Field Elevation is defined as...
• Which RAPCON position is primarily responsible for coordination between facilities?
• What is the purpose of lost communications procedures in IFR flight?
• Which item is not typically contained in a METAR?
• What is the spoken form for the beacon code example 4472?
• What is the difference between primary radar and secondary radar (SSR)?
• What is a key characteristic of secondary radar (SSR) compared to primary radar?
• How should an ATC controller handle a broken navigation aid at an airport?
• How are runway occupancy and clearance communicated in non-towered operations?
• What is the role of a Flight Service Station (FSS)?
• When a runway crossing is involved, what is the purpose of issuing a "hold short" clearance?
• How does weather avoidance influence radar controller actions?
• What is the purpose of the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)?
• What is the standard phraseology for clearing an aircraft for an approach?
• Which phase of flight do ARTCCs primarily provide ATC service for?
• How do thunderstorms and severe weather affect ATC operations?
• What is wake turbulence and how does it influence spacing decisions?
• Which statement about readback procedures is true?
• What is the controller's general priority during high workload?
• Which statement best describes the standard phraseology for clearing an aircraft for an approach?
• A Standard Instrument Departure (SID) serves primarily to ensure which outcome?
• NOTAMs are important to ATC because they provide notice of hazards or changes to facilities, procedures, runways, or airspace; ATC uses NOTAMs to plan routes and issue safe clearances.
• In the phrase 'descend and maintain', which element is typically included to manage subsequent communications?
• When clearance is given as "cleared as filed," you are cleared to:
• How do ATC controllers mitigate runway incursion risks?
• What is a handoff and when is it performed?
• How is the frequency 275.8 spoken in aviation phraseology?
• Which elements are essential for maintaining situation awareness as an ATC controller?
• Time checks are rounded to the next quarter minute. Which description best matches this rule?
• What is the role of aeronautical charts in ATC?
• What is lateral separation and how is it achieved?
• What is the purpose of a holding pattern in arrival operations?
• Which surveillance technology provides GPS-derived position data and enhances surveillance coverage beyond primary radar?
• Which document provides guidance for managing US Air Force air traffic control personnel?
• Which RAPCON position is typically responsible for supervisory duties?
• What is a 'handoff' and what data is exchanged?
• What is Special Use Airspace and how does ATC interact with it?
• How is weather information presented to pilots at the airport (ATIS)?
• Which statement best describes line-up and wait clearance?
• What does 'Roger' indicate?
• How do you assign altitudes to maintain vertical separation?
• What is the purpose of the minimum safe altitude (MSA) concept?
• When advised to "expect radar vectors," what should a pilot do?
• When weather hazards are detected near the arrival path, what action might ATC take?
• The spoken form for the altimeter setting example 'A39.92' is:
• Which statement describes the purpose of a 'Line Up and Wait' instruction?
• What is RAPCON?
• Which of the following best describes the role of EET in ATC operations?
• What is vectoring and when is it employed?
• Which document is the primary source describing local ATC, airfield, and flying operations for base aircrews?
• LOA stands for which phrase?
• The unit used in Flight Level quantification is:
• Why is the altimeter setting significant for ATC operations?
• What is one primary benefit of using SIDs and STARs in air traffic control?
• How do you assign a speed restriction to manage spacing?
• Which position processes and forwards flight plan information and reports weather information?
• Who does the Chief Controller-CCTLR report to?
• Which statement about FSS is true?
• Which term describes altitude referenced to mean sea level?
• When a navigation system fails, how should ATC manage separation requirements?
• What is the primary purpose of Assist in RAPCON?
• Which term is used to indicate pausing communications for a few seconds?
• If an aircraft experiences radio failure, what is the standard procedure for the pilot and ATC to follow?
• What is the primary source document for describing local ATC, airfield, and flying operations for base aircrews?
• What are the essential elements of an IFR clearance?
• What is the purpose of coordination with other facilities during an approach?
• ADS-B enhances situational awareness by providing precise position, velocity, and identification data from equipped aircraft. Which data is provided by ADS-B?
• Are there any absolute divisions of responsibilities regarding position operations in air traffic control?
• Differentiate between a heading instruction and a vector in ATC.
• In the Altitudes example, what is the spoken form for the altitude 155?
• Facilities use these to standardize operations or procedures that require the cooperation of other entities such as Non-AF agencies. Ex. FAA ARTCC (AWAY)
• Explain the concept of minimum vectoring altitude (MVA) and its use.
• AOI stands for which term?
• When might ATC issue a 'hold short' clearance?
• What are the responsibilities of the Watch Supervisor during their shift?
• Which factor is essential to maintain situation awareness across multiple ATC sectors?
• When would you issue a "hold short" clearance?
• Which statement best describes how surface movement is managed?
• What is the spoken form for 2230 Zulu time?
• What statement correctly defines the TSN role?
• When is a hold at a fix used in arrival operations?
• What is the standard procedure for lost communications in IFR by route and altitude?
• During severe weather, ATC typically routes or holds traffic to protect safety.
• How do STARs help in sequencing inbound traffic?
• Which term means 'I will comply'?
• What is the primary purpose of coordination with adjacent sectors?
• Which navigation aid provides both azimuth and distance information when used together?
• What action should be taken when radio communication fails on IFR?
• What information is typically contained in a METAR report?
• ATIS presents weather information to pilots how?
• What do Arrival controllers do?
• What is the primary purpose of altitude constraints at fixes during an approach?
• In IFR flight, what does "cleared as filed" mean?
• In an instruction that says 'descend and maintain [altitude], [other restrictions], contact [facility] on [frequency] when able', what typically follows the altitude?
• Which statement best describes the nature of controlled airspace and who provides separation within it?
• How is aircraft identity established on radar?
• What is the primary responsibility of an airport tower controller?
• Which navigation aid provides azimuth bearings?
• How can an aircraft be identified on radar without SSR?
• Which device transmits the squawk code used for radar identification?
• What is a Flight Level?
• How do controllers ensure safe separation on converging final approaches?
• How should ATC handle an in-flight emergency?
• Which task best describes the Trainer's role?
• What does it mean to 'maintain own separation' in uncontrolled airspace?
• How should pilots interpret special handling instructions?
• How does TRACON differ from a Center (ARTCC) in airspace control responsibilities?
• The code AAL350 is spoken as which phrase?
• Which publication contains general flight rules and guidance for US Air Force pilots?
• What is the primary role of the Airfield Operations Flight Commander (AOF/CC)?
• Which statement describes the difference between a Senior Controller and a Watch Supervisor?
• What is the role of 'coordination' with adjacent sectors?
• What data does Mode C transponder provide?
• During air traffic control, a handoff is performed when what occurs?
• What is the recommended action when radio communication fails on IFR?
• When radar vectors are issued, what should you do?
• Which navigation aid provides localizer and glide slope guidance for precision approaches?
• Which statement best describes managing a crossing restriction at an intermediate fix when planning an approach?
• What topic does FAA Order 8000.90 cover?
• In the spoken flight code AAL350, what does the initial 'AAL' stand for?
• What is the spoken form of FL210?
• Which of the following is NOT an ATCT position?
• In aviation phraseology, which term represents Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)?
• What word is used before the numbers/letters of a civilian aircraft's registration?
• What is vertical separation and how is it maintained?
• What is the purpose of a flight plan in ATC operations?
• Which position is responsible for separating and providing ATC Tower service to aircraft in the airspace surrounding the airport and aircraft on the active runways?
• Which of the following is a RAPCON position?
• Which factor most influences the required wake turbulence separation behind a leading aircraft?
• The chief controller issues which type of document to regulate and standardize operational and administrative practices within a facility?
• Which navigation aid provides distance information to the station?
• What service does the RAPCON approach controller provide?
• How is a crossing restriction managed at an intermediate fix?
• What does 'Stand by' indicate?
• Which term describes the process of exchanging traffic and operational information between ATC facilities to maintain safe sequencing?
• In the event of a nav aid outage, ATC may vector arrivals to maintain sequencing.
• How should ATC respond when an aircraft's navigation equipment fails?
• What is the primary duty of the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT)?
• What information is typically contained in a TAF?
• What is the difference between PSR and SSR in radar surveillance?
• Which position compiles statistical data, processes and forwards flight plan information, reports weather information?
• What is the significance of 'Minimum Vectoring Altitude' (MVA) in ATC?
• During an in-flight emergency, the ATC objective is to
• If a navigation aid fails at an airport, which actions may ATC take to maintain safety?
• What is inter-facility coordination?
• Holding in ATC serves to achieve which purpose?
• What is the difference between 'cleared for takeoff' and 'line up and wait'?
• What does 'Affirmative' mean?
• What is vectoring in ATC?
• How many ARTCCs are there in the CONUS?
• Which statement accurately describes Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR) in controlled airspace?
• OL stands for Internal Operations Letters used between facilities on the same base?
• What are squawk codes and how are they used?
• Which statement describes NATCT responsibilities?
• In the spoken form 'American Tree Fifty' which digit does the word 'Tree' represent?
• In aviation communications, which priority applies to MAYDAY messages relative to PAN-PAN and routine traffic?
• How many digits are in a beacon code?
• How do ATC verify altitude assignments and avoid conflicts?
• What is the standard IFR lost communications procedure sequence?
• Which statement best describes the purpose of vectoring in ATC?
• During a handoff, which information is exchanged?
• What is the purpose of SIDs and STARs in air traffic control?
• What is the significance of a flight plan's EET (Estimated Time En Route)?