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Test Your Skills: Air Traffic Control Training Quiz

Challenge Yourself with Realistic Traffic Management Scenarios

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting air traffic control for a training quiz

Ready to elevate your skills with an engaging air traffic control practice quiz? This ATC training quiz features realistic scenarios to sharpen decision-making and communication techniques. Aspiring controllers and seasoned students alike will benefit from immediate feedback on key procedures. Check out our Air Traffic Control Knowledge Test or dive deeper with the Traffic Management Training Quiz . You can freely modify this quiz in our quizzes editor to suit your learning goals!

Which phrase indicates "I will comply with that instruction"?
Stand by
Wilco
Affirm
Roger
"Wilco" is standard phraseology meaning "will comply." "Roger" means message received, "Affirm" means yes, and "Stand by" means wait.
What is the minimum vertical separation required below FL290 in non-RVSM airspace?
2000 feet
500 feet
1000 feet
1500 feet
Below FL290 in non-RVSM airspace, the standard vertical separation minimum is 1000 feet. Above FL290 under RVSM it increases to 2000 feet.
Which frequency is dedicated for emergency communications internationally?
130.5 MHz
123.45 MHz
121.5 MHz
118.0 MHz
121.5 MHz is the international emergency frequency for distress calls. The other frequencies are used for normal ATC or advisory communications.
What does the clearance "Cleared for the option" allow the pilot to do?
Touch-and-go only
Any of the standard traffic pattern options
Full-stop landing only
Low approach only
"Cleared for the option" permits the pilot to choose any traffic pattern option (touch-and-go, stop-and-go, low approach, full stop) without additional clearance.
What is the primary function of TCAS?
Issue resolution advisories for collision avoidance
Automatically sequence arrivals
Monitor weather conditions
Provide separation minima guidance
TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) issues traffic and resolution advisories to pilots to help avoid mid-air collisions. It does not set separation minima or monitor weather.
What is the standard longitudinal time-based separation for two aircraft following the same flight path at the same level?
15 minutes
20 minutes
10 minutes
5 minutes
When using time-based longitudinal separation for aircraft at the same level and speed, the standard minimum is 10 minutes. This ensures adequate spacing without radar.
Which phraseology correctly transfers communication to a new controller?
Call 125.4
Switch to 125.4
Tune 125.4
Contact Center on 125.4
"Contact [facility] on [frequency]" is standard phraseology for handing off communications. Other variants are nonstandard.
Which conflict detection tool provides short-term alerts to controllers?
Flight Management System (FMS)
METAR
Short-Term Conflict Alert (STCA)
TCAS
STCA is an automated system providing short-term alerts of potential conflicts to controllers. TCAS is airborne, FMS manages flight paths, METAR reports weather.
How should controllers separate IFR and VFR traffic in the same sector?
Apply standard IFR separation to both
Issue traffic information to the VFR aircraft
Treat VFR flights as IFR
Assign VFR flight levels to IFR traffic
Controllers provide standard separation between IFR flights and must give traffic information to VFR flights to help pilots maintain visual separation.
In sequencing arrivals, which flight should be given priority? Flight A declared an emergency, Flight B is a medical evacuation, Flight C is a regular passenger flight.
A, B, C
B, A, C
B, C, A
C, A, B
Emergency flights are highest priority, followed by medical evacuation flights, then regular passenger flights. Hence the sequence is A, then B, then C.
What is the required wake turbulence time separation for a medium aircraft following a heavy aircraft on final approach?
5 minutes
2 minutes
4 minutes
3 minutes
On final approach, the standard time-based wake turbulence separation for a medium aircraft behind a heavy is 4 minutes to avoid wake vortex encounter.
Which pilot phrase means unable to comply with an instruction?
Negative
Stand by
Can't
Unable
Pilots must use "Unable" to indicate they cannot comply with a controller's instruction. Other terms are nonstandard in ICAO phraseology.
What is the preferred conflict resolution maneuver according to standard procedures?
Vertical speed change
Descent
Speed reduction
Lateral vectoring
Lateral vectoring is generally preferred for conflict resolution because it is clear, reversible, and does not affect altitude blocks for other traffic.
During coordination between sectors, which item is NOT typically required?
SSR transponder code
Position and level
Flight plan route
Aircraft identification
When handing off, controllers exchange identification, position, level, and transponder code. The full flight plan route is not required in every sector-to-sector coordination.
Which phraseology is standard when assigning a transponder code?
Code 3456
Set 3456
Transponder 3456
Squawk 3456
"Squawk [code]" is the correct phraseology to assign a transponder code. Other variants are nonstandard.
Two departures have intersecting departure paths. What is the best resolution?
Cancel the second departure
Increase vertical separation only
Assign lateral deviation to one departure
Reduce both aircraft speeds
When SID paths intersect, lateral vectoring of one aircraft is the preferred method for separation. Vertical or speed changes alone may not maintain sufficient clearance.
What is the standard wake turbulence separation in nautical miles for a small aircraft following a heavy aircraft on final approach?
5 NM
6 NM
3 NM
4 NM
For a small (light) aircraft following a heavy on final approach, the standard lateral separation is 6 NM to ensure wake vortex clearance.
Which transponder code is used for VFR flights in the USA?
7500
1200
7600
7000
In the United States, the standard transponder code for VFR flights is 1200. Code 7000 is used in some regions internationally, 7500 is hijack, 7600 is comms failure.
At what time interval does Short Term Conflict Alert (STCA) typically warn controllers of a potential conflict?
15 seconds
120 seconds
60 seconds
30 seconds
STCA typically provides an alert about 30 seconds before a projected loss of separation, giving controllers time to resolve the conflict.
What is the purpose of the Minimum Safe Altitude Warning (MSAW) system?
Issue collision advisories
Provide weather updates
Manage wake turbulence
Alert to potential terrain clearance issues
MSAW is an automated ground system that warns controllers when an aircraft is predicted to descend below the minimum safe altitude for its location, helping prevent terrain conflicts.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyse real-time air traffic flow and prioritize aircraft sequences.
  2. Identify key communication protocols used in ATC operations.
  3. Apply separation minima to ensure safe aircraft spacing.
  4. Demonstrate effective coordination in mixed-traffic sectors.
  5. Evaluate conflict detection and resolution strategies.
  6. Master standard phraseology for clear controller-pilot exchanges.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Importance of lateral separation - Ensures safe distances between airplanes flying side by side or on paths that might converge. Controllers assign different airways or use radials diverging at least 15° from a common NAVAID so that aircraft stay clear of one another. FAA lateral separation rules
  2. Concept of longitudinal separation - Maintains safe spacing along the same or intersecting routes by using time or distance intervals, such as a 5-mile separation for DME-equipped aircraft with sufficient speed difference. This method prevents rear-end conflicts and keeps traffic flowing smoothly. FAA longitudinal separation standards
  3. Radar separation techniques - Uses radar to monitor aircraft positions, allowing reduced minima like 3 miles when within 40 miles of the antenna, which boosts airspace efficiency. Radar controllers can quickly detect and resolve conflicts compared to procedural control methods. FAA radar separation procedures
  4. Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) - Cuts standard vertical separation from 2,000 ft to 1,000 ft between FL290 and FL410, significantly increasing airspace capacity. It requires precise altitude measurement and special equipment approvals for both aircraft and operators. RVSM details on Wikipedia
  5. Procedural control in non-radar environments - Controllers rely on pilot position reports and time estimates to maintain separation, using at least 10 minutes' flying time between aircraft at the same level. This is vital for oceanic or remote areas without radar coverage. Procedural control overview
  6. Standard phraseology mastery - Using precise, standardized phrases like "Cleared for takeoff" and "Fly heading 270" ensures clear communication and minimizes misunderstandings. Mastering phraseology not only boosts safety but also builds pilot-controller rapport. Standard ATC phraseology
  7. ATC communication protocols - Involves correct use of frequencies, call signs, and read-back procedures to confirm instructions. Effective protocols ensure vital information is exchanged accurately and promptly between controllers and pilots. ATC communication essentials
  8. Application of separation minima - Covers vertical, lateral, and longitudinal standards to maintain safe spacing and prevent collisions. Understanding how each minima applies helps controllers choose the right separation method in any scenario. Separation minima explained
  9. Conflict detection and resolution strategies - Uses radar or procedural data to spot potential conflicts early and issues altitude, speed, or route changes to resolve them proactively. Good conflict management keeps traffic flowing smoothly and safely. FAA conflict resolution techniques
  10. Coordination in mixed-traffic sectors - Managing arrivals, departures, and overflights of varied aircraft types requires careful planning and communication to handle different performance characteristics. Effective coordination ensures safety and efficiency even in busy airspace sectors. Mixed-traffic sector coordination
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