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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Government

Air Traffic Control Knowledge Test Quiz

Assess Your ATC Skills with This Quiz

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting elements related to Air Traffic Control Knowledge Test quiz

This Air Traffic Control Knowledge Test helps you practice core ATC skills with 10 multiple-choice questions on procedures, communication, and safety. Use it to spot gaps before training or hiring exams, then try the ATC training quiz or traffic management quiz for more practice.

What component of the radar system identifies aircraft by interrogating transponders?
ADS-B receiver
VHF radio
Secondary radar
Primary radar
Secondary radar works by sending interrogation signals to the aircraft's transponder and receiving replies, which include identification and altitude. This distinguishes it from primary radar, which only detects reflected signals.
Which ATC phrase instructs pilots to remain at their current ground location?
Hold position
Stand by
Hold altitude
Continue
The instruction 'Hold position' tells pilots to remain at their current ground location. It is used when ATC needs an aircraft to stop immediately.
What is the standard vertical separation minimum between IFR aircraft operating below FL290?
2,000 feet
1,000 feet
500 feet
1,500 feet
Below FL290, the standard vertical separation minimum for IFR flights is 1,000 feet. This standard ensures safe vertical separation between aircraft.
Which transponder code is reserved for general emergencies?
7600
7500
7700
7200
A squawk code of 7700 is the universal transponder code for all emergency situations. It alerts ATC that the aircraft is in distress and needs priority handling.
Which phrase means 'I will comply' in standard ATC communications?
Wilco
Roger
Affirmative
Copy
The term 'Wilco' is a contraction of 'will comply' and indicates the pilot will follow the instructions given. It goes beyond simple acknowledgement by confirming intent to act.
On a radar display with range rings set at 10 NM intervals, how far is the third ring from the center?
20 NM
30 NM
10 NM
40 NM
Each range ring represents 10 nautical miles from the center. Thus, the third ring is 3 Ã- 10 NM = 30 NM from the origin.
Which phrase correctly instructs an aircraft to climb to FL350 and maintain it?
Climb flight level three five zero
Climb and maintain flight level three five zero
Maintain flight level three five zero
Climb to flight level three five zero
Standard ICAO phraseology uses 'Climb and maintain' to give both the climb clearance and altitude assignment. Omitting 'and maintain' could create ambiguity about whether to level off.
What is the standard lateral separation minimum in non-RNAV en-route airspace for IFR flights?
5 NM
20 NM
10 NM
15 NM
In non-RNAV en-route airspace, the ICAO standard lateral separation is 10 nautical miles. This ensures adequate horizontal spacing between IFR flights.
What does a 'Pan-Pan' call signify?
Loss of communications
Unlawful interference
Urgency condition
Fuel emergency
A 'Pan-Pan' call indicates an urgent situation that is not immediately life-threatening. It warns ATC that the flight needs priority handling without declaring a full emergency.
Which phrase correctly reports wind as observed at the runway threshold?
Wind two one zero degrees ten knots
Wind two one zero at ten
Wind two one zero degrees at ten knots
Wind ten knots from two one zero
Standard wind report phraseology uses 'Wind [direction] degrees at [speed] knots'. This format gives both a clear bearing and speed reference for pilots.
What is the standard vertical separation minimum between FL290 and FL410 in RVSM airspace?
1,000 feet
2,000 feet
500 feet
1,500 feet
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) allows 1,000 ft of vertical spacing between FL290 and FL410. This permits more efficient use of airspace while maintaining safety.
Which of the following is required to operate in Class C airspace?
Mode S transponder only
No special equipment is required
Mode A transponder and two-way radio contact
Two-way radio contact and Mode C transponder
Class C airspace requires aircraft to establish two-way radio communication and have a Mode C transponder before entry. This ensures ATC can identify and track altitude.
Which transponder code indicates loss of communications?
7600
7500
7400
7700
A squawk code of 7600 is used to indicate a loss of radio communications. It alerts ATC that the aircraft cannot hear or transmit on the assigned frequency.
Which ATC unit grants clearance for an aircraft to cross an active runway?
Approach control
Tower
Ground control
Center control
The control tower is responsible for runway operations and must authorize any crossing of an active runway. Ground control handles taxiing but must coordinate with the tower for runway crossings.
Which phrase is correct under ICAO for instructing an aircraft to line up on the runway?
Hold short of runway
Taxi to hold point
Line up and wait
Taxi into position and hold
Under ICAO procedures, 'Taxi into position and hold' instructs the pilot to enter the runway and hold for departure. 'Line up and wait' is a US-specific phrase, not standard ICAO.
Upon receiving a 'Mayday' call from an aircraft, what is the controller's immediate action?
Provide only traffic information and continue clearances
Tell the pilot to standby for instructions
Ask the pilot to switch to approach frequency
Acknowledge the emergency, confirm nature, and provide priority handling
When a pilot declares 'Mayday', the controller must acknowledge the emergency, determine the nature of the distress, and give the flight priority handling. This action ensures rapid support and coordination with rescue services.
On an SSR display with range rings set at 5 NM intervals, how many rings would represent an aircraft at 25 NM from the center?
3 rings
4 rings
6 rings
5 rings
Each SSR range ring represents 5 nautical miles. Therefore, an aircraft at 25 NM would appear at the fifth ring from the center (5 Ã- 5 NM = 25 NM).
Which statement about VFR operations in Class A airspace is correct?
VFR flights are not permitted
VFR operations require special VFR clearance
VFR flights are allowed with a transponder only
VFR flights can be conducted at or below FL150
Class A airspace is reserved exclusively for IFR flights under ATC clearance. VFR operations are prohibited in Class A to maintain strict control and separation.
Which phrase correctly transfers communication and radar code to a new ATC unit?
Contact Berlin Control on 118.10, squawk 3456
Frequency change not approved
Switch to 118.10
Transmit squawk 3456
A proper handoff includes the name of the next unit, the frequency, and the new transponder code. This ensures the pilot knows exactly with whom to communicate and which code to set.
Which SSR code indicates unlawful interference (hijacking)?
7600
7000
7700
7500
A squawk code of 7500 is the international code for unlawful interference or hijacking. It alerts ATC and nearby units of a serious security threat on board.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyse radar data to accurately track aircraft positions.
  2. Identify standard ATC phraseology and communication procedures.
  3. Apply separation standards to maintain safe airspace.
  4. Demonstrate understanding of air traffic control regulations.
  5. Evaluate emergency protocols for in-flight contingencies.
  6. Master coordination techniques with pilots and ground units.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Radar Tracking Mastery - Picture yourself as the ultimate sky detective, using radar blips to pinpoint every aircraft's position in real time. Understanding primary and secondary radar returns helps you manage busy skies like a pro and keep every flight safe and sound.
  2. Standard ATC Phraseology - Imagine speaking in the universal language of air traffic control: concise, clear, and impossible to misinterpret. Mastering phrases like "Mayday" for distress and "Pan-Pan" for urgency ensures every pilot and controller stays on the same page, even under pressure.
  3. Separation Standards - Think of separation standards as your invisible safety buffer in the sky. Maintaining a minimum vertical gap of 1,000 feet (or other regional minima) between aircraft prevents close calls and keeps operations smooth.
  4. ATC Regulations Update - Stay ahead of the curve by regularly reviewing air traffic control regulations and procedures for emergencies and equipment malfunctions. Keeping your knowledge fresh ensures you're always in compliance and ready to handle surprises.
  5. Emergency Protocols & ELT Signals - Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signals can be lifesaving clues when a flight has a problem. Learning the steps to respond and coordinate with rescue services puts you one step ahead in any crisis.
  6. Non-Radio Coordination - Sometimes radios go silent, so you'll need to rely on light signals, hand signals, or other visual cues to keep communication flowing. Mastering these backup methods ensures no flight is left guessing.
  7. Aircraft Call Sign Significance - Every flight's call sign is a unique code that prevents confusion and misidentification in busy airspace. Understanding how call signs are constructed and used means you'll always know exactly who's talking.
  8. Emergency Frequency Usage - 121.5 MHz isn't just another number - it's the lifeline for pilots in distress. Knowing when and how to monitor and use this dedicated channel can make all the difference in a real emergency.
  9. Security Emergency Handling - Bomb threats, unruly passengers, or other security scenarios demand swift, precise action and coordination with the right authorities. Learning these protocols helps you keep everyone calm and safe on the ground and in the air.
  10. Tech & Staffing Trends - The future of air traffic control is being shaped by cutting-edge technology and staffing innovations. Staying informed about automation, remote towers, and workforce strategies prepares you for tomorrow's challenges.
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