Air Traffic Control (ATC) Basics Block 5 Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• Which organization initiates search and rescue procedures for overdue or missing aircraft on VFR flight plans?
• How would you pronounce the callsign 'R34617'?
• What does the abbreviation RL indicate in ATC communication?
• What does the phrase "Tell me what you plan to do" describe?
• What is the primary function of the Flight Service Station (FSS) regarding overdue aircraft?
• What does the suffix 'D' indicate about an aircraft's equipment compatibility?
• What is the purpose of the ATIS when disseminating information about MANPADs?
• What phase follows the initiation of assumption of position responsibility in position relief?
• What is a distinct feature of the new generation ELTs?
• Which clearance allows pilots to make stops at intermediate locations while en route?
• What does ALNOT stand for in aviation terminology?
• What is the primary purpose of radar identification in air traffic control?
• What is the abbreviation for an air traffic control mission that supports the mass movement of aircraft, commonly associated with military operations?
• Under what condition can a pilot be authorized to interrupt communications guard?
• Why is it important to monitor an aircraft that has not reestablished communication after five minutes?
• What does the abbreviation SA specifically describe in air traffic operations?
• What is the recommended action when planes in your sector have similar callsigns?
• What supplementary details should be gathered during an emergency?
• What is the typical goal of an ALTRV operation involving military aircraft?
• What does the abbreviation 'TR' stand for in air traffic control terminology?
• When does the transfer of search responsibility to RCC occur?
• What does takeoff clearance authorize?
• What does 'CLEARED TO DEPART FROM THE FIX' mean?
• How late can an aircraft on an IFR flight plan be considered overdue?
• What is indicated by an amended clearance?
• What steps must a facility take upon receiving an ALNOT?
• What type of information is provided in Block 20?
• What type of clearance is needed for aircraft to taxi on the runway?
• When is a flight plan automatically closed upon landing?
• How can call signs be abbreviated on a transmission after communications have been established?
• What does INREQ stand for in the context of search and rescue?
• What action does 'V' indicate in air traffic control clearances?
• What is included in the ATIS after a reported laser event?
• What is included in the clearance limit of an air traffic clearance?
• What information is found in Block 15 on a flight strip?
• Which block contains information about altitude?
• What must be completed during a verbal briefing in position relief?
• What does 'X' instruct a pilot to do?
• Which call sign is used to refer to the FAA Deputy Administrator?
• What is the main function of flight progress strips?
• What is the role of air traffic control in emergency situations such as bomb threats?
• Who is carried by DOT1?
• How long must a communications search fail to locate an aircraft for it to be considered missing?
• What does NDB stand for that aids in navigation and approach procedures?
• What term should be used to refer to aircraft lightly loaded with traffic?
• What is a key responsibility of air traffic controllers during an ALTRV operation?
• What is the full meaning of the term RH in a runway context?
• What should be used to delete any unused or unwanted symbols on a flight strip?
• Which message should be sent after stating the type of coordination in interphone communications?
• How do you express a TACAN channel of 88?
• What does departure clearance authorize?
• How many clearance items are there in total for an air traffic clearance?
• Which suffix indicates that an aircraft has a transponder but no Mode C and is not equipped with DME?
• What type of approach does SA signify in ATC terminology?
• What is the correct format for the frequency 126.55?
• Urgency in emergency situations implies what?
• What call sign is used for the President’s family when aboard any aircraft?
• What can cause an aircraft to make a forced landing?
• What is the purpose of the Initial Approach phase in flight?
• ALTRV operations often require coordination with which type of service?
• During which type of approach is a pilot allowed to continue to fly VFR even when under visual flight rules?
• What does distress signify in aviation emergencies?
• When a pilot receives the message 'O', what are they cleared for?
• What does the suffix 'Y' represent in terms of aircraft equipment?
• What is the term for an approach that entails flying to a specified point and then executing a missed approach if conditions are not met?
• Which of the following represents the proper way to say the airways T212, Q136, V12, J35?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the types of coordination in ATC?
• When a fix is not named, how should you state the location?
• Who can officially issue an emergency declaration?
• What type of aircraft actions should be reported on the ATIS?
• Which suffix indicates an aircraft that is fully equipped with a transponder and DME?
• In air traffic control, what does 'VR' signify?
• What is the correct pronunciation for the callsign DAL570?
• What does a 'CLEARED OVER THE FIX' clearance typically imply?
• How are US military tactical flights identified?
• ALNOTs are issued to provide information about overdue aircraft to which of the following?
• What prefix is used for an air carrier/air taxi ambulance?
• Which suffix signifies that an aircraft has no transponder but is equipped only with TACAN?
• Which statement summarizes the importance of aircraft separation standards?
• Which AFB is responsible for search and rescue operations in Alaska?
• What does "Report Leaving" refer to in ATC terms?
• Are strip marks considered a legal document?
• What is meant by the term "VFR portion of a composite flight plan" in relation to search and rescue procedures?
• What should controllers do when a pilot reports a malfunction?
• What does ICAO stand for?
• What identifies special military operations?
• Which of the following is the correct way to indicate an Air Traffic Control Tower on the radio?
• How should you say Atlanta ARTCC in radio communications?
• When is a 'BC' clearance issued to a pilot?
• How would you address DAL51 if he declares himself to be MEDEVAC?
• In air traffic control clearance abbreviations, what does the letter "Z" represent?
• When providing holding instructions as part of a clearance, what is a critical aspect to include?
• What is the phraseology for the callsign AAL52?
• Which suffix denotes a transponder equipped aircraft with no Mode C that is only TACAN capable?
• What is the prescribed phraseology to initiate a manual handoff?
• Which of the following is a recommended action when dealing with landing clearance?
• If there is a bomb threat against an aircraft, should the controller suggest actions for the pilot to take?
• Which block on an enroute strip contains the center-estimated time over the fix?
• What does Block 16 indicate on a flight strip?
• Which type of coordination involves the passing of flight plans to another facility?
• True or False: When aircraft in your sector have similar sounding call signs, you should still abbreviate their call signs on transmissions.
• Which two centers can issue ALNOTs?
• How does the dial line of interphone systems operate?
• What does the abbreviation RA stand for in Air Traffic Control communications?
• Which clearance is necessary for executing a specific landing procedure?
• Which facility is responsible for receiving and relaying all pertinent ELT signal information to the appropriate authorities?
• How is the fix ICT207010 correctly described in phraseology?
• What does ALTRV stand for and what does it authorize?
• An aircraft on an IFR flight plan is considered overdue after how much time has passed without communication or radar contact?
• Which type of approach is defined as an approach utilizing instruments to guide the aircraft precisely?
• What prefix should be used when establishing communication with US registered civil aircraft?
• What does squawking 7600 indicate?
• How are the call signs DOT1 and DOT2 stated?
• What is the first action to take upon receipt of an INREQ or ALNOT?
• What information is outlined in Block 25 of a flight strip?
• After receiving 'CLEARED THROUGH (FOR LANDING AND TAKEOFF)', what is the primary instruction for the pilot?
• In the context of traffic flow management, what is an important piece of information for non-approach control?
• What is indicated by the acronym RR in air traffic communications?
• What is the function of the frequency and beacon code information in an air traffic clearance?
• What is the call sign for the Vice President when flying on an Army plane?
• In a terminal environment, when should you use the terms 'super' or 'heavy'?
• Which flight plan type does not initiate search and rescue procedures by any organization?
• Which of the following might signal the need for ground rescue in an emergency?
• What is the first step in establishing interphone communication?
• What does a takeoff clearance provide to the pilot?
• What action should be taken if a bomb threat is specifically targeted at an aircraft?
• What are the two search procedures associated with search and rescue operations?
• What is the minimum information that should be obtained in an emergency situation?
• What is the primary outcome of effective communication in ATC?
• When performing a radar point out, what aspect is different from a handoff?
• When an inflight equipment malfunction is reported, what is the controller's priority?
• When is the phrase 'ATC CLEARS' used?
• What key information should be included when transferring radar identification?
• What three items should be recorded using authorized symbols or abbreviations?
• What are the main components of interphone ground-to-ground communication systems?
• In air traffic control, what does FMS stand for?
• What does the abbreviation 'N' signify in air traffic control communication?
• Mass movements of aircraft typically necessitate increased vigilance from which group?
• Which action is necessary when an aircraft is 'CLEARED TO HOLD'?
• Which ATC term indicates that an aircraft is about to reach a specific point?
• What additional pilot capability must be considered during an emergency?
• How is the callsign ASQ100 pronounced?
• What are some points to start counting from when considering an aircraft overdue?
• What does the transfer of radar ident from one controller to another without transferring communications describe?
• What is required from a specialist before formally taking responsibility for a position?
• Which of these situations could indicate an emergency exists?
• What should you do if a VFR pilot is having difficulty with weather and is not in your control area?
• What does "loss of communications" commonly refer to in air traffic control?
• What does the acronym MLS stand for in the context of aircraft approaches?
• When military and civilian facilities are nearby with similar names, how should you clarify the facility?
• What does the term 'interphone' refer to in air traffic control communication?
• What does 'Z' refer to in terms of air traffic control?
• What does the suffix 'B' signify regarding an aircraft's transponder and DME capabilities?
• When making a point out, which fact should be stated about the aircraft?
• What does the prefix 'S' indicate in military communication?
• When the president is on a civil aircraft, what phrase is used?
• How would you phrase the callsign for UPS807 being a heavy aircraft?
• Upon canceling an ALNOT, what information must the originator provide?
• What is the function of a landing clearance?
• For FAA authorized call signs, how would you articulate AAL 56 in radio communications?
• For IFR aircraft, what information must be forwarded to non-approach control towers to adjust traffic flow?
• How would you pronounce the identifier 'L653324'?
• Which prefix is used for the Coast Guard?
• What type of flight is indicated by the callsign 'VM56734'?
• How would you pronounce the unnamed fix near the Appleton NAVAID, APE050037?
• What does the suffix 'X' indicate regarding equipment compatibility of the selected aircraft?
• How is the time frame defined for an aircraft to be considered overdue?
• What is represented by the suffix 'A' in terms of aircraft equipment compatibility?
• What prefix should be used for air taxis and commercial operators without FAA authorized call signs?
• What is typically found in Block 26 on a flight strip?
• What must be stated when the clearance is for a NAVAID?
• Which control symbols are used to indicate that an ARTCC has forwarded flight information?
• What is the call sign used for the Secretary of Transportation's flight operations?
• What does the emergency transponder code 7700 indicate?
• Which phrase is used when a transmission is finished and a reply is expected?
• Which suffix indicates an aircraft equipped with a transponder featuring Mode C but no DME?
• With which organization must the latest generation ELT be registered to function properly?
• Who primarily assumes responsibility for a sector after a transfer of position in air traffic control?
• What does a cruise clearance authorize a pilot to do?
• For a civilian air ambulance flight with callsign LN3010B, how would you pronounce it?
• According to the control symbol chart, what does the bold letter "M" with an arrow through it stand for?
• Block 25 on a flight strip specifies which of the following?
• Which of the following prefixes refers to the Air/Army National Guard?
• When should an aircraft's activity be considered suspicious?
• What does the abbreviation "RX" stand for in miscellaneous abbreviations?
• When advising the radial for a VOR/TACAN/VORTAC, what is the correct order to state it?
• Who is responsible for canceling an ALNOT once it is no longer active?
• What does a pilot do when they acknowledge an instruction from air traffic control?
• How would you say an arc 30 miles out from the Oak City VORTAC?
• What kind of information is NOT required from a pilot during a bomb threat?
• What does the term "auto" signify in ATC equipment context?
• What characterizes the number 7 when written on a strip in ATC?
• How should the callsign SWA101 be pronounced?
• What potential issue must controllers be aware of during ALTRV operations?
• What is the function of the National Search and Rescue Plan?
• What does the acronym DEN refer to in an aviation context?
• Which mnemonic helps remember the order of the nine air traffic clearance items?
• What does the acronym GPS stand for in air traffic control terminology?
• What action must be taken during the hand-off process between controllers?
• What is the maximum range from the last reported position that the search area can be expanded to for overdue aircraft?
• When should you use the words 'super' or 'heavy' in an en route environment?
• What does ALTRV stand for in the context of air traffic control?
• Which of the following is a characteristic of a Precision Approach?
• What is the purpose of cruise clearance?
• What should the mach number reflect if applicable in an air traffic clearance?
• What is 'SNOWMAN1' an example of?
• What is the correct pronunciation for a field elevation of 2,817?
• Which facility has search and rescue responsibility for aircraft operating under a special VFR clearance?
• What is the correct way to announce a speed of 250 knots?
• Which call sign represents the Deputy Secretary of Transportation's aircraft?
• For an aircraft without a flight plan, how long must it be reported overdue at the destination before it is considered overdue?
• How should you say the frequency of 302 kHz?
• What is the proper term for an altimeter reading of 29.92?
• What should an ATC facility do if an aircraft does not contact them after an ALNOT is issued?
• How would you say a mach speed of 0.64?
• What does 'VA' refer to in aviation context?
• Which military branch is responsible for search and rescue operations for the inland region?
• What is the first stage of position relief in air traffic control?
• What is indicated by the acronym ILS in relation to aircraft landing procedures?
• What does "NORDO" stand for in aviation communication?
• How would you pronounce the minimum descent altitude of 1,320?
• What is the primary military branch responsible for maritime search and rescue?
• In the context of callsigns, what does 'LN' signify for a civilian air ambulance?
• What does MA stand for in the context of flight procedures?
• When is the regular testing of ELTs (Emergency Locator Transmitters) conducted?
• What does 'Q' signify in a clearance communication?
• What is the key element that must be confirmed before proceeding with the transfer of control of an aircraft?
• For how long should general caution be broadcast for a laser event?
• What critical information should a controller try and obtain from a pilot during a bomb threat?
• What does the prefix 'E' represent in military terminology?
• What is the action of transferring control in air traffic management?
• Which identifier is used for the FAA Administrator's aircraft?
• Which element is NOT typically required in a point out message?
• What kind of information is included in a clearance besides the altitude and path?
• In an ALTRV operation, air traffic controllers are mostly concerned with which aspect?
• When should a pilot change frequencies in an emergency situation?
• What is the definition of ATC instructions?
• What is the first clearance item in the standard order for flight clearance?
• Which of the following clearances includes the phrase 'AT THE PILOT'S DISCRETION'?
• Which of the following is the highest priority message during interphone coordination?
• What is the correct way to state a distance of 30 miles?
• In ATC language, what does TL mean?
• What is typically communicated to pilots regarding their flight plans?
• What does squawking 7500 indicate?
• What is the purpose of an aircraft identification number?
• What do you call a distance of 5 nautical miles?
• What does 'CLEARED TO HOLD AND INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED' entail?
• Which abbreviation should pilots use to indicate they are passing a waypoint?
• How is a heading of 30 degrees expressed in communication?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the four commonly used methods of coordination?
• In an ALTRV scenario, which of the following elements can influence the routing of aircraft?
• What is the primary condition for transferring control of an airplane in air traffic management?
• What is indicated by the term 'CLEARED TO THE FIX'?
• What does Block 19 on a flight strip represent for departing aircraft?
• For the callsign NWA1725, how would you say it aloud?
• What is the correct sequence for interphone communication between controllers?
• When managing ALTRV operations, what type of airspace traffic is generally prioritized?
• What does the acronym CIC stand for in air traffic control?
• Which military branch is represented by the prefix 'A'?
• Which indication represents the runway heading in ATC terminology?
• What does SAR stand for in aviation context?
• How would you express an altimeter setting of 30.01?
• Upon the Vice President's flight on an Army aircraft, which call sign should be used?
• What function do override lines serve in interphone systems?
• What does SAR stand for in aviation terminology?
• An aircraft on a VFR or DVFR flight plan is considered overdue how many minutes after the estimated time of arrival (ETA)?
• When is a new strip generated in air traffic control?
• During which step of the briefing process is the briefing on applicable traffic accomplished?
• What is the primary reason for identifying an aircraft as 'heavy'?
• Is minimum fuel considered an emergency situation?
• Which element is critical to the success of ALTRV missions regarding safety?
• ALTRV operations primarily support which type of air traffic?
• What is meant by the term 'acknowledge' in air traffic control communication?
• What is the phrase used to identify the president aboard a military aircraft?
• What does the suffix 'P' indicate about the aircraft's transponder?
• What does ROC stand for in air traffic control terminology?
• What information is required when describing an arc for a VOR-DME/VORTAC/TACAN?
• What is meant by 'fix' in ATC terminology?
• What does 'CLEARED TO LAND' authorize?
• Which suffix signifies that an aircraft has a transponder with Mode C and is only TACAN capable?
• In ATC communication, what is the importance of clear phraseology?
• What is a shoutline in air traffic control communication?
• What initial information do you provide when initiating a point out to another controller?
• What type of area does 'CLEARED TO FLY SPECIFIED SECTORS' relate to?
• Under what circumstances does ARTCC initiate search and rescue procedures?
• What is a unique aspect of issuing clearances for Air Force One?
• What does LAHSO stand for in the context of air traffic control?
• In radio communication, the phrase "over" should be used when:
• What is the width of the search area for an ALNOT?
• What is the primary function of an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)?
• What does Block 21 refer to in a flight strip?
• If an inaccuracy is recognized by the specialist being relieved after they have relinquished position responsibility, who should they notify?
• What person is carried by DOT2?
• Who is responsible for canceling an IFR flight plan when landing at an airport without a functioning control tower?
• What does 'CLEARED AS FILED' imply?
• Which of the following is critical for maintaining situational awareness in ATC?
• How are flight check aircraft callsigns read?
• When should you omit the word "over" in a radio transmission?
• For how long does an ELT operate after being activated?
• What is the prefix identifier for Department of Energy aircraft?
• During a distress situation, what phrase does a pilot communicate?
• When air traffic controllers say "RP," what are they requesting?
• What role do handoffs play in air traffic control?
• Which method of coordination offers the advantages of immediate communication without reliance on equipment?
• What is meant by a 'radar handoff' in ATC coordination?
• How are military aircraft prefixes identified?
• What call sign is used for the Secretary of Transportation's aircraft?
• In the context of air traffic control, what does 'T' mean for a pilot?
• What word indicates that a conversation has ended and no response is expected?
• Which of the following indicates a straight-in approach in ATC communications?
• What does 'APREQ' stand for in air traffic control terminology?
• When the President is on a civil aircraft, which call sign is used?
• What defines an undue delay in the context of minimum fuel?
• What does the 'C' suffix indicate about an aircraft's transponder capability?
• On an enroute flight strip, where is the aircraft identifier typically located?
• What phrase should a pilot use in an urgency situation?
• What is the purpose of an approach clearance?
• Why might military operations require ALTRV procedures to be established?
• What does the suffix 'U' represent regarding an aircraft's transponder?
• What is not a valid reason for changing the frequency from the initial contact frequency during an emergency?
• How do you say a heading of 5 degrees?
• Before receiving a verbal briefing from the relieving specialist, what must the relieving specialist do?
• What is the maximum elapsed time after which ARTCC will initiate a search for IFR aircraft?
• What should you do when communicating with an aircraft on initial contact?
• Which system guides an aircraft through the flight management documentation during approach?
• What is the prefix for a domestic general aviation aircraft when the aircraft type is unknown?
• What does a 'CT' clearance signify?
• What happens automatically when an aircraft enters a new controller's area of jurisdiction?
• Which flight plans would require FSS to initiate search and rescue procedures?
• What is the purpose of Block 28 in a flight strip?
• What is the purpose of shout lines in ground communication systems?
• For air carrier and civil aircraft with FAA-authorized call signs, how should you articulate an example like AAL 52?
• How frequently should caution be broadcast for a laser event?
• What is the purpose of 'through clearance' for pilots?
• What facility has initial search and rescue responsibility for aircraft on a VFR flight plan?
• Which of the following is NOT a reason to issue a traffic advisory?
• Which suffix indicates an aircraft with no transponder and does not have DME?
• Which Air Force Base is primarily responsible for search and rescue operations in the inland region within the contiguous United States?
• What does 'PD' indicate for a pilot in terms of altitude change?
• What details are included in Block 21 on a flight strip?
• What primary role does a takeoff clearance serve in air traffic control?
• How is a heading of 45 degrees pronounced?
• What must a pilot do to receive a service over specified geographical features?
• What does the term 'verify' request in an air traffic control context?
• What primary function does the phrase 'super' refer to in aviation?
• How are FAA1 and FAA2 stated and who do they carry?
• What is the function of the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC)?
• What does the phrase 'CLEARED TO THE AIRPORT' indicate?
• What is the VAR in the context of reporting?
• What does the military prefix 'R' stand for?
• Which group is likely to issue a Volcanic Activity Reporting Form?
• In which block would you expect to find remarks such as minimum fuel?
• Which organization is primarily responsible for search and rescue operations at the regional level?
• If an airplane squawks 7700, what indication will appear on the radar scope?
• How is the letter Z represented on a flight strip?
• When is a Search and Rescue operation necessary?
• Which of the following factors can point of interest regarding equipment malfunction affect?
• What phrase should be used to interrupt lower priority messages for a higher priority message?
• What defines an unreported aircraft?
• Which element is necessary in relaying critical information during the briefing process?
• What is the term for the phase of flight when an aircraft descends toward the runway for landing?
• What are the universal emergency frequencies in aviation?
• What does the suffix 'N' imply about the aircraft's transponder capabilities?
• What is the correct order for issuing a traffic advisory?
• What does the acronym MANPADs stand for?
• What is the purpose of a handoff in air traffic control?
• When a pilot receives the message 'CLEARED TO CROSS AT', what is the pilot instructed to do?
• What is the letter prefix for the Air Force regarding air traffic control?
• What must a pilot do when they want to cancel an IFR flight plan?
• What call sign should be used when referring to the Vice President’s aircraft?
• What is the purpose of Block 5 on a flight strip?
• What are the four key components that should be included in initial radio contact with an aircraft?
• What is the call sign used for a civilian air ambulance flight?
• What term describes an aircraft that has failed to report and the appropriate time frame has elapsed?
• What does RX refer to in the context of ATC communication?
• What does 'CENTER CLEARANCE DELIVERED' mean?
• Which information is captured in Block 18 of a flight strip?
• Emergency situations can be classified into how many distinct categories?
• What kind of information is noted in Block 19?
• When are the terms 'heavy' or 'super' not used for a super or heavy aircraft?
• What does through clearance allow for an aircraft?
• What geographical features generate a reporting service program for flight?
• When issuing a clearance limit that is an airport, which word must follow the airport name?
• What is indicated in Block 17 on a flight strip?
• How should you express a frequency of 118.50?
• How would you advise DAL843 heavy about another aircraft in their vicinity?
• What type of signal does an ELT emit after activation?
• During what circumstance might an aircraft need an amended clearance?
• In an urgency situation, what can be the primary concern?
• What provides aircraft or vehicles a route to follow while on movement areas of the airport?
• What does landing clearance authorize?
• What does the abbreviation for "Report Crossing" signify in ATC communication?
• Which approach is typically used to provide guidance to pilots in non-precision approaches?
• What does 'VM' refer to in military prefixes?
• Which of the following best describes the term ALTRV in air traffic control?
• Which of the following is NOT a type of prefix used when a non-ATC facility relays ATC information?
• Which clearance allows for a pilot to make intermediate stops on their way to a final destination?
• How is VOR (Tulsa) Radial 310 correctly pronounced?
• On what frequency do newer generation ELTs transmit a stronger signal?
• What is the purpose of using phonetic pronunciation when communicating with aircraft?
• What is the importance of accurate flight strip representation?
• In traffic advisories, what is NOT part of the advised information?
• How do you indicate a TRACON facility on the radio?
• What is required if an aircraft is planned to fly over lakes, mountains, swamps, or islands?
• After the relieving specialist assumes responsibility for a sector, what should the relieved specialist do?
• Before the RCC can begin search and rescue operations, what must be issued?
• What is the focus of a GPS approach?
• What does the abbreviation DA represent in aviation?
• What does the acronym SIA represent in air traffic control communication?