ATC Basics Block 1 Questions and
Answers Latest Version Already Passed
What is the function of an ARTCC?
✔✔ To manage high-altitude en route traffic between airports
Why do controllers use phraseology like "roger" instead of "yes"?
✔✔ To ensure clarity and reduce miscommunication
What does "clear of conflict" mean?
✔✔ The aircraft is no longer in proximity to another requiring separation
What is the purpose of "expect vectors" in an ATC clearance?
✔✔ The pilot should anticipate radar directions for navigation
What does "unable" mean in pilot-to-ATC communication?
✔✔ The pilot cannot comply with the given instruction due to operational reasons
1
,What does "descend via" mean in a clearance?
✔✔ The pilot should follow altitude restrictions published on the arrival procedure
What is the role of clearance delivery in ATC?
✔✔ To issue flight plans and departure clearances before taxiing
What does "maintain visual separation" require a pilot to do?
✔✔ Keep a safe distance from other aircraft using visual reference
What does "flight following" provide to a VFR pilot?
✔✔ ATC assistance and traffic advisories while en route
What does "souls on board" refer to in emergency situations?
✔✔ The total number of people on the aircraft, including crew and passengers
What should a pilot do when told to "expedite" a climb or descent?
✔✔ Increase the rate of altitude change as quickly as safely possible
2
,What does "negative contact" mean in ATC communication?
✔✔ The pilot does not have the intended aircraft or ground reference in sight
What does "cross the fix at or above" mean?
✔✔ The aircraft must be at or above the specified altitude when reaching the fix
What does "continue approach" mean?
✔✔ The aircraft should proceed with the landing approach but has not been cleared to land yet
What is the primary responsibility of air traffic control?
✔✔ To ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in controlled airspace
What does the term "separation" mean in ATC?
✔✔ The minimum required distance between aircraft to maintain safety
Which frequency is designated for emergency communications in aviation?
✔✔ 121.5 MHz
3
, What does a transponder do in ATC operations?
✔✔ It provides aircraft identification and altitude information to ATC radar
Why do pilots read back ATC instructions?
✔✔ To confirm they correctly received and understood the clearance
What does "cleared for takeoff" mean?
✔✔ The aircraft has permission to depart from the runway
What is the purpose of an ATIS broadcast?
✔✔ To provide pilots with airport weather, active runways, and other essential information
What does "stand by" mean when given by ATC?
✔✔ The controller is temporarily busy and will respond shortly
What is a "holding pattern"?
✔✔ A predetermined flight path for delaying aircraft before further clearance
4
Answers Latest Version Already Passed
What is the function of an ARTCC?
✔✔ To manage high-altitude en route traffic between airports
Why do controllers use phraseology like "roger" instead of "yes"?
✔✔ To ensure clarity and reduce miscommunication
What does "clear of conflict" mean?
✔✔ The aircraft is no longer in proximity to another requiring separation
What is the purpose of "expect vectors" in an ATC clearance?
✔✔ The pilot should anticipate radar directions for navigation
What does "unable" mean in pilot-to-ATC communication?
✔✔ The pilot cannot comply with the given instruction due to operational reasons
1
,What does "descend via" mean in a clearance?
✔✔ The pilot should follow altitude restrictions published on the arrival procedure
What is the role of clearance delivery in ATC?
✔✔ To issue flight plans and departure clearances before taxiing
What does "maintain visual separation" require a pilot to do?
✔✔ Keep a safe distance from other aircraft using visual reference
What does "flight following" provide to a VFR pilot?
✔✔ ATC assistance and traffic advisories while en route
What does "souls on board" refer to in emergency situations?
✔✔ The total number of people on the aircraft, including crew and passengers
What should a pilot do when told to "expedite" a climb or descent?
✔✔ Increase the rate of altitude change as quickly as safely possible
2
,What does "negative contact" mean in ATC communication?
✔✔ The pilot does not have the intended aircraft or ground reference in sight
What does "cross the fix at or above" mean?
✔✔ The aircraft must be at or above the specified altitude when reaching the fix
What does "continue approach" mean?
✔✔ The aircraft should proceed with the landing approach but has not been cleared to land yet
What is the primary responsibility of air traffic control?
✔✔ To ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in controlled airspace
What does the term "separation" mean in ATC?
✔✔ The minimum required distance between aircraft to maintain safety
Which frequency is designated for emergency communications in aviation?
✔✔ 121.5 MHz
3
, What does a transponder do in ATC operations?
✔✔ It provides aircraft identification and altitude information to ATC radar
Why do pilots read back ATC instructions?
✔✔ To confirm they correctly received and understood the clearance
What does "cleared for takeoff" mean?
✔✔ The aircraft has permission to depart from the runway
What is the purpose of an ATIS broadcast?
✔✔ To provide pilots with airport weather, active runways, and other essential information
What does "stand by" mean when given by ATC?
✔✔ The controller is temporarily busy and will respond shortly
What is a "holding pattern"?
✔✔ A predetermined flight path for delaying aircraft before further clearance
4
