I85PREP
⌘ K
NAV Brasil ATCO (PTNA) study materials
NAV Brasil ATCO (PTNA) study resources

NAV Brasil ATCO (PTNA) practice questions

One question at a time. Build your NAV Brasil ATCO (PTNA) understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Under the ICAO Chicago Convention, which document constitutes the certificate of registration of an aircraft?

  1. The journey log book carried on board
  2. The crew member licences held by the pilot in command
  3. The aircraft registration certificate issued by the State of Registry Correct answer.
  4. The certificate of airworthiness issued after inspection

Explanation

The Convention on International Civil Aviation establishes that an aircraft must be registered in a State, and that State issues a certificate of registration. The certificate of airworthiness is a separate document attesting technical fitness for flight.

Question 2Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

In ICAO Annex 2 terminology, an aircraft is considered to be 'in flight' from the moment

  1. the landing gear is retracted after lift-off
  2. the aircraft leaves the surface of the runway
  3. the aircraft first moves under its own power for take-off Correct answer.
  4. the engine is started for the purpose of taking off

Explanation

Annex 2 defines 'in flight' as the period from the moment the aircraft first moves under its own power for the purpose of taking off until the moment it comes to rest after landing. Engine start alone does not begin flight.

Question 3Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Which body of the International Civil Aviation Organization adopts Standards and Recommended Practices as Annexes to the Chicago Convention?

  1. The Air Navigation Commission
  2. The Secretariat
  3. The ICAO Council Correct answer.
  4. The Assembly

Explanation

The ICAO Council, a permanent governing body, adopts and amends Annexes to the Convention. The Air Navigation Commission only prepares and recommends technical proposals for Council consideration.

Question 4Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

A Standard in an ICAO Annex is best described as a specification whose uniform application is recognized as

  1. necessary for the safety or regularity of international air navigation Correct answer.
  2. applicable only to aircraft engaged in commercial transport
  3. optional guidance for States adopting bilateral agreements
  4. desirable but not mandatory for Contracting States

Explanation

Annex 9-type definitions distinguish Standards from Recommended Practices: a Standard is any specification whose uniform application is recognized as necessary for the safety or regularity of international air navigation. A Recommended Practice is desirable but not mandatory.

Question 5Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Under ICAO Annex 1, a commercial pilot licence for aeroplanes requires the holder to hold at least which medical assessment?

  1. Class 3
  2. Class 1 Correct answer.
  3. No medical assessment is required
  4. Class 2

Explanation

Annex 1 requires applicants for and holders of commercial pilot licences to hold a valid Class 1 medical assessment. Class 2 applies to private pilots and certain other licence categories.

Question 6Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

According to ICAO Annex 11, which unit is responsible for providing alerting service to aircraft within a specified area?

  1. The unit providing air traffic services, in accordance with procedures established by the State Correct answer.
  2. The aerodrome operator
  3. The area control centre only when requested by the pilot
  4. The unit providing approach control service

Explanation

Annex 11 assigns alerting service to the air traffic services unit responsible for the aircraft, in accordance with procedures established by the State. It is not conditional on pilot request and is not limited to approach units.

Question 7Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

In radiotelephony, the word 'ROGER' means that

  1. the transmission has been corrupted and must be repeated
  2. the transmission has been received and will be complied with
  3. the message has been received and understood and a reply is expected
  4. the message has been received in full Correct answer.

Explanation

ICAO Annex 10 Volume II standard phraseology uses ROGER to mean 'I have received all of your last transmission'. It is not an acknowledgement requiring action and should not be used to answer a question requiring a direct answer.

Question 8Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Under Brazilian aviation regulation, which authority is responsible for regulating and supervising civil aviation and for issuing air traffic controller licences?

  1. The Ministry of Defence directly
  2. DECEA
  3. INFRAERO
  4. ANAC Correct answer.

Explanation

ANAC (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil) is the Brazilian civil aviation authority responsible for regulation and supervision of civil aviation, including licensing of aviation personnel. DECEA is responsible for airspace control and air navigation services.

Question 9Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Under ICAO Annex 2, a controlled flight must obtain a clearance before entering controlled airspace. If a clearance is not received, the pilot should

  1. proceed on the basis of the flight plan filed
  2. enter the airspace and inform ATC afterwards
  3. descend below the base of controlled airspace
  4. remain outside controlled airspace and request a clearance again Correct answer.

Explanation

Annex 2 requires a controlled flight to obtain an air traffic control clearance before entering controlled airspace. Without a clearance the aircraft must remain outside and request a clearance.

Question 10Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

A pilot in command of an aircraft operating in international flight observes another aircraft in apparent distress. Under Annex 2, the pilot

  1. shall proceed as circumstances permit to give assistance, unless unable or unreasonable Correct answer.
  2. shall report the sighting only after landing
  3. may disregard the situation because separation is ATC responsibility
  4. must always land at the nearest aerodrome

Explanation

Annex 2 obliges the pilot in command to give assistance to an aircraft in distress as far as circumstances permit. The obligation is qualified by considerations of safety and unreasonableness.

Question 11Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

An aircraft on an IFR flight is cleared to descend to FL080. The pilot's altimeter reads 8,200 feet with the local QNH set. Which statement is correct?

  1. The aircraft is below the cleared level and may continue
  2. The clearance remains valid because altitude and flight level are interchangeable
  3. The aircraft is above the cleared level and must correct immediately Correct answer.
  4. The aircraft is exactly at the cleared level because flight levels use QNE

Explanation

A clearance to a flight level is flown with the standard pressure setting, whereas an altitude is flown with QNH. With QNH set and a reading of 8,200 feet, the aircraft is above the assigned level and must be corrected to comply.

Question 12Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Under ICAO Annex 11, what is the minimum horizontal separation normally applied between aircraft on the same route in a radar-controlled environment where reduced separation has been approved?

  1. 5 NM Correct answer.
  2. 15 NM
  3. 10 NM
  4. 20 NM

Explanation

Where an appropriate radar system is available and approved by the State, Annex 11 permits a minimum horizontal separation of 5 NM between aircraft at the same level. Greater values apply where radar separation is not authorized.

Question 13Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

A controller clears an aircraft to 'descend when ready' while another aircraft occupies the lower level. Which principle of Annex 11 applies?

  1. Clearances are advisory only in controlled airspace
  2. Clearances may delegate separation responsibility to the pilot
  3. Clearances must ensure separation is maintained at all times Correct answer.
  4. Clearances may be issued conditionally without restriction

Explanation

Annex 11 requires that air traffic control clearances be issued only when separation can be maintained. Responsibility for separation remains with the ATS unit and cannot be delegated to the pilot through a clearance.

Question 14Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Under ICAO Annex 10 Volume II, when a controller wishes an aircraft to change to a new frequency and the pilot must report when ready, the appropriate phrase is

  1. 'MONITOR [frequency]'
  2. 'STANDBY [frequency]'
  3. 'REPORT [frequency]'
  4. 'CONTACT [unit] [frequency]' Correct answer.

Explanation

'CONTACT' is used to instruct an aircraft to establish communication with a specified unit on a given frequency. 'MONITOR' merely instructs the pilot to listen without transmitting.

Question 15Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Under ICAO Annex 12, the search and rescue region of a State is defined as

  1. an area of defined dimensions associated with a rescue coordination centre within which SAR services are provided Correct answer.
  2. the territorial waters of the State only
  3. the area covered by the State's radar network
  4. the airspace over which the State provides air traffic control

Explanation

Annex 12 defines a search and rescue region as an area of defined dimensions associated with a rescue coordination centre within which search and rescue services are provided. It is not identical to controlled airspace or radar coverage.

Question 16Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

A controller in Brazil observes that an aircraft has not reported at a compulsory reporting point within the expected time. According to Annex 11 alerting service provisions, the controller should

  1. initiate alerting action in accordance with prescribed procedures Correct answer.
  2. cancel the flight plan and close the flight
  3. wait for the next scheduled position report before acting
  4. advise the aircraft operator only after the flight lands

Explanation

Annex 11 requires alerting service to be initiated when an aircraft fails to report at the expected time or place. The unit must act in accordance with prescribed procedures rather than waiting passively.

Question 17Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Under ICAO Annex 2, which of the following aircraft has the right of way over all other aircraft in flight?

  1. An aircraft experiencing a communications failure
  2. An aircraft on final approach to land
  3. An aircraft towing another aircraft
  4. An aircraft engaged in an emergency landing Correct answer.

Explanation

Annex 2 gives the right of way to an aircraft in a state of emergency, including one making an emergency landing. Other categories such as balloons, gliders and aircraft towing have specific but lower priority.

Question 18Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Under ICAO Annex 1, the holder of an air traffic controller licence must demonstrate language proficiency at least at which level of the ICAO language proficiency scale for radiotelephony?

  1. Level 4 Correct answer.
  2. Level 6
  3. Level 3
  4. Level 5

Explanation

Annex 1 requires air traffic controllers and pilots to demonstrate at least Operational Level 4 proficiency in the language used for radiotelephony communications. Levels above 4 are desirable but not the minimum.

Question 19Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

According to ICAO Annex 14, an obstacle limitation surface intended to protect aircraft on approach is the

  1. conical surface
  2. approach surface Correct answer.
  3. inner horizontal surface
  4. take-off climb surface

Explanation

The approach surface is an inclined plane established beyond the threshold of a runway to protect aircraft on approach. The take-off climb surface protects the departure path instead.

Question 20Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Under ICAO Annex 2, an aircraft operating under visual flight rules at night in controlled airspace must maintain a flight visibility of at least

  1. 1,500 m
  2. 8 km
  3. 3 km
  4. 5 km Correct answer.

Explanation

Annex 2 prescribes for night VFR in controlled airspace a flight visibility of at least 5 km. Lower values apply only to specific categories such as helicopters under stated conditions.

Question 21Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

A controller issues a clearance that would require an aircraft to descend below the minimum safe altitude in a mountainous area. What is the correct course of action?

  1. Withhold the clearance and issue one that respects the minimum safe altitude Correct answer.
  2. Issue the clearance because the pilot retains final authority
  3. Issue the clearance with a caution about terrain
  4. Issue the clearance only if the pilot accepts it verbally

Explanation

Annex 11 requires ATS to issue clearances that ensure safe altitudes are respected. A clearance conflicting with minimum safe altitude must not be issued, and a caution does not cure the conflict.

Question 22Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Under ICAO Annex 10 Volume II, a distress message from an aircraft has priority over all other communications. Which transmission should be made first by the station receiving it?

  1. A request for the pilot's intentions
  2. The distress message itself if the aircraft cannot transmit Correct answer.
  3. A routine position report
  4. An urgency message to other aircraft

Explanation

When an aircraft in distress cannot transmit, the station receiving the distress call should relay the distress message to the appropriate unit. Distress traffic has absolute priority over all other communications.

Question 23Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Under ICAO Annex 11, what is the primary purpose of a flight information service?

  1. To coordinate search and rescue operations
  2. To provide separation between IFR flights
  3. To issue clearances to controlled flights
  4. To provide advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights Correct answer.

Explanation

Flight information service provides advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights, including weather, aerodrome conditions and hazards. It does not provide separation or issue clearances.

Question 24Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

A State files a difference with an ICAO Standard. Under Article 38 of the Chicago Convention, the effect of that notification is that

  1. the difference is published and the State is not bound to comply with that Standard Correct answer.
  2. the Standard ceases to apply to all Contracting States
  3. the State is automatically suspended from ICAO
  4. the State must nevertheless comply with the Standard

Explanation

Article 38 allows a State that finds it impracticable to comply with a Standard to notify a difference, which ICAO publishes. The State is thereby not bound to comply, but the Standard remains in force for others.

Question 25Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Under Brazilian regulation and ICAO Annex 2, an aircraft intercepted by another aircraft must, when radio contact is established,

  1. immediately descend to the lowest safe altitude
  2. attempt to establish radio communication and comply with instructions, notifying the intercepting aircraft if unable Correct answer.
  3. squawk 7700 and turn away from the intercepting aircraft
  4. continue on its current heading until instructed otherwise

Explanation

Annex 2 interception procedures require the intercepted aircraft to attempt radio communication, comply with intercepting aircraft instructions, and inform the intercepting aircraft if it cannot comply. Immediate descent or turning away is not prescribed.

Question 26Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Under ICAO Annex 2, which condition must be met before an aircraft may be operated as a controlled flight in controlled airspace?

  1. The aircraft must be equipped with a serviceable transponder
  2. The pilot must hold a valid instrument rating
  3. A flight plan must have been filed with the ATS unit
  4. An air traffic control clearance must have been obtained Correct answer.

Explanation

Annex 2 requires that controlled flights in controlled airspace obtain an air traffic control clearance, which allocates the aircraft a protected status within the airspace. Filing a flight plan or carrying particular equipment may be required by other provisions, but neither substitutes for the clearance itself.

Question 27Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

In ICAO Annex 11, which body is responsible for establishing the units that provide air traffic services within a flight information region?

  1. The Contracting State that has accepted responsibility for the FIR Correct answer.
  2. The ICAO Regional Office for the region concerned
  3. The operator of the aerodrome of departure
  4. The aircraft operator whose route crosses the FIR

Explanation

Annex 11 allocates to the State accepting responsibility for providing air traffic services in a flight information region the duty to arrange for those services to be established and provided. ICAO itself coordinates standards and regional plans but does not operate or designate the service units.

Question 28Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

An aircraft is cleared to hold over a VOR at FL100 with a maximum holding speed of 230 kt IAS. The pilot reports established in the hold and the controller later observes the aircraft flying at 250 kt IAS. Which action is most appropriate for the controller?

  1. Advise the pilot of the observed speed and request compliance with the speed limit Correct answer.
  2. Cancel the holding clearance and clear the aircraft for the approach
  3. Take no action because speed control is the pilot's sole responsibility
  4. Issue an immediate clearance to descend to a lower level

Explanation

The controller is responsible for separation and for ensuring that aircraft conform to the terms of their clearances, including any speed restriction attached to a holding instruction. Drawing the pilot's attention to the discrepancy restores the intended protection without introducing new hazards.

Question 29Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

Under ICAO Annex 10 Volume II, which phraseology should a controller use to instruct a pilot to read back the assigned SSR code?

  1. CONFIRM SQUAWK
  2. SAY AGAIN followed by the four digits
  3. SQUAWK followed by the four digits Correct answer.
  4. STANDBY followed by the four digits

Explanation

The standard instruction for assigning a secondary surveillance radar code is the word SQUAWK followed by the four digits, and the pilot reads the code back. This standard wording avoids ambiguity about whether a code is being assigned or merely verified.

Question 30Air Law and Regulatory Framework (ICAO Annexes, Brazilian aviation regulations, ATS rules)

A State finds that a difference from an ICAO Standard in Annex 11 cannot be brought into compliance before the notified effective date. Under the Chicago Convention, what is the correct course of action?

  1. Request ICAO to amend the Standard to match national practice
  2. Notify ICAO promptly of the difference and of any subsequent action taken Correct answer.
  3. Apply the Standard only to international flights of other States
  4. Suspend the affected air traffic services until full compliance is achieved

Explanation

Article 38 of the Chicago Convention obliges a State that cannot comply with a Standard to notify ICAO of the difference without delay and to inform it of the action eventually taken. The notification keeps other States aware of the actual conditions under which their aircraft will operate.

Question 31Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

Under ICAO Annex 11, which body is responsible for establishing the air traffic services within a flight information region?

  1. The aerodrome operator nearest the region boundary
  2. The ICAO Regional Office for the area
  3. The State or States providing the air traffic services in that region Correct answer.
  4. The airline operators whose routes cross the region

Explanation

Annex 11 assigns to the responsible State the duty to provide, or arrange for the provision of, air traffic services within each flight information region. The State may delegate the operation by agreement, but the responsibility remains with the State or States concerned. Airlines, ICAO regional offices and aerodrome operators have no such regulatory responsibility.

Question 32Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

What is the primary objective of the alerting service provided to known aircraft?

  1. Sequencing arrivals so that holding is minimized
  2. Notifying appropriate organizations when an aircraft needs search and rescue assistance Correct answer.
  3. Distributing meteorological forecasts to departing crews
  4. Separating IFR traffic from VFR traffic

Explanation

The alerting service exists to notify the appropriate search and rescue organizations when an aircraft is in need of assistance, and to assist those organizations as required. Sequencing, separation and weather briefing are separate functions of air traffic control and flight information services.

Question 33Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

A controlled flight is one that is:

  1. Operated above flight level 245
  2. Conducted only under instrument flight rules
  3. Flying within a danger area
  4. Provided with air traffic control service Correct answer.

Explanation

A controlled flight is any flight that is subject to air traffic control service, which requires a clearance and compliance with ATC instructions. It is not defined by the flight rules used or by the level flown. VFR flights can be controlled, and danger areas do not create controlled flights.

Question 34Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

Which unit issues a clearance to an aircraft operating on the manoeuvring area of a controlled aerodrome?

  1. The flight information centre
  2. The approach control unit
  3. The aerodrome control tower Correct answer.
  4. The area control centre

Explanation

Aerodrome control towers issue clearances for traffic on the manoeuvring area and for aircraft flying in the aerodrome traffic circuit. Approach control handles arriving and departing traffic beyond that scope, while area control handles the en-route phase. Flight information centres do not issue ATC clearances.

Question 35Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

An ATC clearance is best described as:

  1. An authorization for an aircraft to proceed under specified conditions Correct answer.
  2. A guarantee that no other traffic will be encountered
  3. A mandatory route that must be flown exactly as filed
  4. A request from the pilot that the controller may accept

Explanation

A clearance is an authorization for an aircraft to proceed under conditions specified by an air traffic control unit. It is not a guarantee of safety from all traffic, since the pilot remains responsible for collision avoidance and for terrain clearance where applicable. It is also an authorization given by the controller, not a pilot request.

Question 36Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

In the ICAO flight plan form, which item contains the aircraft identification?

  1. Item 8
  2. Item 7 Correct answer.
  3. Item 13
  4. Item 16

Explanation

Item 7 of the ICAO flight plan carries the aircraft identification, which is the callsign or registration to be used in radio communications. Item 8 holds the flight rules and type of flight, Item 13 the departure aerodrome and time, and Item 16 the destination and alternate aerodromes.

Question 37Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

Which of the following flights must submit a flight plan before departure?

  1. A glider flight confined to a local soaring area
  2. A VFR flight remaining within the aerodrome traffic circuit
  3. A flight conducted entirely within an uncontrolled area with no service requested
  4. A flight to be provided with air traffic control service Correct answer.

Explanation

A flight plan must be submitted for any flight that will receive air traffic control service or alerting service, and for flights across international borders. Local circuit VFR flights and gliders in defined areas are normally exempt. Flights in uncontrolled airspace with no service requested are also generally exempt.

Question 38Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

What does the term "estimated off-block time" refer to in a flight plan?

  1. The time the aircraft is expected to land at destination
  2. The estimated time the aircraft will begin to move from its parking position Correct answer.
  3. The time the aircraft reaches its cruising level
  4. The time the aircraft becomes airborne from the runway

Explanation

The estimated off-block time is the estimated time at which the aircraft will commence movement from its parking position for the purpose of departing. It differs from the actual time of departure, which is the moment the aircraft becomes airborne. Cruising level and landing times are separate points in the profile.

Question 39Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

An aircraft is instructed to hold at a VOR/DME fix on the 090 radial at 20 DME, inbound track 270, right turns. Which holding pattern is described?

  1. A racetrack pattern with outbound leg to the east
  2. A procedure turn rather than a hold
  3. A non-standard left-hand holding pattern with inbound track 090
  4. A standard right-hand holding pattern with inbound track 270 Correct answer.

Explanation

A standard holding pattern uses right-hand turns, and the inbound track is the course flown toward the holding fix, here 270. The aircraft approaches the fix on the 090 radial and turns to join the inbound track, so the description matches a standard right-hand hold. Left-hand turns would be non-standard and would require explicit notification.

Question 40Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

An IFR aircraft is cleared to descend at pilot's discretion from FL 310 to FL 190. What does this clearance permit?

  1. The pilot must maintain FL 310 until cleared by the next sector
  2. The pilot must begin descent immediately at a specified rate
  3. The pilot may descend below FL 190 if the weather permits
  4. The pilot may leave FL 310 when ready but must remain at or above FL 190 Correct answer.

Explanation

A clearance to descend at pilot's discretion allows the aircraft to leave the current level at a time chosen by the pilot while the level restriction remains in force. It does not authorize descent below the cleared limit. The controller retains responsibility for separation while the aircraft remains at the upper level until the descent begins.

Question 41Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

An aircraft reports "reaching flight level 150" while climbing to FL 200. What should the controller understand?

  1. The aircraft is passing FL 150 and continues to climb to FL 200 Correct answer.
  2. The aircraft has abandoned the climb
  3. The aircraft has leveled at FL 150
  4. The aircraft is descending through FL 150

Explanation

The report indicates the aircraft is passing the stated level while still climbing toward its cleared level. It is not a report of leveling off, which would be phrased as maintaining or reaching the final level. Controllers use such reports to update altitude information and separation planning.

Question 42Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

Which condition requires the pilot of a controlled VFR flight to obtain a special VFR clearance?

  1. Weather well above VMC minima with unlimited visibility
  2. Flight conducted at night above 10 000 feet
  3. Flight within a prohibited area
  4. Weather below the VMC minima for the airspace but remaining clear of cloud and in sight of the surface Correct answer.

Explanation

A special VFR clearance allows a VFR flight to operate within a control zone when the weather is below the normal VMC minima, provided the aircraft remains clear of cloud and in sight of the surface. It does not apply when VMC already exists, nor does it authorize entry into prohibited areas.

Question 43Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

An aircraft on an IFR flight loses two-way radio communication in a non-radar environment. What is the standard initial action?

  1. Turn back to the departure aerodrome without delay
  2. Continue on the last acknowledged route and level and attempt to re-establish communication Correct answer.
  3. Squawk 7600 and climb to the highest available level
  4. Descend immediately to the minimum safe altitude and circle

Explanation

In the event of communication failure, the aircraft should continue according to the last acknowledged clearance and try to re-establish contact with the appropriate unit. The pilot then follows the published communication failure procedures for the route and phase of flight. Immediate descent, return or unrestricted climb are not the prescribed first actions.

Question 44Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

Which of the following correctly describes the purpose of a runway holding position marking?

  1. It identifies the point at which an aircraft must stop unless cleared to enter the runway Correct answer.
  2. It marks the touchdown zone of the runway
  3. It indicates the boundary of the aerodrome movement area
  4. It shows the location of the ILS critical area

Explanation

Runway holding position markings define where taxiing aircraft must stop before entering a runway, unless a clearance has been issued. They protect the runway strip from inadvertent incursions. Touchdown zone markings, movement area boundaries and ILS critical areas are indicated by different markings or signs.

Question 45Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

A controller wishes to pass traffic information to a VFR aircraft about an unknown IFR aircraft. Which phraseology is appropriate?

  1. "Traffic, IFR, no factor, continue VFR"
  2. "Caution, wake turbulence, Boeing 737, cleared to land"
  3. "Traffic, a Boeing 737, five miles ahead, maintain visual separation"
  4. "Traffic, unknown type, position and level reported by radar, unknown intentions" Correct answer.

Explanation

When the type or intentions of the traffic are not known, the controller should say so explicitly so the pilot understands the limits of the information. The phrase "unknown type" and "unknown intentions" conveys exactly that. Asserting a specific type, wake category or clearance would be inaccurate and could mislead the pilot.

Question 46Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

What is the required action when a controlled flight deviates from its cleared route due to a weather avoidance manoeuvre?

  1. Continue the deviation and resume the route without informing ATC
  2. Notify ATC as soon as practicable and obtain an amended clearance Correct answer.
  3. Descend to the lowest safe level and hold
  4. Squawk 7700 and declare an emergency

Explanation

A pilot who must deviate from a clearance because of weather should inform ATC as soon as practicable so that separation can be maintained and an amended clearance issued. Unreported deviations can compromise separation. Declaring an emergency or descending to the lowest safe level is not required merely for weather avoidance.

Question 47Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

An aircraft is cleared to enter the traffic circuit for a right-hand pattern on runway 27. Which base leg does the aircraft fly?

  1. Left base, joining downwind on the south side
  2. Right base, joining downwind on the north side Correct answer.
  3. Left base, joining downwind on the north side
  4. Right base, joining downwind on the south side

Explanation

For a right-hand circuit on runway 27, the aircraft flies the downwind leg on the north side of the runway and turns right onto base. The base leg is therefore a right base. The opposite side and left-hand turns would describe a left-hand circuit.

Question 48Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

Which service is provided by an area control centre to IFR flights in controlled airspace?

  1. Only flight information service and alerting service
  2. Air traffic control service, flight information service and alerting service Correct answer.
  3. Only advisory service and meteorological briefing
  4. Only aerodrome control service

Explanation

Area control centres provide air traffic control service to controlled flights in their area of responsibility, and also provide flight information and alerting services. The three services are complementary and are normally provided together. Aerodrome control is a separate function performed by towers.

Question 49Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

An aircraft is 40 NM from the destination and the controller needs to know its position relative to a VOR. Which report format is correct?

  1. "40 DME northeast of the VOR, flight level 210" Correct answer.
  2. "40 miles out, descending"
  3. "Overhead the VOR in 10 minutes"
  4. "Established on the localizer"

Explanation

A position report should state the fix or distance and bearing from a navigation aid, together with the level. This gives the controller unambiguous information for separation. Vague statements such as "miles out" or estimates without a fix do not meet the requirement.

Question 50Air Traffic Management: general provisions, ATS services, flight rules and flight plan handling

Two IFR aircraft are on converging tracks at the same level in radar-controlled airspace. What is the minimum required action by the controller?

  1. Issue a traffic information call and take no further action
  2. Wait for the pilots to resolve the conflict visually
  3. Establish the prescribed separation minimum before the aircraft lose it Correct answer.
  4. Clear one aircraft to descend without coordination

Explanation

The controller must ensure that the prescribed separation minimum is maintained at all times, acting before the minimum is lost. Traffic information alone does not discharge that responsibility in controlled airspace. Coordination is required before issuing a level change that affects another sector.