Air Traffic Management
Air Traffic Management
ATM questions test separation, clearance coordination and traffic flow rather than raw definitions. The exam expects you to apply ICAO Doc 4444 and unit procedures to a moving traffic picture: identify the conflict, choose a separation method, issue the instruction and confirm the readback.
Core rules
- Separate IFR aircraft by at least 1,000 ft vertically when RVSM applies, or by prescribed radar or procedural minima horizontally.
- Radar separation is normally 5 NM; 3 NM may be used in specified TMAs where the unit is approved and surveillance performance supports it.
- Wake turbulence separation is applied in addition to lateral, longitudinal and vertical minima.
- A clearance must be unambiguous. If a level change creates a temporary loss of separation, do not issue it.
- Transfer of control requires identification, coordination and acceptance before the aircraft enters the next sector.
Worked example
Aircraft A is at FL350 and requests FL370. Aircraft B is at FL370 on the same route, 8 NM ahead. The controller considers a climb. Even if 8 NM radar separation exists, A cannot climb to FL370 because it would lose vertical separation from B. The controller may keep A at FL350, issue a speed reduction, or coordinate a different level. The reason is that the requested level is occupied; same direction does not make it safe.
Traps
Do not apply wake separation only to departures; it applies on final and en-route where categories differ. Do not treat a readback as proof that the instruction is correct; listen for the level, heading or frequency. Do not assume 3 NM radar separation is available at every radar unit; it is an approval-specific minimum.