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NCAA Air Traffic Controller Licence study materials
NCAA Air Traffic Controller Licence study resources

NCAA Air Traffic Controller Licence cheat sheet

NCAA Air Traffic Controller Licence · Keep the key ideas within reach.

Quick reference

Air Traffic Control - Knowledge Test Syllabus (NCAA-AC-PEL 018)

  • Controlled airspace classes: A (IFR only, all aircraft separated), B and C (clearance required, VFR separated from IFR), D (clearance required, VFR not separated from IFR, traffic info given), E (IFR controlled, VFR only when IFR-rule applicable), F and G uncontrolled unless stated otherwise.

  • Separation minima (radar, terminal): 3 NM lateral or 1,000 ft vertical below FL 290; 5 NM or 2,000 ft at/above FL 290 (RVSM airspace: 1,000 ft). Non-radar procedural: 10 minutes longitudinal (15 min if no nav aid) or 2,000 ft vertical.

  • Wake turbulence categories: Light ≤ 7,000 kg, Medium 7,000–136,000 kg, Heavy ≥ 136,000 kg, Super (A380). Separation behind Heavy: 5 NM (medium/light), 4 NM (light behind medium), 3 NM (light behind light); Super requires up to 8 NM.

  • Clearance content order: aircraft identification, clearance limit, route, level, and any special instructions. Readback required for route, level, heading, speed, frequency and runway; 'standby' or 'roger' is not a readback.

  • Squawk codes: 7500 unlawful interference, 7600 radio failure, 7700 emergency. Mode C altitude ±300 ft tolerance; 'Mode C verified' when correlated within tolerance.

  • Holding: standard pattern = right turns, 1-minute legs below FL 140, 1.5-minute legs at/above FL 140. Entry: direct (within 70° of inbound), parallel, or teardrop (offset 30°).

  • Speed control: 250 kt below FL 100 (ICAO); approach speed restrictions typically 210 kt (downwind), 180 kt (base), 160 kt (final). ATC may cancel speed control with 'resume normal speed'.

  • Emergency: 'MAYDAY' ×3 for distress, 'PAN PAN' ×3 for urgency. ATC must give priority, provide separation and, where possible, radar vectors to the nearest suitable aerodrome and inform the pilot of the aerodrome and weather.

  • Flight plan: ICAO format; filed at least 30 min before departure for IFR; changes to route/level must be coordinated; 'CNL' to cancel, 'CHG' to amend, 'DLA' for delay, 'DEP' for departure message.