Air Traffic Controller / FAA ATSA Exam Foundational Air Traffic Control Knowledge Flashcards

24 sample cards from the Foundational Air Traffic Control Knowledge deck

Sampled from the end of the deck, so these are different cards from the ones shown on the syllabus page.

1. What does 'roger' mean, and what does it NOT mean?

   'Roger' means 'I have received all of your last transmission.' It does NOT mean yes/no or that a clearance/instruction will be complied with.

2. What is the difference between 'wilco' and 'roger'?

   'Wilco' means 'I understand your message and will comply.' 'Roger' only acknowledges receipt without indicating compliance.

3. What does 'standby' mean in ATC communication?

   'Wait and I will call you'; it is not an approval or denial, and the controller will resume contact shortly.

4. Spell the ICAO phonetic alphabet for the letters A through E.

   A-Alpha, B-Bravo, C-Charlie, D-Delta, E-Echo.

5. Spell the ICAO phonetic alphabet for the letters K, P, Q, V, and Z.

   K-Kilo, P-Papa, Q-Quebec, V-Victor, Z-Zulu.

6. How are the numbers 3, 5, and 9 pronounced in aviation radio phraseology?

   3 = 'tree', 5 = 'fife', 9 = 'niner' (used to reduce confusion over the radio).

7. How is the number 1500 spoken in aviation when stating an altitude?

   'One thousand five hundred' (thousands and hundreds are spoken as whole numbers; digits like flight levels are spoken individually).

8. What is the purpose of standardized phraseology in ATC?

   To ensure clear, concise, unambiguous communication that minimizes misunderstanding between controllers and pilots regardless of native language.

9. What is coordination in ATC?

   The exchange of information and agreement between controllers (within or between facilities) about an aircraft's control, route, altitude, or restrictions before transferring or affecting it.

10. What is an APREQ (approval request) in coordination?

    A request from one controller to another to approve a non-standard action (such as a route, altitude, or point-out) before it is executed.

11. What is a 'point out' in ATC coordination?

    Notifying an adjacent controller of an aircraft that will penetrate or operate near their airspace, obtaining approval without transferring communications.

12. What three elements are generally transferred during a radar handoff?

    Radar identification (the target/data block), control responsibility for separation, and the communications frequency.

13. On a compass rose, what headings correspond to North, East, South, and West?

    North = 360° (or 000°), East = 090°, South = 180°, West = 270°.

14. What is the difference between a heading and a bearing?

    A heading is the direction the aircraft's nose is pointed; a bearing is the direction (angle) to or from a point or station relative to north.

15. What is the reciprocal of a heading, and how do you calculate it?

    The opposite direction (180° away). Add 180° if the heading is less than 180°, or subtract 180° if it is 180° or more (e.g., reciprocal of 090° is 270°).

16. What is the difference between true north and magnetic north?

    True north is the geographic North Pole; magnetic north is where a compass points. The angular difference between them is called magnetic variation (declination).

17. What is the difference between altitude (MSL) and flight level?

    Altitude in feet MSL is referenced to local altimeter setting and used at lower levels; a flight level (e.g., FL350 = 35,000 ft) is referenced to the standard altimeter setting 29.92 inHg at and above the transition altitude (18,000 ft in the US).

18. Under the standard hemispheric (semicircular) rule for IFR cruising altitudes, which altitudes are used for eastbound vs westbound flights?

    Eastbound (magnetic course 000-179°) use odd thousands (e.g., FL310, FL330); westbound (180-359°) use even thousands (e.g., FL320, FL340).

19. What is a STAR and what is a SID (DP)?

    A STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route) is a published arrival procedure connecting the en route structure to the destination; a SID/DP (Standard Instrument Departure) is a published departure procedure connecting the airport to the en route structure.

20. What are the main categories of human error addressed in ATC, and what is one key mitigation?

    Slips/lapses (execution errors) and mistakes (planning/decision errors); key mitigations include standardized phraseology, readback/hearback verification, checklists, and structured coordination.

21. What is a readback/hearback error and how is it prevented?

    A readback/hearback error occurs when a pilot reads back a clearance incorrectly and the controller fails to catch it; it is prevented by full readbacks of critical items and the controller actively listening to and correcting readbacks.

22. Name common causes of controller fatigue and one mitigation strategy.

    Causes include long shifts, night/rotating schedules, circadian disruption, and high sustained workload; mitigations include adequate rest, strategic breaks, shift scheduling that respects circadian rhythms, and workload management.

23. What is workload management in ATC and why does it matter?

    Prioritizing and distributing tasks to stay within mental capacity; it matters because excessive workload increases error rates and reduces situational awareness, while planning ahead keeps the controller in control of the traffic picture.

24. What is Crew/Team Resource Management (CRM/TRM) in air traffic control?

    The effective use of all available people, information, and equipment to maintain safety, emphasizing communication, teamwork, situational awareness, workload sharing, and assertive error correction.

What this deck covers

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