atc exam 5

R-Side

main controller

Talks to pilots.

Issues headings, climbs/descents, speeds, and clearances.

Responsible for radar separation.

Makes decisions in real time.

D-Side

(Radar Associate / Manual Controller)

• Helps the R-Side by handling coordination with other sectors.

• Ensures the sector is complying with LOAs/SOP.

• Manages things like route amendments, point outs, handoffs (in some facilities).

• Does NOT talk to pilots (normally).

A-Side

(Flight Data / Radar Flight Data)

What Flight Data Includes

• Managing flight progress strips (paper or electronic).

• Entering data into the automation system (ERAM), such as:

  • altitude changes

  • route amendments

  • departure/arrival times

  • flight plan corrections

• Printing, distributing, or organizing strips between sectors.

• Handling non-radar communication with other facilities (like telephone calls).

• Helping keep the sector organized and prepared.

differences between r d and a controllers

A-Side = data processing & support
D-Side = coordination & workload management
R-Side = talks to pilots & controls airplanes

whats CPC = Certified Professional Controller

A controller who has completed all required training at that facility.

Fully qualified to work all positions (R-Side, D-Side, A-Side).

No longer supervised by an instructor.

Whats RVSM – Reduced Vertical Separation Minima

• Altitudes FL290 to FL410.

• Vertical separation is reduced to 1,000 ft (used to be 2,000 ft).

• Allows more aircraft in the same airspace safely.

whats ERAM (En Route Automation Modernization)

ERAM is the main automation system used at Centers for radar and flight data

• The automation system used at all ARTCCs.

• It processes:

  • Radar Data Processing (RDP) → tracks aircraft

  • Flight Data Processing (FDP) → handles flight plans, routes, altitudes

• Provides controllers with:

  • data blocks

  • conflict alerts

  • handoff tools

  • computer-generated routes

  • search and rescue timers

• Replaced the older HOST system.

What are Preferential Routes

They’re pre-planned, commonly used routing paths that aircraft are expected to use

• Improve traffic flow

• Reduce controller workload

• Increase system efficiency

• Provide predictable routing for busy areas (e.g., between major cities)

They are NOT mandatory in all cases, but are heavily used during normal operations.

What is a Data Block

A data block is the tag/label that appears next to an aircraft target on a controller’s radar display.

It typically shows:

• Aircraft ID

• Altitude (mode C/S readout)

• Groundspeed

• Assigned altitude

• Controller-specified information (like handoff status, scratchpad entries)

Important test point:
You should NOT change the data block during a handoff unless you coordinate with the receiving controller first.

relationship between areas and sectors

Each center is divided into Areas, and each Area is split into Sectors

Types of Sectors

Low Altitude Sector

• Controls aircraft at or below FL230.

High Altitude Sector

• Controls aircraft at or above FL240.

LOA / FSOP

LOA – Letter of Agreement

• Between facilities (e.g., between a Center and a TRACON).

• Defines responsibilities, handoff points, altitudes, routes, etc.

FSOP – Facility Standard Operating Procedures

• Within a single facility.

• Internal rules for how controllers operate.

Standard Center Radar Separation

• 5 nautical miles

• 1,000 feet vertically

SUA (Special Use Airspace) Separation

• If close to restricted areas, MOAs, etc.:

  • 3 miles lateral

  • 500 feet vertical below FL290

  • 1,000 feet vertical above FL290

Non-Radar Separation

Used when ATC cannot see targets on radar:

• 10 minutes OR

• 20 miles

Point Outs / Handoffs

Point Out

• You tell another controller: “This aircraft will enter your airspace, but I keep communications.”

• They approve or deny it.

• Radar identification is transferred, but comms stay with the original controller.

Handoff

• Normal transfer.

• Radar identification AND communications are transferred.

Pilot’s Discretion

A type of altitude clearance:

• Pilot may start the climb or descent whenever they want.

• Pilot may stop at any intermediate altitude.

• BUT they cannot return to an altitude they have already left.

• ATC cannot use that vacated altitude for separation until the pilot reports leaving it.