Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) PracticeTest

What defines the action a controller must take when two aircraft conflict in altitude and estimated time?

1. The need for altitude separation

2. The need for lateral separation

3. Evaluate the flight plan

4. No action required

The correct answer is: The need for altitude separation

The action a controller must take when two aircraft are in conflict regarding altitude and estimated time involves the need for altitude separation. When two aircraft are on a converging path at the same or overlapping altitudes, it is essential for air traffic controllers to ensure that a safe vertical distance is maintained between them. This vertical separation minimizes the risk of mid-air collisions and is a fundamental safety protocol in air traffic management. In this scenario, altitude separation becomes critical; it requires the controller to assess the altitude of both aircraft as well as their projected flight paths to decide whether to instruct one of them to change altitude. This is to ensure that they maintain the minimum required separation vertically, which is typically 1,000 feet for aircraft flying under different flight levels. Although lateral separation and flight plan evaluations are also important in air traffic control, they do not specifically address the immediate concern of altitude conflict, which is why the emphasis on altitude separation is paramount in this situation. Similarly, stating that no action is required is not appropriate when there is an active conflict involving altitude, necessitating an immediate response for safety.