Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) PracticeTest

Can two or more air traffic control facilities control an aircraft at the same time?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only during emergencies

4. Only with prior coordination

The correct answer is: No

The correct answer states that two or more air traffic control facilities cannot control an aircraft at the same time. This principle is rooted in the need for clear and coordinated communication and authority over aircraft operations. Having multiple control facilities attempting to manage the same aircraft could lead to confusion, miscommunication, and potential safety hazards. In air traffic management, it is vital that an aircraft is under the jurisdiction of a single air traffic control facility at any given moment. This ensures that instructions are clear and that there is a single point of responsibility for the aircraft’s navigation, communication, and overall safety. While coordination among multiple facilities can occur, especially in a complex airspace, there is typically one facility that has primary control at any point during a flight. In exceptional situations, such as emergencies, coordination can take place to ensure the aircraft safely navigates the situation, but this does not mean multiple facilities are controlling it at the same time; rather, one facility may still retain primary responsibility while others provide assistance as needed.