Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) PracticeTest

If two aircraft are departing the same airport on divergent courses, what must the controller provide?

1. Separation

2. Prioritization

3. Traffic advisories

4. Clearance for one aircraft only

The correct answer is: Separation

When two aircraft are departing the same airport on divergent courses, the controller must provide separation. This is a fundamental principle in air traffic control aimed at ensuring that aircraft maintain a safe distance from one another to prevent collisions. Separation can involve vertical, lateral, or a combination of both types of separation to manage the safe spacing between the two departing aircraft effectively. Separation is crucial during the initial departure phase when aircraft are still close to the terminal area and may be climbing through similar altitudes. The air traffic controller monitors and adjusts the flight paths as necessary, ensuring that the aircraft diverge safely and efficiently without interfering with each other's routes. While the other options may play a role in the overall management of air traffic, they do not specifically address the critical need for maintaining safety between aircraft during departure. Prioritization, for instance, relates to managing the order of departures but does not guarantee safety distances. Traffic advisories provide information but are not a substitute for the active management of separation. Clearance for one aircraft only would not suffice in maintaining safe operations if both are departing simultaneously. Thus, ensuring adequate separation is essential for the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations.