Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) PracticeTest

What position manages aircraft operations on the airport movement area except the active runways?

1. Ground Controller

2. Tower Controller

3. Clearance Delivery

4. Approach Controller

The correct answer is: Ground Controller

The position that manages aircraft operations on the airport movement area, excluding active runways, is the Ground Controller. This role encompasses coordinating and supervising all activities on the ground, such as taxiing aircraft to and from the runway, directing vehicle traffic, and facilitating the movement of aircraft on taxiways and ramp areas. Ground Controllers ensure safe and efficient movement within the airport environment, providing instructions to pilots and ground personnel to maintain safety and prevent conflicts in the busy airport operations. The other positions focus on different aspects of air traffic management. For instance, the Tower Controller typically oversees both landings and takeoffs, managing activities on the active runways. Clearance Delivery is responsible for providing pilots with their initial flight clearances before departure, while the Approach Controller deals with aircraft as they approach for landing, typically managing the airspace around the airport rather than ground operations. Understanding these distinctions helps to clarify the specific responsibilities associated with each air traffic control position.