Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) PracticeTest

What should a controller do if one aircraft is descending from 8,000 feet and another is at 6,000 feet, estimating the same fix 9 minutes apart?

1. Provide separation

2. Allow both to descend

3. Instruct one to climb

4. No action required

The correct answer is: Provide separation

Providing separation is the appropriate action in this situation because safe air traffic control relies on maintaining appropriate vertical and horizontal distances between aircraft to prevent collisions. Given that one aircraft is descending from 8,000 feet and another is at 6,000 feet, the altitudes indicate that they are already in close vertical proximity. As both aircraft estimate reaching the same fix only 9 minutes apart, this limited time frame increases the risk of potential conflict. Controllers must ensure that there is sufficient separation, which typically involves maintaining at least 1,000 feet of vertical separation between aircraft at these altitudes to comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and safety calculations. While it might be tempting to allow both aircraft to continue their descent or instruct one to climb, these options do not guarantee the necessary separation and could lead to a hazardous situation. The option indicating that no action is required neglects the duty of care that air traffic controllers have regarding the safety of aircraft in their airspace. By ensuring separation, the controller can maintain safe distances and manage the airspace effectively, contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of air traffic operations.