Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) PracticeTest

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Prepare for the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) with our comprehensive test. Study with diverse and interactive exercises, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations to enhance proficiency and readiness for your examination.

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What should a pilot do if the runway is not in sight during a radar approach?

Continue the approach
Execute a missed approach
Circuit the area
Report the conditions to the tower

The correct answer is: Execute a missed approach

When a pilot is conducting a radar approach and the runway is not in sight, executing a missed approach is the appropriate action. The missed approach procedure is designed to ensure safety by allowing the aircraft to safely depart from its current flight path and gain altitude while determining the next steps. This procedure typically involves climbing to a specified altitude and following a predetermined route, which helps maintain safe separation from other aircraft and obstacles. The missed approach is implemented when visual references are not available to safely land the aircraft. It ensures that the pilot prioritizes safety and adheres to standard operating procedures. After initiating the missed approach, the pilot can communicate with air traffic control to receive further instructions, such as alternative landing options or precautions. While continuing the approach without visual reference could lead to potentially unsafe conditions, circling the area might not be effective without a clear plan, and merely reporting the conditions to the tower does not provide an operational response to the situation. Therefore, executing a missed approach is the safest and most appropriate course of action when the runway is not visible during the approach.