Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) PracticeTest

Which facilities are involved in handling a normal IFR aircraft on a flight from Chicago to Las Vegas?

1. Center, Tower and Approach Control

2. Ground Control, Clearance Delivery and Center

3. Flight Service Station, Ground Control and Tower

4. Approach Control, Ground Control and ATC

The correct answer is: Center, Tower and Approach Control

The answer primarily involves the type of air traffic control facilities that manage an IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flight. For a typical flight from Chicago to Las Vegas, the critical facilities that come into play include Center, Tower, and Approach Control. Center refers to the Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs) responsible for managing en-route aircraft at high altitudes, ensuring safe separation during longer segments of flights. Since this flight crosses a significant distance, the ARTCC will play a crucial role in guiding the aircraft through its journey. Tower control is essential for managing aircraft during takeoff and landing phases at airports. Both Chicago and Las Vegas have control towers that handle incoming and outgoing traffic, ensuring safety as the aircraft interacts with the airport environment. Approach Control is also vital, as it manages aircraft as they get closer to their destination airport, providing instructions for descent and facilitating safe transitions from en-route airspace to terminal airspace. Other options may include combinations of facilities, but they do not comprehensively cover all the necessary roles during the entire flight process. For instance, Ground Control relates primarily to managing taxiing aircraft on the airport surface, and Flight Service Stations typically provide information services rather than active traffic control. Thus, the combination of Center, Tower