Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) PracticeTest

Which type of separation involves speed and distance in the same direction?

1. Lateral separation

2. Vertical separation

3. Longitudinal separation

4. Horizontal separation

The correct answer is: Longitudinal separation

Longitudinal separation is the correct choice as it specifically pertains to the separation of aircraft that are flying in the same direction, using a combination of distance and speed. In this separation method, air traffic controllers ensure that there is sufficient spacing between aircraft on the same flight path to prevent potential collisions. This can involve instructing the aircraft to maintain differing altitudes or speeds to create the necessary distance. When two aircraft are traveling along the same course, maintaining appropriate longitudinal separation is crucial, as it adjusts for varying rates of closure or divergence based on their speed differences. For example, if one aircraft is slower than another, the controller will ensure they have sufficient distance between them to maintain safety. In contrast, lateral separation focuses on horizontal distance between aircraft flying on different flight paths, vertical separation addresses the altitudes at which aircraft are flying, and horizontal separation generally refers to the separation in lateral distance rather than incorporating speed. These distinctions help clarify why longitudinal separation is the only choice that explicitly includes both speed and distance in the same direction.