Separation Standards - General

Question 1

Explain the process of providing separation

Answer 1

Using approved separation standards, associated conditions and procedures ensuring spacing between aircraft is never less than the prescribed separation minima

(MATS 10.1.1.1)

Question 1

How is separation assured

Answer 1

Through the process of assessing traffic, identifying conflicts, planning to assure separation, executing the plan and monitoring the situation to ensure the standard is not infringed

Question 2

Only apply distance-based longitudinal standards when:

Answer 2

a) Direct Controller Pilot Communications Exist (No HF)
b) ATC monitors all distance reports made by the aircraft

Question 3

What is the definition of Standard Rate

Answer 3

A specification for rate of climb or descent of not less than 500ft per minute, provided that the last 1000ft of level change to an assigned level must be made at 500ft per minute

Question 4

What are the four formation types

Answer 4

Close
Standard
In-trail
Block

Question 5

Define Close Formation

Answer 5

Aircraft within the formation are considered to be one aircraft.

Separation is based on the lead aircraft

Question 6

Define Standard Formation

Answer 6

Aircraft may manouevre up to 1NM either side of, co-altitude with, and up to 1NM behind the lead aircraft

Separation is based on the outer limits of the formation

Question 7

Define In-Trail Formation

Answer 7

Elements within the trail maintain a nominated spacing from the element ahead

Separation is based on the first and last element of the trail

Question 8

Define Block Formation

Answer 8

A non-standard formation type that operates within a pre-arranged airspace block

Separate based on the outer edges of the airspace block

Question 9

What is MARSA

Answer 9

Military Assumes Responsibility for Separation of military Aircraft

ATC cannot initiate MARSA and MARSA cannot be applied between military and civil flight.

Question 10

What can be used as a PRF?

Answer 10

An NDB, a VOR, TACAN site or marker beacon (NOT A DME)

Question 11

What is the condition of using the TOP function for separation

Answer 11

Calculate a passing time immediately prior to issuing an instruction to an aircraft

Question 12

Where it is possible that differing aircraft speed may compromise a separation standard what shall controllers do?

Answer 12

Obtain speed confirmation from the aircraft concerned

Question 13

What is the process for applying the step climb procedure

Answer 13

a) advise pilots they are subject to a step climb
b) progressively assigning the lower aircraft levels which provide vertical separation with the level vacated by the higher climbing aircraft
c) advising pilots when the step climb is no longer required

Question 14

A DME beacon is considered co-sited with a waypoint or azimuth navaid when it is within how many metres of the waypoint or navaid

Answer 14

600 metres

Question 15

What is the condition for using an off-track waypoint for same direction distance standards

Answer 15

When both aircraft are together increasing or decreasing

Question 16

R1-R3 can be applied in CTA with what approvals/equipment

Answer 16

Approved SCNS and/or DME

Question 17

Closing speeds may exist between aircraft provided that:

Answer 17

a) separation is in excess of the minimum distance required
b) distance checks are made at intervals not exceeding 15 minutes
c) when aircraft are crusing at levels not vertically separated, the closing speed is not greater than 35 knots or Mach 0.06

Question 18

What are the approved means for the application of lateral separation

Answer 18

a) establishing an aircraft’s position outside lateral conflict

b) applying an appropriate ATS surveillance system separation minimum; or

c) by day only, applying a 1NM buffer to the track or position of an aircraft which is determined relative to a prominent geographic feature provided that the aircraft is
i) tracking visually, and
ii) not more than 5000ft above the geographical feature

Question 19

If during an emergency situation, such as radar failure, it is not possible to ensure
that the applicable procedural separation minima will be maintained, you may
temporarily use half the applicable vertical separation minima.

When would you use 500ft and when would you use 1000ft?

Answer 19

500 ft: up to and including FL290 or in RVSM airspace

1000ft: At or above FL290 in non-RVSM airspace

Question 20

What is the definition of a crossing track

Answer 20

Tracks that intercept at or between 45 degrees and 135 degrees

Question 21

What is the definition of a reciprocal or same track

Answer 21

Tracks that intercept at less than 45 degrees