Air Traffic Control Knowledge Test 4

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the knowledge test at the Stage 3 assessment day?

The content of this document only (correct)

All aspects of air traffic control globally

Wider reading and research on air traffic control

Information on recent developments in air traffic control technologies

What is the main purpose of this document?

To outline the entire ATC infrastructure in the UK

To aid in the development of understanding of the role of an ATCO (correct)

To inform on the history of NATS

To provide a comprehensive overview of air traffic control

Where does NATS provide air traffic control services?

In the UK, part of the North Atlantic, and many airfields across the UK (correct)

Only in the North Atlantic

Globally

Only in the UK

What is the nature of air traffic in UK airspace?

Varied, ranging from modern airliners to small single-engine light aircraft Signup and view all the answers

What is NATS engaged in, apart from its day-to-day operational responsibilities?

Planning the development of the ATC infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

What is the ownership structure of NATS?

Part-privatised with the majority share held by the Government Signup and view all the answers

What is the context of the periodic updates to this document?

Regular changes to technologies and practices within air traffic control Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the information in this document for the Stage 3 knowledge test?

It is the primary source of information Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of NATS is owned by the Airline Group?

42% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a part of the London Area Control Centre?

Scottish Area Control Centre (ScACC) Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum altitude of the airspace controlled by the London Terminal Control Centre (LTCC)?

24,500 feet Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions is NOT part of the London Flight Information Region?

Northern Ireland Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Military Air Traffic Control?

Providing services to civil and military aircraft operating outside controlled airspace Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Scottish En-route centre located?

Prestwick Signup and view all the answers

What is the altitude range controlled by the Scottish Area Control Centre (ScACC)?

2,500 feet up to 66,000 feet Signup and view all the answers

Who owns the majority of NATS?

Government Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

NATS Overview

NATS provides Air Traffic Control in the UK, North Atlantic, and many airfields across the UK.
The company is part-privatised, with ownership divided among stakeholders: Government (49%), Airline Group (42%), HAL Ltd. (4%), and Employees (5%).

Air Traffic Control in UK

Airspace over the UK is divided into two Flight Information Regions (FIRs): London and Scottish.
The London FIR covers most of England and Wales, controlled by the London Area Control Centre at Swanwick in Hampshire.
The London Area Control Centre manages en-route traffic in the London FIR, including en-route airspace over England and Wales up to the Scottish border.
The London Terminal Control Centre handles traffic below 24,500 feet flying to or from London's airports.
The Scottish FIR covers Scotland, Northern Ireland, and surrounding areas, controlled by the Scottish En-route centre at Prestwick.
The Scottish Area Control Centre controls aircraft over Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northern England, the Midlands, North Wales, and the North Sea from 2,500 feet up to 66,000 feet.

NATS Operations

NATS is responsible for planning the development of ATC infrastructure to meet projected future demand in civil air traffic.
The company is involved in day-to-day operational responsibilities, including managing air traffic in the UK.

Air Traffic Control Centres

The London Area Control Centre at Swanwick in Hampshire started operating in January 2002.
The operations room in Swanwick contains the London Area Control Centre, London Terminal Control Centre, and Military Air Traffic Control.
The Scottish En-route centre at Prestwick combines the Scottish Area Control Centre and other operations.