Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Air Traffic Operations Technician Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary responsibility of an air traffic operations

technician?

• Piloting aircraft
• Maintaining and operating air traffic control equipment
• Filing flight plans
• Refueling aircraft

Technicians ensure air traffic control equipment functions properly, supporting safe and efficient flight operations.

• Which radar system is commonly used for en route air traffic control?
• Terminal Doppler Weather Radar 1 / 4

• En Route Radar (ARTCC)
• Precision Approach Radar
• Weather Surveillance Radar

En Route Radar monitors aircraft during the cruise phase between airports.

• What frequency band is used for VHF communications in aviation?
• 108–118 MHz
• 118–137 MHz
• 118–137 MHz
• 225–400 MHz

VHF aviation communications operate within 118–137 MHz for line- of-sight communication with aircraft.

• What is the function of an Automatic Dependent Surveillance–

Broadcast (ADS-B) system?

• Control aircraft remotely
• Transmit aircraft position to ATC and other aircraft
• Provide weather alerts only
• Replace radar entirely

ADS-B allows aircraft to broadcast their position and velocity, enhancing situational awareness.

• Which component provides power backup to air traffic control

systems during an outage?

• Circuit breakers 2 / 4

• Grounding rods
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
• Antennas

UPS units prevent system shutdowns and ensure continuity of operations during power failures.

• What is the primary purpose of a radar beacon (transponder)?
• Detect weather patterns
• Respond to radar interrogation with aircraft identity and altitude
• Control autopilot
• Monitor fuel levels

Transponders provide aircraft identification and altitude to ATC radar systems.

• Which type of radar provides high-resolution data for final approach

guidance?

• En Route Radar
• Weather Radar
• Precision Approach Radar (PAR)
• Ground-Controlled Radar

PAR is used near airports to guide aircraft accurately during approach and landing.

• What is a NOTAM?
• Navigation beacon
• Pilot logbook entry 3 / 4

• Notice to Airmen (or Notices to Air Missions)
• Aircraft maintenance checklist

NOTAMs inform pilots and ATC of temporary changes or hazards affecting airspace and airports.

• What does the acronym ATIS stand for?
• Air Traffic Information System
• Automatic Terminal Information Service
• Automatic Traffic Integration System
• Air Traffic Identification Service

ATIS broadcasts continuous weather, runway, and operational information to pilots.

• Which instrument measures wind speed and direction at the

airport?

• Hygrometer
• Altimeter
• Anemometer
• Barometer

Anemometers provide accurate wind readings essential for safe takeoff and landing operations.

• How often should air traffic control equipment undergo

preventive maintenance?

• Only when it fails
• Weekly
• / 4