Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) PracticeTest

How many miles is the radar separation when both aircraft are less than 40 miles from the antenna?

1. 1 mile

2. 2 miles

3. 3 miles

4. 4 miles

The correct answer is: 3 miles

Radar separation is crucial for maintaining safe distances between aircraft, particularly when they are operating in close proximity to the radar antenna. When both aircraft are less than 40 miles from the antenna, the appropriate radar separation is established to ensure that even slight variations in flight paths do not lead to potential conflicts. In this case, maintaining a separation of 3 miles is vital. It provides an adequate buffer that accounts for the uncertainty in the radar returns and the aircraft's altitude changes, which could otherwise lead to loss of separation. The 3-mile separation standard is widely recognized and is part of the guidelines for maintaining safety within the controlled airspace. The other distance options do not provide the same level of safety. For instance, 1 mile may not be sufficient given the close proximity of the aircraft, while 2 miles might still be too tight, depending on the specific situation. Similarly, a separation of 4 miles may be excessive and not necessary when both aircraft are under 40 miles from the radar antenna, potentially leading to inefficient use of airspace. Thus, 3 miles is established as the standard separation distance in this scenario.