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100+ Free SACAA ATC Licence Practice Questions

Prepare for the SACAA Air Traffic Controller Licence Theoretical Knowledge Examination exam with instant access — no signup required.

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Sample SACAA ATC Licence Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your SACAA ATC Licence exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under SA-CARs Part 65, what is the minimum passing percentage required on all theoretical knowledge examinations for an Air Traffic Controller licence?
A.75%
B.70%
C.80%
D.85%
Explanation: SA-CARs Part 65 and general SACAA personnel licensing rules mandate a minimum pass mark of 75% for all theoretical examinations.
2What is the standard minimum radar separation applied between two IFR aircraft operating at the same altitude in an en-route terminal environment equipped with calibrated monopulse SSR in South Africa?
A.5 nautical miles
B.3 nautical miles
C.10 nautical miles
D.2 nautical miles
Explanation: Standard en-route radar separation in South African controlled airspace is 5 nautical miles, unless reduced terminal radar capabilities (3 NM) are specifically authorized.
3Aircraft A is climbing through FL180 at 2,000 ft/min. Aircraft B is descending through FL220 at 1,000 ft/min towards the same position. What is the time remaining until vertical separation (1,000 ft) is lost, assuming FL200 as the collision level?
A.40 seconds
B.60 seconds
C.30 seconds
D.80 seconds
Explanation: Combined vertical closure rate = 2,000 + 1,000 = 3,000 ft/min. The initial vertical gap is FL220 - FL180 = 4,000 ft. The 1,000 ft separation minimum is breached once the gap closes to 1,000 ft, a reduction of 3,000 ft. Time = 3,000 ft / 3,000 ft/min = 1 minute = 60 seconds.
4According to ICAO Annex 11 and SA-CATS 65, what minimum time separation must be applied to a Light aircraft taking off on the same runway behind a Heavy aircraft?
A.2 minutes
B.3 minutes
C.1 minute
D.4 minutes
Explanation: A wake turbulence time separation of 3 minutes is required for a Light aircraft taking off behind a Heavy aircraft from the same runway (or parallel runway separated by less than 760 m).
5What is the standard ICAO transponder code assigned for an aircraft experiencing complete radio communications failure (RCF)?
A.7600
B.7500
C.7700
D.2000
Explanation: Mode A code 7600 indicates an aircraft communications failure (Radio Communications Failure - RCF).
6An aircraft reports at FL310 with an altimeter setting of 1013.2 hPa. If the local QNH at the nearest reporting station is 998 hPa, what is the aircraft's true pressure altitude relative to mean sea level (assuming 30 ft per hPa)?
A.30,550 ft
B.31,450 ft
C.31,000 ft
D.30,100 ft
Explanation: Pressure difference = 1013.2 - 998 = 15.2 hPa. Lower pressure means true altitude is lower than flight level by 15.2 * 30 ft = 456 ft. 31,000 - 456 = 30,544 ft (approximately 30,550 ft).
7Under SA-CARs Part 65, how many hours of valid Air Traffic Service experience within the preceding 90 days are required for an Air Traffic Controller to maintain recency on a rated unit position?
A.A specified minimum number of operational hours as prescribed in the unit competency scheme (typically 10–15 hours)
B.50 hours
C.100 hours
D.5 hours
Explanation: Part 65 recency rules require controllers to log operational hours on the specific sector/position in accordance with the SACAA-approved Unit Competency Scheme (UCS).
8What is the primary airspace classification of South African oceanic airspace within the Johannesburg Oceanic FIR above FL245?
A.Class A
B.Class G
C.Class C
D.Class D
Explanation: All airspace in South Africa at and above FL195 / FL245 upper control areas is designated Class A airspace, where all flights are IFR and subject to ATC clearance.
9Two aircraft are on converging tracks at the same altitude. Aircraft A is flying on a track of 090° and Aircraft B is on a track of 360°. Which aircraft has the right-of-way?
A.Aircraft A (appearing on the right side of Aircraft B)
B.Aircraft B
C.The faster aircraft
D.The aircraft at the higher airspeed
Explanation: Under ICAO Annex 2 rules of the air, when two aircraft are converging at approximately the same level, the aircraft that has the other on its right shall give way. Aircraft A is to the right of Aircraft B (090° vs 360°), so Aircraft A has right-of-way and Aircraft B must give way.
10What is the standard vertical separation minimum (VSM) applied between IFR aircraft operating between FL290 and FL410 in Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) airspace?
A.1,000 feet
B.2,000 feet
C.500 feet
D.1,500 feet
Explanation: RVSM allows vertical separation to be reduced from 2,000 ft to 1,000 ft between FL290 and FL410 inclusive for RVSM-approved aircraft.

About the SACAA ATC Licence Exam

The SACAA Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Licence examination tests theoretical knowledge under SA-CARs Part 65 for air traffic service personnel in South Africa. The assessment covers Air Law, Air Traffic Management (ATM), separation standards, aeronautical meteorology, navigation, radar procedures, and human performance. Note: This online practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation for theoretical knowledge and does not replace mandatory practical simulator evaluations, oral examinations, or on-the-job training (OJT) logbook requirements.

Assessment

Question count varies by module

Time Limit

90–120 minutes per paper

Passing Score

75%

Exam Fee

~R450 per examination paper under SACAA Part 187 fee schedule (South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA))

SACAA ATC Licence Exam Content Outline

25%

Air Law and ATC Regulations

SA-CARs and SA-CATS Part 65, ICAO Annex 2/11 rules of the air, airspace organization, and legal ATC responsibilities.

30%

Air Traffic Management and Separation

Standard longitudinal, lateral, and vertical separation, aerodrome control, approach control, en-route control, and wake turbulence minima.

15%

Aeronautical Meteorology and Altimetry

METAR/TAF interpretation, severe weather avoidance, altimetry setting procedures (QNH/QFE/STD), and wind shear.

15%

Navigation and Radar Systems

Radar vectoring, PSR/SSR Mode S identification, VOR/DME/NDB navigation principles, GNSS procedures, and radio communications.

15%

Human Performance and Equipment

ATC situational awareness, fatigue management, stress, communication error prevention, and ATC console equipment limitations.

How to Pass the SACAA ATC Licence Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75%
  • Assessment: Question count varies by module
  • Time limit: 90–120 minutes per paper
  • Exam fee: ~R450 per examination paper under SACAA Part 187 fee schedule

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SACAA ATC Licence Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorise vertical separation standards (1,000 ft below FL290 / RVSM) and standard wake turbulence spacing minima.
2Master METAR/TAF decoding and altimeter setting transitions between QNH, QFE, and Standard Pressure Setting (1013.2 hPa).
3Understand radar vectoring rules, secondary surveillance radar (SSR) transponder codes (7500, 7600, 7700), and radio phraseology.
4Review SA-CARs Part 65 licensing privileges, Class 3 medical requirements, and air traffic control clearance procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pass mark for the SACAA ATC Licence theory exam?

The pass mark prescribed by SACAA for theoretical examinations under SA-CARs Part 65 is 75%.

Does this MCQ practice bank replace ATC practical simulator training?

No. This practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation for the theoretical knowledge syllabus. Licensing requires completing approved ATO ground school, practical simulator assessments, oral evaluations, and OJT hours with a designated examiner.

How much does the SACAA ATC theory examination cost?

The standard SACAA examination fee under Part 187 is R450 per sitting, excluding any facility or invigilation fees charged by approved testing centers.

What topics are covered in the SACAA Part 65 ATC examination?

Key areas include Air Law (Part 65), Air Traffic Management & Separation Standards, Aeronautical Meteorology, Radar & Navigation Systems, and Human Factors.