DGCA Air Regulations: Air Traffic Services Questions

Correct answer: B. Cancelling my IFR flight

The exact ICAO-specified phrase to cancel IFR is Cancelling my IFR flight — not flight plan, not just plan. Words matter a lot in aviation radio calls! Using the correct phrase ensures ATC understands exactly what you mean and can remove your IFR protection immediately. Using the wrong words could cause confusion in a busy sky.

Correct answer: C. 30 minutes or more

The correct option is 30 minutes or more. If a flight is delayed by this amount of time, it's important to amend or cancel the flight plan to keep air traffic control updated. This helps ensure safety and efficiency in the airspace. A common mistake is thinking a longer delay, like 60 minutes, is necessary, but 30 minutes is the standard to avoid confusion and maintain proper communication.

Correct answer: C. A, B, C, D, E, F and G

Flight Information Service FIS) gives pilots useful information like weather, NOTAMs, and traffic alerts to help avoid collisions. ICAO requires this service to be provided in ALL classes of airspace — A through G. Every aircraft flying anywhere deserves to receive helpful information. Even in Class A where everything is IFR, FIS is still provided to all aircraft.

Correct answer: B. The ATS unit responsible for the aircraft at the moment

Alerting Service is the ATS service that notifies the right organisations when an aircraft needs search and rescue help. It is provided by whichever ATS Air Traffic Service) unit is currently responsible for that aircraft at the moment the alert is needed. That ATS unit then contacts the Rescue Coordination Centre RCC) to initiate the actual search and rescue. The ATS unit is the first link in the chain.

Correct answer: B. TAS 5% and time 3 minutes.

Think of your flight plan as a promise to ATC about how fast you will fly and when you will arrive at each point. If your actual speed differs by 5% or more from what you filed, OR your arrival time at a point is off by 3 minutes or more — you must call ATC and update them. This keeps the controller's picture of the sky accurate and prevents conflicts with other aircraft.

Correct answer: B. TBN to be notified) may be entered in the relevant box

ICAO flight plan procedures allow for flexibility when passenger numbers are not yet confirmed. The approved procedure is to enter TBN To Be Notified) in the relevant box of Item 19. This tells ATC and rescue services the number will be provided later, while still allowing the flight plan to be filed on time.

Correct answer: D. In case of flow control the flight plan should be filed at least three hours in advance of the time of departure.

Normally, flight plans should be filed at least 60 minutes before departure. But when flow control is in effect, the flight plan must be filed at least 3 hours in advance. This gives the flow management unit enough time to slot your departure into the traffic sequence without disrupting the system.

Correct answer: A. Go off blocks

The ETD in the ATC flight plan refers to the time the aircraft intends to GO OFF BLOCKS — when the aircraft pushes back or starts moving from the parking stand. Also called EOBT Estimated Off-Block Time). It is NOT the start-up time, beacon crossing time, or wheels-off time.

Correct answer: C. The total usable fuel on board

Flight plan endurance must show the time the aircraft can fly based on ALL usable fuel on board. This maximum endurance figure is critical for search and rescue coordination. If the aircraft disappears, ATC and rescue need to know: how long could it possibly still be flying? That is answered by total usable fuel on board converted to flying hours.

Correct answer: B. N0470

In ICAO flight plan Item 15, speed is entered using the letter N for Knots) followed by FOUR digits. So 470 knots = N0470. The leading zero is required to make it exactly 4 digits. Other codes: K for km/h e.g., K0850) and M for Mach e.g., M082). N470 is wrong because it only has 3 digits — ICAO requires exactly 4.

Correct answer: B. 5 minutes or more

ATC must tell you your Expected Approach Time EAT) as soon as possible when your delay is 5 MINUTES OR MORE. Think of it like a restaurant telling you the wait time — if the wait is short under 5 min) they may not bother, but if it is going to be a long wait 5+ min), they must tell you so you can plan your fuel and holding.

Correct answer: A. All IFR flights in controlled airspace and controlled VFR flights

Essential Traffic includes ALL controlled flights — both IFR and controlled VFR flights — that are in the same airspace and for whom normal separation cannot be maintained. ATC tells pilots about essential traffic so they can maintain their own separation. Think of it as ATC saying: I cannot keep you apart officially right now, so here is who else is near you — watch out!