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Primary purpose of the ATC system

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 13 of 21 on Airspace / Classification. ACS element UA.II.A.K4 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhat is the primary purpose of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system?

  1. ATo provide weather briefings and flight plan filing services to all pilots
  2. BTo enforce the certification and maintenance regulations for every aircraft operating in the NAS
  3. CTo prevent collisions between aircraft and to organize and expedite the flow of traffic
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. To prevent collisions between aircraft and to organize and expedite the flow of traffic

  • A — incorrect Weather and flight planning support are not described as the primary purpose of ATC; collision prevention and traffic flow are.
  • B — incorrect Compliance with certification and maintenance regulations is a responsibility of aircraft operators under the CFR, not the stated primary purpose of the ATC system.
  • C — correct The study guide states that the primary purpose of the ATC system is to prevent a collision between aircraft operating in the system and to organize and expedite the flow of traffic.

BACKGROUND

The Remote Pilot Study Guide explains that the primary purpose of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system is to prevent a collision between aircraft operating in the system and to organize and expedite the flow of traffic. Beyond this primary function, ATC can provide additional services with certain limitations. Those limitations include traffic volume, frequency congestion, quality of radar, controller workload, and higher priority duties. Controllers are required to provide additional services to the extent permitted by those factors, so the additional services are not optional when the work situation permits.

STUDY TIP

For ATC questions, anchor on the two-part primary purpose: prevent collisions, and organize and expedite traffic flow.

KEY POINTS

  • ATC's primary purpose is collision prevention and orderly, expeditious traffic flow.
  • Additional services are provided as workload and other factors permit.
  • Providing additional services is required, not optional, when circumstances allow.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt Chapter 2 "Air Traffic Control and the National Airspace System"
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MORE ON AIRSPACE / CLASSIFICATION

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.