Final approach sequencing: an ATC radar game

You vector arrivals onto final at the correct wake turbulence spacing, using headings, altitudes and speed control, with a choice of four runways. Aircraft must join the glidepath from below or they go around, TCAS resolution advisories follow a loss of vertical separation, and training mode shows when to turn. A five-minute demo shows how it is done.

Why it matters for ATC selection

Approach sequencing is one of the most demanding jobs in air traffic control. The game is not a copy of any selection test, but it builds the skills that work samples and simulator assessments look for: planning, spacing and staying ahead of the traffic.

How the practice works

• Arrivals appear at the edge of the screen at 250 kt, heading for one of four entry fixes, and show dimmed until they call you. They descend to be level at the fix altitude 3 NM before it, and check in somewhere between 4 NM and 1 NM before the fix (“descending altitude 4000 feet, to be level at KAPEX”). Before they call they aren't on your frequency, but they still count for separation: keep the traffic you are working separated from aircraft coming in through the other fixes. Vector them onto final, clear them for the ILS and land them in sequence. Traffic keeps coming until you press Finish and evaluate (or lose separation three times). Choose a level: arrivals come further apart on Easy and much closer together on Skygod.
• Choose the runway in use: 22, 04, 26 or 08. Runways 22 and 04 share one set of entry fixes, and 26 and 08 another. Every aircraft leaves its entry fix on the reciprocal of the runway heading. Traffic for the two fixes on the approach side (the base fixes) is level at 4000 ft by the fix; traffic for the two fixes on the far side (the downwind fixes) is level at 6000 ft, on the same tracks 2000 ft higher.
• Altitudes: climb or descend any aircraft between 2000 and 6000 ft. Aircraft climb and descend at about 1200 ft a minute, easing off over the last 300 ft as they level off, and change speed gradually. Pilots read back and act on an instruction about a second after you give it. The label shows altitude in hundreds of feet, with an arrow and the cleared altitude while it climbs or descends (for example 060↓030).
• The full rules are shown before you start.

A free account includes a 5-minute trial on runway 22 at Easy level, plus the demo. Full access unlocks every runway and level. Every practice item is original. Full access adds feedback on where you lost marks and how to improve.

Tips

• Set the gap with the base turn, then hold it with speed: 180 knots to 10 miles, then 160 to 4.
• Leave room for compression. Gaps close up inside 4 NM as aircraft slow to approach speed.
• Descend early so every aircraft joins the glidepath from below.