For a KGWO departure vs. an SQS overflight, the student must do which action?

• A. Clear KGWO departure below the overflight
• B. Maintain current altitude
• C. Advise SQS
• D. Hold all traffic

Answer: (A)

The important idea here is how air traffic control handles vertical separation when a departing aircraft could cross the path of an overflight. If the KGWO departure would intersect the SQS overflight, the safest and most effective action is to place the KGWO departure below the altitude of the overflight. By clearing the departure to fly at a lower level than the SQS overflight, you create a vertical separation margin as the two aircraft proceed on their respective routes, reducing the risk of a conflict as they cross.

This is why the other options aren’t the best fit. Keeping the KGWO aircraft at its current altitude doesn’t guarantee the necessary separation if the overflight is already at a higher level and continuing on a crossing path. Merely advising SQS doesn’t implement separation for the KGWO departure; you still need a specific altitude assignment for KGWO to ensure safety. Holding all traffic is excessive and unnecessary when a targeted vertical separation solution for theKGWO departure is appropriate.