For any ETA changes, when must you notify ATC?

For any ETA changes, when must you notify ATC?

• A. ETA changes by 30 minutes
• B. ETA changes by 5 minutes
• C. ETA changes by 15 minutes
• D. ETA changes by 60 minutes

Answer: (A)

ATC needs accurate timing to sequence arrivals and manage traffic flow, so a formal update is required when your ETA shifts by a noticeable amount. The threshold of 30 minutes is used because it flags a meaningful change that could impact arrivals or spacing, while smaller fluctuations can be absorbed in real-time planning. If your ETA changes by less than 30 minutes, ATC generally doesn’t require an update. A change of 60 minutes would also trigger a notification because it’s well beyond the threshold.

ATC needs accurate timing to sequence arrivals and manage traffic flow, so a formal update is required when your ETA shifts by a noticeable amount. The threshold of 30 minutes is used because it flags a meaningful change that could impact arrivals or spacing, while smaller fluctuations can be absorbed in real-time planning. If your ETA changes by less than 30 minutes, ATC generally doesn’t require an update. A change of 60 minutes would also trigger a notification because it’s well beyond the threshold.