ATC/pilot responsibility

[skat0r]

Hey guys I have my INRAT coming this monday and I had a question in practice that I'm just not sure about :

With respect to a flight under IFR, ATC is reponsible for :
a) collision avoidance
b)obstacle clearance
c) traffic avoidance
d) none of the above

I putted c but they say its d. Isnt the atc responsible for at least something? I mean we are IFR, we cant see a thing, if we dont have a tcas, how can we see and avoide traffic!? For obstacles, im assuming we have to respect the mea and others so its our problem..but for traffic!?

help me out!

thx

[kevind]

no matter happens, in the end, it is the pilot's responsability

[KK7]

The only time ATC becomes responsible for something, it is terrain avoidance when on RADAR VECTORS, and they must say those words in the clearance. Otherwise the PIC is ALWAYS responsible.

This being said, from a practical perspective it's a wise idea to not take radar vectors blindly, because although ATC might be responsible, it's you're life in the airplane, not theirs.

[200hr Wonder]

Well when in doubt it is always the pilots responsibility. However that question is silly.

For example if you are in class G there is no ATC and you provide your own separation from other IFR even when IMC. If you go into class B then there is only IFR and you get separation and ATC takes responsibility. I guess that covers Collision/Traffic

As for obstacle you are almost always providing. Some examples are un-assessed departures you use the Mk I eyeball IE visual clearance. Flight planning is done such that you always fly above MOCA/MEA. Though once again when you are on RADAR vectors in a terminal environment ATC will make sure you don't see any mountain goats pop out of the clouds.

So it is a really broad question which one can get confused on. It sounds like it came from one of them un-mentionable test prep question books.

[Trapper]

ATC is responsible for the separation of ALL aircraft operating under IFR in IMC conditions or above FL180.
The question states the a/c is under IFR but it does not state that the a/c is in IMC therefore the correct answer is (d).

Trapper

[sakism]

How on earth does ATC determine if an aircraft is in IMC?

[Tim]

How on earth does ATC determine if an aircraft is in IMC?

+1

[kevenv]

ATC is responsible for the separation of ALL aircraft operating under IFR in IMC conditions or above FL180.
The question states the a/c is under IFR but it does not state that the a/c is in IMC therefore the correct answer is (d).

Trapper

?

I am responsible for separating ALL IFR a/c from all other IFR a/c, at all altitudes, everywhere except class G airspace. IMC is irrelevant. I believe the traffic that the OP's question is referring to is VFR traffic. VFR can fly in most of our FIR, below 12500 without talking to us and without a transponder. If I can't see him, I can't pass traffic to you. Though I am not required to separate IFR from VFR in most areas, I will certainly offer / suggest a new altitude or heading if it looks like it could be ugly.

[pto]

How on earth does ATC determine if an aircraft is in IMC?

Each radar display comes equipped with a magic 8 ball.

ATC: "Is ACA123 IMC?"
*SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE*

8 Ball: Doubtful.

[skat0r]

So it is a really broad question which one can get confused on. It sounds like it came from one of them un-mentionable test prep question books.

It was from the Culane IFR written practice book

Anyways thx all for the info...hope the question will be more clear with TC