(2) ATM - Separation standards

Question 1

What are the various separation standards? (2)

Answer 1

• Vertical
• Horizontal (Longitudinal & Lateral)

Question 2

Types of standard separation flow chart

Answer 2

Question 3

Vertical or Horizontal Separation shall be applied between? (6)

Answer 3

• All flights: Class A B
• IFR flights: Class C D E
• IFR vs VFR flights: Class C
• Participating IFR: Class F (Advisory airspace)
• IFR & SVFR
• SVFR & SVFR

Question 4

Separation Standards are a minima and shall be increased when? (4)

Answer 4

• Pilot
• ATCO
• CAA
• Wake turbulence

Question 5

What exception may there be for standard separation? (4)

Answer 5

VMC climb:
- Class D & E
- Below 10,000ft
- Essential Traffic Information passed

Question 6

What information within Essential Traffic Information is passed? (6)

Answer 6

1. Direction of flight of aircraft concerned
2. Type of other A/C
3. Cruising level of aircraft concerned
4. ETA over the reporting pt. nearest to where the level will be crossed
5. Relative bearing of the aircraft concerned in terms of the 12-hour clock as well as distance from the conflicting traffic
6. Actual or estimated position of the aircraft concerned

Question 7

What actions should be taken if there is a loss of separation? (2)

Answer 7

1. Use every means to obtain required minimum with least possible delay
2. Pass traffic information, otherwise Essential Traffic Information

SEPARATE, THEN INFORM

Question 8

What actions should an ATCO take when a Pilot reports “TCAS RA”? (1)

Answer 8

No actions to be given until the Pilot reports Clear of conflict

Question 9

What ATCO-induced situations may lead to a Loss of Separation? (5)

Answer 9

1. When the flight clearance does not provide adequate separation from other traffic
2. Controller is aware but makes a misjudgement
3. Controller is unaware
4. A trainee Controller is being mentored and the mentor fails to intervene appropriately when the trainee allows a potentially hazardous situation to develop
5. Failure in sector or unit co-ordination

Question 10

What Pilot-induced situations may lead to a Loss of Separation? (11)

Answer 10

1. When a flight in CAS deviates from cleared track or level without clearance due to flight crew
2. Inattention to equipment malfunction
3. Mis-setting of aircraft equipment
4. Mismanagement of FMS inputs
5. Failure to follow ATC clearance
6. Avoiding a perceived (visual) loss of separation with another aircraft
7. Avoiding Weather perceived as potentially hazardous
8. Inadequate TCAS resolution
9. Ineffective visual “look out” when operating VFR
10. Not flying instructed or expected speeds/ROC/ROD which impact on flight sequence management
11. Allows their aircraft to enter CAS without ATC
    clearance