5. Strayed Or Unidentified Aircraft

Question 1

What is a Strayed Aircraft? (1)

Answer 1

An aircraft which has deviated significantly from its intended track, or which reports it is lost

Question 2

What is an Unidentifed Aircraft? (1)

Answer 2

An aircraft which has been observed or reported to be operating in a given area but whose identity has not been established

Question 3

What is the Sqawk allocated for a lost aircraft? (1)

Answer 3

0030 - FIR Lost

Question 4

If an aircraft is in the vicinity of the aerodrome what can the aerodrome controller do to aid the aircraft? (5)

Answer 4

• Runway / Taxiway lights
• Aerodrome beacon
• Flares
• Other aircraft etc
• Blind transmissions

Question 5

When an A/C is using a monitoring code, what shall be assumed of that A/C? (2)

Answer 5

• Does not imply an ATS is being provided
• The Mode-C pressure & altitude is unvalidated & unverified

Question 6

What reasons may an aircraft divert? (6)

Answer 6

• Weather
• Obstructions
• Failure A/C equipment
• Failure ground equipment
• Unacceptable delay
• Closure

Question 7

What shall an ATCO do when an aircraft wishes to divert? (6)

Answer 7

• Call APC
• Hold A/C (VRP or in vicinity)
• Obtain clearance
• Pass diversion to A/C
• Pass alternate wx if required
• Advise operator

Question 8

When shall non-radio preliminary & full overdue action be performed? (2)

Answer 8

• Preliminary = Commence not later than 30 minutes after the ETA
• Full = Commence not later than 60 minutes after the ETA

Question 9

When shall radio equipped preliminary & full overdue action be performed? (2)

Answer 9

• Preliminary = Commence not later than 30 minutes after the ETA
• Full = 1 Hour elapsed since scheduled position report should have been received & Fuel probably has been exhausted

Question 10

When shall overdue action be performed when an aircraft has failed to land? (1)

Answer 10

Within 5 minutes of Estimated time of landing & Comms lost

Question 11

What actions shall be taken when an aircraft has failed to land within 5 minutes of landing ETA? (7)

Answer 11

• Alert radar services
• Aircraft in vicinity to keep a lookout
• Caution with movement of aerodrome traffic
• Alert emergency services
• Check aerodromes in the vicinity
• If necessary, send RQS message
• Advise ACC

Question 12

Calculation formula for A/C unable to maintain height

Answer 12

Question 13

What actions are to be used for an aircraft that is unable to maintain height? (3)

Answer 13

If the Aircraft is beyond range, the outcome is inevitable:
- ALERT
If the Aircraft can reach AD:
- advise shortest route for successful approach and landing
- Monitor closely rate of descent by frequent checks from crew

Question 14

What may demonstrate an aircraft to have a loss of directional instrumentation? (1)

Answer 14

A discrepancy of 30 degrees between observed track and expected track

Question 15

What actions should an ATCO take if they suspect an aircraft has strayed? (4)

Answer 15

• Attempt to establish two-way communication, unless such communication already exists, and inform the pilot of their position
• Inform other ATS units into whose area the aircraft has strayed or may stray
• Request appropriate assistance from D&D, other ATS units, and other aircraft in establishing communication with the strayed aircraft
• Notify, the Civil Watch Supervisor at the parent ACC in the event that unlawful interference is suspected

Question 16

How may ATC try to find overdue A/C?

Answer 16

1. Check FPL for errors
2. Check with A/C operator
3. Confirm ATD with Dep AD
4. Check Alt AD
5. Send RQS
6. Check ADS along aircraft route