6. Approach Controller

Question 1

What does spacing between approaching aircraft depend on?

Answer 1

• Prevailing weather conditions
• The size of aircraft involved (larger a/c create more wake turbulence than smaller a/c)
• The number of aircraft waiting to depart

Question 2

Give an example of wake turbulence separation?

Answer 2

B737 (Medium) must approach the airport 5 miles behind B747 (Heavy)
If B747 follows the B737, a distance of only 3 miles would be required.

Question 3

What are “HOLDS”?

Answer 3

“Holds” are holding facilities which aircraft may be required to enter if a delay is expected. there are inner and outer holds. e.g. Heathrow has 4 inner holds, while Gatwick and Stansted have 2 inner holds each.

Question 4

Where are approach ATCs based?

Answer 4

often based at the airfield for which they provide the service. With the exception of London which is provided from the Terminal control operations room at Swanwick

Question 5

When will the Approach Controller transfer the aircraft to the Aerodrome Controller?

Answer 5

When the aircraft is established on the final approach at between 6-12 miles from the runway