8.) UK-ATM-DD

Question 1

Area of responsibility

Answer 1

D&D hold Executive control over all aircraft emergencies in England, Scotland and Wales.
Eire not covered, limited coverage in Northern Ireland.
Callsign “London Centre” - even if in Scottish FIR

Question 2

Comms

Answer 2

243.0, 121.50 and 245.1MHz (Practice
Emergency Training Frequency) selectable as
geographical groups or single legs
Full redundancy of 243.0 and 121.50Mhz
Instantaneous voice replay of Tx/Rx
Direct dial for approx 90 airfields and ATSUs
All other airfields available on 4-digit speed dial
or through comprehensive phone list
Pooleys, farm strip guide and occasionally
Google used for other miscellaneous site

Question 3

DF

Answer 3

19 UHF DF sites
16 VHF DF sites
12 PETF DF sites
Separate DF sites and radio
transmitters
VHF coverage:
2000’≥ within 40nm radius
Heathrow
3000’ ≥ South & East of
Manchester
DF is principal method of
fixing the position of an ac
(also used alongside radar

Question 4

D&D involvement

Answer 4

Where the D&D Cell are providing an ATS to an emergency aircraft, they will consult with the pilot and relevant ATSUs to identify the most suitable aerodrome for landing taking into consideration at least the following:
• the nature of the emergency;
• the pilot’s qualifications;
• equipment onboard the aircraft;
• runway configuration;
• the availability of approach aids and lighting facilities; and,
• the prevailing weather conditions.

Once agreement has been reached that the
selected aerodrome can accept the aircraft,
the D&D Cell may opt to continue to provide a
service to the aircraft on 121.50 MHz, or
Handover of the aircraft to an alternative ATSU
that they believe is better placed to provide
assistance to the pilot.
The controller at the receiving ATSU should only
accept the responsibility for providing a service
to the emergency aircraft once they are satisfied
that they have all the necessary information
from the D&D controller to enable them to
provide the best possible assistance to the pilot

Question 5

??
Slide 21

Answer 5

If aircraft calls emergency on a discrete
frequency:
D&D retains Executive control
Operational control delegated to reporting ATC
Aircraft calls on 121.50/243.0MHz, D&D has:
Executive control
Operational control
Reports received from:
Other ATC agencies or aircraft
Members of the public
Emergency services
ARCC

Question 6

CONTROLLER CONSIDERATIONS

Answer 6

1. Surveillance Cover
2. VHF Auto-triangulation
3. RTF Coverage
4. Minimum Sector Altitudes
5. Other Services
   With exception to the following circumstances, ATSUs should not
   transmit on 121.5 MHz or 243.0 MHz without authorisation from
   the D&D cell
   (1) A pilot in distress calls a specific ATSU that is local to the pilot
   concerned; or,
   (2) It is apparent that the D&D cell is not responding to an
   emergency transmission

Question 7

EMERGENCIES – ACTIONS ON

Answer 7

Airborne:
Provide as much assistance as possible: position
fix, steers and airfield details.
Aircraft Crash:
Obtain as much information as possible.
ARCC informed
SAR managed by JRCC in association with
emergency services
D&D act as information hub to all partie

Question 8

PLBS AND ELTS

Answer 8

Personal Locator Beacon and Emergency Locator
Transmitter
Tone on 121.50 and 243.0MHz activated when
pilot crashes or ejects
DF trace information passed to Mission Control
Centre (Fareham)
406MHz automatically picked up by satellite
Tracking of 121.5/243.0MHz PLBs not possible
by satellit

Question 9

HOW PILOTS CAN HELP D & D

Answer 9

Submit VFR flight plans
www.flightplanningonline.co.uk
If the aircraft diverts into a different aerodrome
from originally notified, inform someone – helps
to avoid tracing action
If pilot accidently sets off ELT whilst flying, call
on 121.5MHz to inform D & D
If in any doubt as to position or in any
difficulties, the pilot should call earlier rather
than later!
Careful change of squawks – when cycling
through 7700 to 7000 – switch the transponder
to standby and then back to “on”

Question 10

OVERDUE AND TRACING ACTION

Answer 10

Contact from destination airfield
Confirm the aircraft actually departed as
planned/ check flight plan route.
Contact LARS units in the area
Check with other airfields
Check with Civil Aviation Communications
Centre
*When authorised Transmit on 243.0 or
121.50MHz
Send a Request News signal
Use CAA register (last resort