ACFT Flashcards
What is the civil VHF comms spectrum?
117.975 to 137.000MHz
What is the DOC?
Desiginated Operational Coverage
A term used to declare the coverage boundary of a station.
What factors can affect the DOC of a VHF station?
- Position of transmitter
- Power of transmitter
- Altitude of recipient
- Local terrain
- Enviornmental/ Met phenomena
What is CPDLC?
Controller Pilot Datalink Communications
A data link that allows for the transfer of text messages between ATC and the pilot, these messages can be uplinked straight to the FMS making them automatic.
Improves communication capabilities in oceanic areas.
What are the benefits of CPDLC?
- Allows flight crew to print messages, less ambiguity especially for foreign pilots
- Allows auto uplink of messages straight into the FMS
- Allows crews to downlink complex route clearances and requests.
What is SELCAL?
Selective calling
Basically a way of reducing pilot fatigue by no longer requiring them to maintain a constant listening watch. A selective call will be sent to the aircraft which will create a visual and aural alarm in the cockpit letting them know that ATC wishes to talk to them.
What is ACARS?
Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System
A system similar to CPDLC which is used by the airline/operater to speak or download parameters from the aircraft.
What is the approach category of an aircraft?
A speed which is used to create a standardised basis for aircraft manoeuvrability when conducting instrument approaches.
This is defined as 1.3x the stall speed of the aircraft in the landing configuration at maximum certificated landing mass.
What are the approach categories?
A= Less than 91kts IAS
B=91-120kts IAS
C=121-140kts IAS
D=141-165kts IAS
E= 166-210kts IAS
What is OCH/OCA?
Obstacle Clearance Height/Altitude
The lowest height/altitude above the elevation of the relevant runway threshold or above the aerodrome elevation as applicable used in establishing compliance with the appropriate obstacle clearance criteria.
What is VM (C)?
Visual Manoeuvring (circling) in the vicinity of aerodrome
Terms describing the visual phase of flight, after completing an instrument approach, where an a/c is manoeuvred into position for a landing on a runway not suitably located for a straight in approach.
What is the VM (C) area?
Area in which obstacle clearance has been considered for a/c manoeuvring visually before landing. Determined by drawing arcs centred on each runwa threshold and joining these arcs with tangent lines.
Related to:
- A/C Cat
- Speed for each cat
- Wind speed
- Bank angle
It is permissable to elminate a sector from this area if it contains obstacles which would make the OCH/OCA unacceptable.
What is wake turbulence?
It is the effect of the rotating air masses generated behind the wing tips of large jet aircraft
What is a wake vortex?
Describes the nature of the air masses, similar to a tornado
What are the European Wake turbulence categories?
Super (J)- A380
Heavy (H)- A/C of MTOW 136,000kg or more
Medium- between 136,000kg-7,000kg
Light- A/C with MTOW of 7,000kg or less
