Air Traffic Management Flashcards
What is an Air Traffic Service?
A generic term meaning variously
- Air Traffic Control Service
- Air Traffic Advisory Service
- Flight Information Service
- Alerting Service
What other services comprise an Air Traffic Control Service?
- Area Control Service - Provided for controlled flights in control areas. With or without use of surveillance equipment
- Approach Control Service - Provided for arriving or departing controlled flights. With or without use of surveillance equipment
- Aerodrome Control Service - Provided for aerodrome traffic. With or without assistance from Aerodrome Traffic Monitor and/or surface movement radar
N.B. Surveillance equipment may be either primary, secondary, ADS or a mixture of all 3
What is the purpose of an Air Traffic Control Service?
- Prevent collisions between ACFT
- Prevent collisions between ACFT on the manoeuvring area and obstructions on that area
- Expedite and maintain an orderly flow of air traffic
Who shall an Air Traffic Control Service be provided to?
- All IFR flights in airspace classed A, B, C, D and E
- All VFR flights in airspace classes B, C and D
- All Special VFR flights
- All aerodrome traffic at controlled aerodromes
What is a Flight Information Centre?
A unit established to provide Flight Information Service and Alerting Service
What is a Flight Information Service?
A service provided for the purpose of giving advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights
Who shall a Flight Information Service be provided to?
All ACFT which are likely to be affected by the information and which are:
- Provided with an ATC Service
Or
- Otherwise known to relevant ATSUs
N.B. Does not relieve pilot-in-command of responsibilities - they make final decision regarding any suggested alteration of flight plan
What shall a Flight Information Service include provision of? (10)
- SIGMET and AIRMET
- Pre-eruption volcanic activity, eruptions and ash-cloud
- Release of radioactive material or toxic chemicals into the atmosphere
- Changes in availability of radio navigational services
- Changes in condition of aerodromes and associated facilities, including state of aerodrome movement areas when they are affected by snow, ice or significant depth of water
- Unmanned free a balloons
- Weather conditions reported or forecast at departure, destination and alternate aerodromes
- Collision hazards to ACFT operating in airspace classes C, D, E, F and G
- Surface vessels in the area (flights over water)
- Anything else likely to affect safety
N.B. VFR flights in addition to above, info concerning traffic and weather conditions along route of flight that are likely to make VFR impracticable
Where is a Flight Information Service provided?
- In a Flight Information Region by a Flight Information Centre unless responsibility assigned to ATC unit with adequate facilities
- By relevant ATC unit within controlled airspace and at controlled aerodromes
What are the methods of disseminating information to ACFT?
- Direct transmission - receipt acknowledged
- A general call - unacknowledged transmission to all ACFT concerned
- Broadcast
- Datalink
N.B. Use of general call should be limited to when necessary to disseminate essential information to several ACFT without delay
What is a VOLMET?
- MET Info for ACFT in flight
- Contains TAF, SIGMET and METAR for published list of aerodromes
What is an ATIS and its contents (15)
Automatic Terminal Information Service
- Automatic provision of current, routine information to arriving and departing ACFT throughout 24 hour period or specific portion thereof
- Transmitted via datalink (D-ATIS) or by voice on a loop
Contents
- NAME of aerodrome
- Arrival and/or departure INDICATOR
- Contract TYPE, if communication is via D-ATIS
- DESIGNATOR
- TIME of observation
- Type of APPROACH to be expected
- RWY in use, status of arresting system constituting a potential hazard
- Significant RWY surface CONDITIONS and if appropriate, BRAKING ACTION
- Holding DELAY if appropriate
- TRANSITION LEVEL
- Other ESSENTIAL operational INFORMATION
- Current METAR
- Any available information on SIGNIFICANT METEOROLOGICAL PHENOMENA in the approach and climb out areas including wind shear, and information on weather of operational significance
- TREND FORECAST when available
- SPECIFIC ATIS instructions
N.B. Contents must be remembered in the order listed
What is the purpose of an alerting service and who is it provided to?
Provided to notify appropriate organisations regarding ACFT in need of SAR aid and assist such organisations as required
Provided by ATSUs to:
- All ACFT provided with Air Traffic Control Service
- In so far as practicable, all other ACFT having filed a flight plan or otherwise known to ATS
- Any ACFT known or believed to be subject of unlawful interference
What is an Air Traffic Advisory Service?
A service provided within Advisory airspace to ensure separation, insofar as practicable, between ACFT operating on IFR flight plans
N.B. Advisory airspace is an airspace of defined dimensions, or designated route within which an advisory service is available
What is an Advisory Route?
A designated route along which air traffic advisory service is available
What is the objective on an Air Traffic Advisory Service?
To make information on collision hazards more effective than it would be in the mere provision of Flight information service (FIS)
An Air Traffic Advisory Service shall only be implemented where…
- ATS inadequate for providing and Air Traffic Control Service
- Limited advice on collision hazards provided by FIS will not meet requirement
N.B. Should be considered temporary until Air Traffic Control Service can replace it. Generally MAX 3 years
What shall an ATSU providing an Air Traffic Advisory Service advise ACFT to do, what shall their judgement be based on and what limitations should be considered?
Advise ACFT to
- Depart at time specified
- Cruise at levels indicated in the flight plan if it does not foresee conflict with other known traffic
Judgement based on - Criteria laid down for ACFT operating in controlled airspace
Consider limitations of - Service itself, navigation facilities and air-ground communications
What additional functions may be provided in provision of approach control service using position indicators presented on a situation display?
- Vectoring of arriving traffic onto pilot interpreted final approach aids
- Flight path monitoring of parallel ILS approaches and instruct ACFT to take appropriate action in event of possible or actual penetrations of the no transgression zone (NTZ)
- Vectoring of arriving traffic to a point from which a visual approach can be completed
- Vectoring of arriving traffic to a point from which a precision radar approach or a surveillance radar approach can be made
- Flight path monitoring of other pilot-interpreted approaches
What is usually, the minimum horizontal separation based on radar and/or ADS-B and/or MLAT systems?
5nm
N.B. Can be reduced to 3nm or 2.5nm when certain conditions are met
When can minimum horizontal separation be reduced to 3nm?
When radar and/or ADS-B and/or MLAT systems capabilities at a given location permit
When can minimum horizontal separation be reduced to 2.5nm?
2.5nm between succeeding ACFT which are established on same final approach track within 10nm of RWY THR
Subject to
- AIP - Must be published here
- BRAKING - action good
- AWARENESS - of need to exit RWY quickly (ACFT operator and pilot)
- CONTAMINANTS - RWY not adversely affected
- UPDATE - every 5 seconds on surveillance system
- SPEEDS - (Approach) monitored
- WAKE TURBULENCE - If distance-based minima do not apply
- OCCUPANCY - of RWY when landing does not exceed average of 50 seconds
- OBSERVE - RWY, Exits and Entry (Controller)
N.B. ABACUS WOO!
What are the main Ground Based Safety Net Systems and where can they be based?
- Short Term Conflict Alert (STCA)
- Medium Term Conflict Detection (MTCD)
- Runway Incursion Tools e.g. RIMCAS and A-SMGCS
Can be Area, Approach or Tower based
What is STCA?
Short Term Conflict Alert
Warns when minimum separation distances between any pair of radar tracks is, or is predicted to be violated, within a short period (usually 2 minutes)
Compare Short Term Conflict Alert (STCA), Tactical Controller Tool (TCT) and Medium Term Conflict Detection (MTCD) in terms of Look Ahead Time, Input and what they are used as
STCA:
Look Ahead Time - Usually 1-2 minutes
Input - Surveillance date
Used As - Safety net
TCT:
Look Ahead Time - Up to 5-8 minutes
Input - Surveillance and/or flight path data
Used As - Conflict resolution and clearance verification tool (informs if the current clearance results in a breach)
MTCD:
Look Ahead Time - Up to 20 minutes
Input - Flight plan data and controller input (clearances)
Used As - Planning tool consisting of Trajectory Prediction, Conflict Detection, Trajectory Update, Trajectory Edition
Define Identification with respect to PSR and SSR
PSR
The situation which exists when the position indication of a particular ACFT is seen on a situation display and is positively identified
SSR
Correlating a particular position indication with a specific ACFT target by means of laid down procedures
Define Radar Map
Information superimposed on a situation display to provide ready identification of selected features
Define Video Mapping
The electronic superimposing of a map or plan on a situation display
What are the PSR methods of identification? (3)
- Turn Method
- Departing ACFT Method
- Position Report Method
How does the Turn Method of PSR identification work?
- Ascertain ACFT heading and observe track for period of time
- Correlate observed movement with acknowledged execution of instruction to alter heading by at least 30º
- Turn Method 1 - One or more changes of heading by at least 30º as instructed by controller
- Turn Method 2 - One or more change of heading of at least 30º as reported by pilot
What are the Considerations (5) and Cautions (3) associated with the PSR Turn Method to identify an ACFT?
Considerations
- Terrain
- PSR coverage
- Other surveillance returns
- Rules of the air
- Proximity of controlled airspace boundary
Caution
- Turn for identification does not constitute provision of a surveillance service
- Verify that movements of not more than one position indication match those of the ACFT
- When using this method in areas where ACFT commonly make changes of heading for navigational purposes (e.g. at a VOR)
How does the Departing ACFT Method of PSR identification work?
- Observe and correlate position indication of departing ACFT to a known airborne time
- Must be within 1nm of the end of the RWY used unless otherwise authorised by authority (in some states)
What are the Cautions (4) associated with the PSR Departing ACFT Method to identify an ACFT?
Take care to avoid confusion with ACFT:
- Overflying the airfield
- Making a missed approach
- Departing from adjacent RWY
- Holding overhead the airfield
How does the Position Report Method of PSR identification work?
Correlating particular radar position indication with ACFT reporting position over, or as bearing and distance from point shown on the situation display
And
By ascertaining that track is consistent with ACFT path or reported heading
Reported position must be within PSR coverage
N.B. - Use alternative method if there is any doubt concerning identification
N.B.B. Point refers to a geographical point suitable for purposes of identification. Normally a reporting point
What conditions may the appropriate ATS authority prescribe when using the PSR Position Report Method to identify an ACFT? (2)
Level or levels above which it may not be applied in respect of specified navaids
Or
A distance from the radar site beyond which it may not be applied
How can misidentification occur? (4)
- Incorrect assumptions concerning identity
- Identification procedures not correctly applied
- Turn Method - two ACFT make co-incident turns
- Pilot makes inaccurate position report which coincides with position of another ACFT
What should the ATCO do if they misidentify/lose identity of an ACFT? (6)
- Tell pilot and instruct to resume own navigation
- Climb ACFT to a safe level if necessary
- Provide vertical separation from other ACFT and pass essential traffic information
- Continue to search for ACFT
- Make use of Direction finding (DF) facilities (triangulation)
- Cancel any descent clearance and advise pilot to climb back to original level
N.B. Pilot shall be informed whenever identification is lost
What is an Exact Reporting Point
Give 3 examples of one
A position established by a navigational facility
Examples
- Overhead a VOR or NDB
- A notified fix defined by VOR radials or a VOR radial and a bearing from an NDB
- A position defined by a VOR radial and a range from a co-located DME
What does PSR and SSR stand for?
- Primary Surveillance Radar
- Secondary Surveillance Radar
What is Radar Contact?
The situation which exists when the radar position symbol of a particular ACFT is seen and identified on a situation display
What is Validation and how is it achieved?
Checking that the correct code has been selected by pilot and is shown on situation display
Achieved by
- Instructing ACFT to squawk assigned code and
observe that correct numbers appear on the
situation display - Instructing ACFT to “squawk ident” and
simultaneously checking that code numbers
associated with radar return are correct - Matching previously identified primary radar return with the assigned code for the flight
N.B. It is possible to achieve identification and validation simultaneously
What must you do if you allocate a squawk?
Validate and verify it
What is Correlation?
By means of a radar processor, SSR data may be correlated with stored flight plan data, enabling a code / callsign conversion to take place
N.B. Without correct validation procedures carried out, the resulting correlation could give rise to incorrect data being displayed
What is Verification and how is it achieved?
- Check to confirm that ACFTs Mode C read out is accurate within agreed parameters
- Strict guidelines concerning the use of Mode C data which vary according to whether the readout is verified or not
How it is achieved
- If necessary with assistance of another ATSU
- If in error, request pilot to check altimeter setting and confirm level
- If still in error, “Stop Squawk Altitude” or “Stop squawk Altitude, wrong indication, Squawk 0000”– to indicate a data error (if independent switching of Mode C is not possible)
What is Mode A SSR data used for?
To identify an ACFT
Following identification, outside controlled airspace, controller shall inform pilot that ACFT has been identified
N.B. No longer required to pass a position to the pilot unless the controller considers it necessary
How are ACFT identified using SSR and/or MLAT? (5)
- Recognition of ACFT identification in SSR and/or MLAT label
- Direct recognition of ACFT identification of Mode S equipped ACFT in SSR and/or MLAT label
- Transfer of identification
- Observation of compliance with instruction to set specific code
- Observation of compliance with instruction to squawk IDENT (Cannot be used for ACFT displaying conspicuity code)
What should the ATCO do if the observed read out does not correlate with assigned squawk code?
- Instruct pilot to reset code
- If error persists, instruct pilot to squawk A0000
- If error still exists, instruct pilot to switch off transponder
N.B. A corrupt code may be retained for identification and tracking purposes if Mode C is verified. Adjacent ATSUs must be informed
When may a Mode A code be deemed validated?
When code set can be recognised by the Code Assignment Plan (in AIP) to have been assigned by an ATC unit capable of validating the code, providing the code has not been notified as being corrupt
When can Mode C be assumed to have been verified?
When associated with a deemed validated Mode A Code
When is an ACFT considered to be Maintaining an assigned level? (level occupied)
- Mode C readout indicates ± 200ft from that level in RVSM (FL290 - 410)
or
- ± 300ft in other airspace, unless ATS authority specify smaller criterion, but not less than ± 200ft
N.B. RVSM = Reduced Vertical Separation Minima
When is an ACFT considered to have Vacated a level after instruction to climb or descend?
Mode C readout shows a change of more than 300ft from its previously occupied level and is continuing in anticipated direction
When is an ACFT considered to be Passing a level in climb or descent?
When Mode C readout indicates that it has passed this level in required direction by more than 300 ft
When is an ACFT considered to have Reached an assigned level?
After three display updates, three sensor updates or 15 seconds, whichever is greater
Has passed since
Mode C readout indicated within appropriate tolerances of assigned level
What are the methods of transfer of identification? (8)
1. AUTOMATED MEANS, provided only one position indication and there is no doubt
2. Notification of ACFTs DISCRETE SSR CODE or ACFT address
3. Notification that ACFT IS SSR MODE S / ADSB EQUIPPED with an ACFT IDENTIFICATION FEATURE when SSR MODE S COVERAGE AVAILABLE
4. Notification that ACFT is ADSB EQUIPPED with ACFT IDENTIFICATION FEATURE when compatible ADSB COVERAGE AVAILABLE
5. DIRECT DESIGNATION (pointing with the finger) of position indication, if the two situation displays are adjacent or if common “conference” type of situation display is used
6. Designation of position indication by reference to BEARING AND DISTANCE from geographical position or nav facility, together with track of observed position indication. If route of ACFT is not known to both controllers, ATS authority may prescribe additional conditions for application of this method. For example
6a. Max distance from common reference point used by the two controllers
6b. Max distance between position indication as observed by accepting controller and one stated by transferring controller
7. TRANSFERRING CONTROLLER instructs ACFT to CHANGE SSR CODE and change observed by ACCEPTING CONTROLLER
8. TRANSFERRING CONTROLLER instructs ACFT to SQUAWK IDENT and observed by ACCEPTING CONTROLLER
N.B. Use of procedures 7 and 8 require prior coordination between the controllers, since indications to be observed by accepting controller are of short duration
When should an ACFT be informed of its position? (5)
- UPON IDENTIFICATION, EXCEPT when identification is established based on PILOT POSITION REPORT or DEPARTING ACFT METHOD or by use of either ADSB / SSR Mode S ACFT IDENT OR assigned DISCRETE SSR CODES and location of position indication is consistent with CPL of ACFT or by TRANSFER OF IDENTIFICATION
- PILOT REQUEST
- When PILOT ESTIMATE DIFFERS SIGNIFICANTLY from controller’s estimate based on observed position
- When pilot is instructed to resume OWN NAVIGATION after vectoring if current instructions had diverted the ACFT from PREVIOUSLY ASSIGNED ROUTE
- Immediately BEFORE TERMINATION OF ATS SURVEILLANCE, if ACFT is observed to DEVIATE FROM INTENDED ROUTE
How is position information passed to ACFT? (5)
- Well-known geographical position
- Magnetic track and distance to a significant point, en-route navigation aid, or approach aid
- Direction (using points of the compass) and distance from known position
- Distance to touchdown, if ACFT on final approach
- Distance and direction from centre line of ATS route
Define Vectoring
Navigational guidance to ACFT in form of specific headings, based on use of an ATS surveillance system.
Except when transfer of control is to be effected, ACFT shall not be vectored closer than
- 2.5nm
- Where minimum permissible separation is greater than 5nm
- A distance equivalent to one-half of prescribed separation minimum, from limit of airspace for which controller is responsible
Unless
Local arrangements have been made to ensure that separation will exist with ACFT operating in adjoining areas
Controlled flights shall not be vectored outside controlled airspace, except…
- In an emergency
- In order to circumnavigate adverse MET conditions - pilot should be informed
- Or at specific request of pilot
What factors need to be considered when judging the point at which a turn should be initiated by the radar controller? (5)
- Angle of turn (total change of heading)
- Time lag or delay in the turn being initiated by the pilot
- Drift caused by wind speed and direction
- Groundspeed
- Rate of turn
What is the optimum route and why might it be extended? (5)
Straight line
- Lose height
- Avoid weather or PE clutter
- Fit in the traffic sequence
- Avoid high ground, obstructions, other airspace etc
- Provide reasonable angle of closure to final approach track
When vectoring to intercept ILS localiser course, what shall the final vector enable the ACFT to do?
- Be established on the final approach track prior to intercepting the specified or nominal glide path of the approach procedure from below
- Intercept the ILS localiser course at an angle of 45°or less
What is Aerodrome Traffic?
All traffic on manoeuvring area of an aerodrome and all ACFT flying in vicinity of an aerodrome
N.B. An ACFT is in vicinity of an aerodrome when it is in, entering or leaving an aerodrome traffic circuit
What is Air Traffic?
All ACFT in flight or operating on the manoeuvring area of an aerodrome
Define Landing Area
That part of movement area intended for landing or take-off of ACFT
What are the objective of Aerodrome Control Towers?
Issue information and clearance to ACFT under their control to achieve safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic on and in vicinity of an aerodrome with the objective of preventing collision(s) between:
- ACFT flying within designated area of responsibility of control tower, including aerodrome traffic circuits
- ACFT operating on manoeuvring area
- ACFT landing and taking off
- ACFT and vehicles operating on manoeuvring area
- ACFT on manoeuvring area and obstructions on that area
What are the different control or working positions in a control tower?
- Aerodrome controller (AIR)
- Ground controller (GMC)
- Clearance delivery position (GMP)
What does Essential Local Traffic consist of?
Any ACFT, vehicle or personnel on or near
manoeuvring area or traffic operating in vicinity of aerodrome, which may constitute a hazard to ACFT concerned
N.B. Essential local traffic shall be described so as to be easily identified and information must be transmitted without delay
Prior to taxiing for TKOF, what shall ACFT be advised of, with exception of such elements which it is known ACFT has already received? (6)
- RWY to be used
- Surface wind direction and speed including significant variations
- QNH and either on a regular basis in accordance with local arrangements or if requested, QFE
- Air temperature for RWY to be used, (in the case of jet ACFT)
- Visibility representative of direction of TKOF and initial climb, if less than 10 km, or, when applicable, RVR value(s) for RWY to be used
- Correct time
N.B. Needs to be in order listed
Prior to entering traffic circuit or commencing approach to land, what shall ACFT be advised of, with exception of such elements which it is known ACFT has already received? (3)
- RWY to be used
- Surface wind direction and speed including significant variations
- QNH and either on a regular basis in accordance with local arrangements or if requested, QFE
N.B. Needs to be in order listed
A __________ should not be issued to single pilot helicopters __________ or __________
- Frequency change
- Hovering
- Air-taxiing
All vehicles and pedestrians shall give way to…
- ACFT which are landing, taxiing or taking off
- Except vehicles proceeding to assistance of an ACFT in distress shall be afforded priority over all other surface movement traffic
N.B. In latter case, all movement of surface traffic should, to the extent practicable, be halted until it is determined that the progress of the emergency vehicles will not be impeded
When an ACFT is landing or taking off, vehicles shall not be permitted to hold closer to the runway-in-use than…
A holding point or position which equates to one
What is the order of priority for landing and departing traffic?
- ACFT landing or in final stages of approach normally have priority over ACFT intending to depart from same or intersecting RWY
- Departures normally cleared in order they are ready for TKOF - deviations can be made in order to facilitate maximum number of departures with minimum average delay
What factors should be considered in relation to departure sequence? (6)
- Type of ACFT and relative performance
- Route to be followed after TKOF
- Minimum Departure Interval (MDI)?
- Need to apply wake turbulence separation minima
- ACFT which should be afforded priority
- ACFT subject to ATFM requirements (Slots) - Joint pilot and controller responsibility
N.B. ATFM = Air Traffic Flow Management
Departing/Arriving ACFT will not normally be cleared to TKOF/given landing clearance until…
Preceding departing ACFT
- Has crossed end of RWY in use
Or
- Has started a turn
Or
Preceding landed ACFT
- Has vacated RWY in use
N.B. Resealable assurance that separation will exist when ACFT commences TKOF
When necessary or desirable in order to expedite traffic, a landing ACFT may be requested to…
- Hold short of an intersecting RWY after landing
- Land beyond the touchdown zone of RWY
- Vacate RWY at a specified exit TWY
- Expedite vacating RWY
When requesting an ACFT to perform a specific landing and/or roll out manoeuvre, what shall be considered? (5)
- Type of ACFT
- RWY length
- Location of exit TWYs
- Reported braking action on RWY and TWY
- Prevailing MET conditions
When may standard separation minima be reduced in the vicinity of aerodromes?
(a) Adequate separation can be provided by aerodrome controller when each ACFT is continuously visible to controller. Both ACFT constantly visible to ADC
Or
(b) Each ACFT continuously visible to flight crews of other ACFT concerned and pilots report that they can maintain own separation Both ACFT constantly visible to each other and agreed to take own separation
Or
(c) In case of one ACFT following another, flight crew of succeeding ACFT reports that other ACFT in sight and separation can be maintained. Following ACFT has preceding ACFT in sight and agrees to take own separation
What factors are considered with the safety assessment carried out for each RWY for which reduced RWY minima is intended? (3)
- RWY length
- Aerodrome layout
- Types and categories of ACFT involved
N.B.Published in AIP and MATS Part 2. ATCOs trained in use of procedures
For the purpose of reduced runway separation, how are ACFT classified?
Category 1
- Single engine propeller - MAX Cert TKOF mass 2000kg or less
Category 2
- Single engine propeller - MAX Cert TKOF mass more than 2000kg but less than 7000kg
- Twin engine propeller - MAX Cert TKOF mass less than 7000kg
Category 3
- All other ACFT
Reduced RWY separation minima for ACFT using the same RWY shall not apply between a __________ ACFT and a preceding __________ ACFT
- Departing
- Landing
What conditions shall reduced RWY separation minima between ACFT using same RWY be subject to? (8)
- Daylight only
- Wake turbulence separation shall be applied
- Visibility at least 5km and cloud ceiling not lower than 1000ft
- Tailwind component shall not exceed 5kts
- Landmarks/visual references to allow ATCOs to assess distances. SMGCS if used must be approved (safety assessment)
- MIN separation continues to exist between two departing ACFT immediately after TKOF of second ACFT
- Traffic information shall be provided to second ACFT
- Braking good - No RWY contaminants such as ice, slush, snow and water
N.B. Daylight defined as 30 minutes after local sunrise to 30 minutes before local sunset
What is the Reduced RWY Separation Minima for landing ACFT?
Category ‘X’ may cross RWY THR when…
- 1 - Preceding Category 1/2 landed, 600m from THR, in motion and will vacate without backtracking. Or airborne and 600m from THR
- 2 - Preceding Category 1/2 landed, 1500m from THR, in motion and will vacate without backtracking. Or airborne and 1500m from THR
- 3 - Preceding Category 3 landed, 2400m from THR, in motion and will vacate without backtracking. Or airborne and 2400m from THR
N.B. Associated distances: 1: 600m, 2: 1500m, 3: 2400m
What is the Reduced RWY Separation Minima for departing ACFT?
Category ‘X’ may be cleared for TKOF when preceding departing…
- 1 - Preceding Category 1/2 airborne and at least 600m from position of succeeding ACFT
- 2 - Preceding Category 1/2 airborne and at least 1500m from position of succeeding ACFT
- 3 - Preceding Category 3 airborne and at least 2400m from position of succeeding ACFT
N.B. Associated distances: 1: 600m, 2: 1500m, 3: 2400m
Define QFE
- Atmospheric pressure at official aerodrome level
- Altimeter will read zero when ACFT is on ground at station
Define QNH
- Atmospheric pressure at mean sea level
- Altimeter will read aerodrome elevation when ACFT is on ground at station
Define QNE
Standard pressure setting 1013.25hPa
Define Height
Vertical distance of a level, point or object considered as a point measured from specified datum
Define Altitude
Vertical distance of a level, point or object considered as a point measured from mean sea level
Define Elevation
Vertical distance of a point or level, on or affixed to the surface of the earth, measured from mean sea level
N.B. AD Elevation is highest point on the landing area
When is a separate THR Elevation published?
When it is 7ft or more below aerodrome elevation and for precision approach RWYs
Define Flight Level (FL)
Surface of constant atmospheric pressure, which is related to a specific pressure datum, 1013.25 hPa, and is separated from other such surfaces by specific pressure intervals
Define Transition Altitude (TA)
The altitude at or below which the vertical position of an ACFT is controlled by reference to altitudes
N.B. Located at a fixed level and published in AIP
Define Transition Level (TL) and state how it is determined
The lowest Flight Level available for use above the Transition Altitude
Located at least a nominal 1000ft above TA to permit TA and TL to be used concurrently in cruising flight with vertical separation ensured
Determined as follows
- In controlled airspace - normally based on QNH of major aerodrome
- Outside controlled airspace - Based on local aerodrome QNH
Define Transition Layer
The airspace between the TA and TL
Even Cruising Levels e.g. FL020, FL040, FL060, etc are assigned to?
- IFR on Westbound magnetic tracks (180º - 359º)
- VFR as per IFR +500ft up to FL285 (VFR flight not approved above FL290)
Odd Cruising Levels e.g. FL030, FL050, FL070 are assigned to?
- IFR on Eastbound magnetic tracks (360º - 179º)
- VFR as per IFR +500ft up to FL285 (VFR not approved above FL290)
For purposes of altimetry, what is 1hPa approximately equal to?
30ft
Priority for landing shall be given to…
- ACFT which anticipates being compelled to land because of factors affecting the safe operation of the ACFT e.g. engine failure, shortage of fuel etc
- Hospital ACFT or ACFT carrying any sick of seriously injured persons requiring urgent medical attention
- ACFT engaged in SAR
- Other ACFT as may be determined by appropriate authority
For IFR flights, when can visual separation be used to separate ACFT?
- During VMC climb or descent when pilots have agreed to maintain own separation
- Under specific conditions, in the vicinity of an aerodrome
- Under specific conditions, when an ACFT is executing a visual approach and has preceding traffic in sight
What is VMC Climb/Descent and when can it be permitted?
ACFT may be cleared for VMC climb/descent when operating in Class D/E airspace in VMC during the day. ACFT fly subject to own separation provided both pilots agree
- Specified portion of the flight, at or below FL100 during climb or descent
- If ACFT encounter IFR, ATC to be informed and altitude clearance issued
- Essential traffic info must be passed
Fill in the blanks for callsigns
How could the following callsigns be abbreviated?
When an ACFT intends to depart from an aerodrome within a control area (CTR/CTA) to enter another control area, what must be done and what timescales are involved?
- Coordination with subsequent ACC shall be affected prior to issuance of departure clearance
- If ACFT intends to depart and enter another control area within 30 minutes or other specific period of time agreed by ACCs concerned
Complete the sentence
When an ACFT intends to leave a control are (CTA/CTR) for flight outside controlled airspace, and will subsequently re-enter same or another control area…
Clearance from point of departure to aerodrome of first intended landing may be issued
N.B. Such clearance or revisions of shall apply only to those portions of the flight conducted within controlled airspace
What is RVSM?
Reduced Vertical Separation Minima
- Enhanced equipment has allowed conventional 2000ft separation (CVSM) above FL290 to be reduced to 1000ft when in RVSM airspace and when so equipped
N.B. Pressure altimeters inaccurate at high level due to very low pressures
ACFT Departing at a Specified Time
What longitudinal separation is required for ACFT flying on tracks diverging by at least 45º immediately after TKOF?
1 minute
May be reduced when ACFT are using parallel RWYs (Greater than 760m apart) or for operations on diverging RWYs which do not cross provided CAA has approved procedure and lateral separation effected immediately after TKOF
ACFT Departing at a Specified Time
What longitudinal separation when preceding ACFT is 40kts or more faster than succeeding ACFT and both ACFT follow same tracks?
2 minutes
Define Same Track
When track of one ACFT is separated from track of the other by less than 45°
N.B. Less than 45º or more than 315º
Define Reciprocal Track
When track of one ACFT is separated from reciprocal of the other by less than 45°
N.B. More than 135º or less than 225º
Define Crossing Track
Intersecting tracks which are not classed as ‘same’ or ‘reciprocal’
What is the minimum time-based longitudinal separation for ACFT on reciprocal tracks?
10 minutes - Before and after ACFT estimated to have passed same reporting point, unless it can be established that they have definitely passed each other then this doesn’t apply
What is the minimum distance-based longitudinal separation for ACFT on same level and crossing track (DME/GNSS)?
Relative angle between tracks less than 90º
- 20nm
- 10nm provided 1st ACFT is 20kts or more faster
What is the minimum distance-based longitudinal separation for ACFT on same track when climbing/descending (DME/GNSS)?
10nm - While vertical separation does not exist. Same waypoint, 1st ACFT remains level
What is the longitudinal separation minima with time-based Mach number technique?
10 minutes or as per the table below
What types of separation maybe used for tracks that intersect at angles using the values for lateral separation points for different RNPs?
What symbology is used in TCAS?
- Other Traffic - Hollow cyan (light blue) or white diamond - (Non-altitude reporting and none threat)
- Proximate Traffic - Solid cyan (light blue) or white diamond - Any target within 6nm and 1200ft
- Intruders - Solid yellow or amber circle (Triggers TA) - 20-48 secs before closest point of approach (CPA) - “Traffic Traffic”
- Threats - Solid red square (Triggers RA) - Starts conflict resolution process, up to 35 secs before CPA - “Climb, climb now”
What is CDM?
Collaborative Decision Making
Stakeholders include NM staff, FMPs, ANSPs, AOs, affected military authorities and airport authorities.
