APP Oral Exam Flashcards
What are the objectives of air traffic services?
(1) prevent collisions between aircraft;
(2) prevent collisions between aircraft on the manoeuvring area and obstructions on that area;
(3) expedite and maintain an orderly flow of air traffic;
(4) provide advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights;
(5) notify appropriate organisations regarding aircraft in need of search and rescue aid, and assist such organisations as required
What do Aerodrome control co-ordinate with Approach?
- Departing IFR flights
- Arriving aircraft making their first call on tower frequency (unless they are transferred to Approach control)
What shall approach control coordinate with Aerodrome?
- aircraft approaching to land; if necessary requesting landing clearance
- arriving aircraft which are to be cleared to visual holding points
- aircraft routing through the traffic circuit
When shall Aerodrome control transfer control of aircraft to approach?
- In VMC, prior to the aircraft leaving the vicinity of the aerodrome, or prior to the aircraft entering IMC
- In IMC, immediately after the aircraft is airborne.
What do we advise pilots of regarding LVPs?
The implementation and cancellation of them
When do we pass traffic information to aircraft?
Traffic information and instructions shall be passed to aircraft on any occasion that a controller considers it necessary in the interests of safety, or when requested by a pilot.
What is Essential Aerodrome Information?
Information concerning the state of the manoeuvring area and its associated facilities that may constitute a hazard to a particular aircraft. It shall be issued to pilots in sufficient time to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. This may include the provision of urgent information to pilots during take-off or landing runs.
What would constitute Essential Aerodrome Information?
- Construction work or maintenance on the manoeuvring area
- Rough portions of the manoeuvring area and whether marked or not
- failure of irregular functioning of Aerodrome lighting system. Pilot is responsible for deciding whether this affects his flight
- Failure or irregular operation of approach aids
- Aircraft parked close to the runways or taxiways and aircraft engaged in ground running of engines
- depth of snow layers on runways and taxiways, snow piled or drifted on the manoeuvring area, melting now and slush, rutted ice and snow.
- In snow or ice conditions, information concerning sweeping and/or sanding of runways and taxiways
- Reports on the estimated braking action
- Bird formations or individual large birds on the manoeuvring area or in the vicinity of the aerodrome. Also bird dispersal action taking place
- Warnings on presence of water on runways
- Information on the location and operational status of any arrester gear.
How long after ATD are you supposed to leave the aerodrome open?
15 minutes after ATD to allow for aircraft having to return
When must the runway lighting be on?
By day= High intensity lighting must be used when Vis is less than 5000m and or cloud base is less than 700ft
What happens in the event of a laser attack on a pilot?
Where local arrangements have not been established, controllers should take the following actions whenever a report of a laser attack upon an aircraft is received:
(1) Acknowledge the report from the pilot;
(2) Seek as much information regarding the incident as possible from the pilot, including: (a) the time of the attack; (b) altitude and position at the time of the attack; (c) description of the laser light i.e. colour, whether continuous or pulsing etc; (d) any avoiding action taken; (e) any impact upon vision / concentration.
(3) Anticipate the need for the pilot to adopt manoeuvres/operational techniques to minimise the impact on the aircraft;
(4) Dial 999, and pass all relevant information to the local police;
(5) Warn pilots of other aircraft in the vicinity that laser activity has been reported. The duration of providing these warnings will be stated in MATS Part 2;
(6) Record the details in the ATC watch log and report the occurrence
What should you do if subjected to a malicious laser attack?
- Look away from beam
- Shield eyes and consider using sun blinds
- Advise aircraft that your are subject to laser attack
- Avoid rubbing eyes
- Consider increasing ambient light levels to minimise effects
- Consider handing over to a colleague
- Inform a supervisor who can then inform aerodrome operator and police
- Record event in the ATC watch log.
What is wind shear?
A sustained change in wind velocity along the aircraft flight path, which occurs significantly faster than the aircraft can accelerate or decelerate
Can occur at any level
Why is wind shear on approach especially dangerous?
Because the aircraft is in a critical phase of flight close to the ground where there is not much room for error
What conditions would you expect to bring wind shear?
- The presence of frontal/squall/thunderstorm activity in the vicinity of the aerodrome
- The presence of low level inversions where the surface wind will be significantly different from that at only a few hundred feet above the ground
- Local terrain or buildings considered in relation to wind speed and direction; such large obstructions can cause wind shear as well as the more usual turbulence and gusts
What do we do on receipt of a report of windshear?
Relay the information to subsequent outbound and inbound flights until confirmation is received that the windshear no longer exists
What should a windshear report from a pilot include?
- A warning of the presence of windshear
- The height or height band where it was encountered
- The time at which it was encountered
- Details of the effect on the aircraft, eg speed loss/gain, vertical speed tendencies, change in drift
When is the minimum visibility reported?
When there is a reported vis in any direction that is below 1500m or less than 50% of the prevailing visibility.
If there is more than one minimum vis than only report the most operationally significant.
When do we pass the instant wind?
When the pilot requests it.
In what increments is RVR reported?
25m up to 400m
50m between 400-800m
100m above 800m
What is the minimum RVR reportable?
50m
What is the maximum RVR reportable?
2000m
When are IRVR values passed?
At the beginning of each approach to land, changes must be passed until a/c lands
And must be passed before take-off
How would you transmit the RVR?
“RVR runway 26, 650-500-550 metres”
If there are only 2 they have to be identified individually;
“RVR runway 26, touchdown 650, stop end 550 metres”
Can you provide RVR is two transmissometeres are U/S?
Yes provided the remaining one is not the stop-end otherwise it would be U/S (in this case you would just change runways making the stop-end the touchdown)
Can a controller pass information that suggests that the RVR is better than that reported?
No
Can a controller pass information suggesting that the RVR is worse than that being reported?
yes
Name some runway contaminants
- Water
- Ice
- Snow
- Slush
What does dry mean in terms of runway contamination?
Surface not affected by water, slush, snow or ice
What does Damp mean in terms of runway contamination?
When the surface shows a change of colour due to moisture
What does wet mean in terms of runway contamination?
When the surface is soaked but no significant patches of standing water are visible
What does water patches mean in terms of runway contamination?
When significant patches of standing water are visible (ie. more than 25% of the runway surface is covered by water more than 3mm deep)
What does flooded mean in terms of runway contamination?
When extensive standing water is visible (more than 50% of the runway surface is covered by water more than 3mm deep)
When can you pass unofficial information regarding changes in the runway state?
only when conditions get worse,
never report them as better than they are.
What is the phraseology for the passing of unofficial reports of runway state?
Unofficial observation from the control tower/pilots report. The runway surface condition appears to be damp, damp, damp
What effects can water have on aircraft operations?
- Additional drag
- Possibility of power loss or system malfunction due to spray impingement
- Reduced wheel-braking performance
- Directional Control problems
- Possibility of structural damage.
What changes to runway contaminents are condsidered significant?
- Any change in surface deposit eg snow to slush, or water to ice
- Changes in depth greater than;
20mm for dry snow
10mm for wet snow
3mm for slush - Any change in available length or width of runways of 10% or more
- Any change which requires reclassification in item F of a Snowtam
- Any change in the distances apart of snow banks.
When must measurements of runway contaminent be commenced?
As soon as the presence of snow, slush, ice and associated standing water is detected or observed and is expected to be operationally significant.
Define dry snow
Snow which can be blown loose or, if compacted by hand, will fall apart again
Define wet snow
Snow which if compacted by hand will stick together in a snowball
Define compacted snow
Snow compresses into solid mass resists further compression, either holds together or breaks up if picked up
Define slush
A water saturated snow which, with a heel toe slap down, will be displaced with a splatter.
What is a visual approach?
An approach conducting by an aircraft with visual reference to the surface in VMC. IFR conducting a visual approach remain IFR even though they are conducting a visual manoeuvre.
Who is responsible for decisions regarding the operational status of the aerodrome including the apron and manoeuvring area?
Aerodrome Operator
This includes
- Routine operational limits, eg runway maintenance
- Unforeseen hazards to aircraft ops eg obstructions and deteriorating surface conditions
- The closure and re-opening of the aerodrome
- The withdrawal of runways, taxiways and associated lighting
- the revision of declared distances
- any markings in connection with the above
- Initiating NOTAM action to promulgate changes in serviceability.
What is the aerodrome operator responsible for in regards to restricted operations?
They are responsible for decisions regarding the operational status of the aerodrome including;
1) Routine operational limitations, eg runway maintenance
2) unforeseen hazards to aircraft operations, e.g. deteriorating surface conditions, obstructions etc. Specifically, the Aerodrome Operator will make decisions regarding:
(a) the closure or re-opening of the aerodrome;
(b) the withdrawal or return to use of runways, taxiways and associated lighting aids;
(c) the revision of declared distances;
(d) any marking required in connection with the above;
(e) initiating NOTAM action to promulgate changes in serviceability.
What is the definition of vis during the day?
The greatest distance at which a black object of suitable dimensions, situated near the ground, can be seen and recognized when observed a black background.
What is the definition of vis at night?
The greatest distance at which lights in the vicinity of 1000 candelas can be seen and identified against an unlit background.
What is the definition of ground visibility?
The visbility at an aerodrome as reported by an accredited observer or automatic systems.
What is the definition of Flight visibility?
The visibility forward from the cockpit of an a/c in flight.
What is the CAA’s definition of night (ANO 2016 schedule 1)
Half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise
Determined at surface level
What is the definition of VMC?
Meterological conditions expressed in terms of visibility, distance from cloud, and ceiling equal to or better than specified minima.
What is the definition of IMC?
Meteorlogical conditions expressed in terms of visibility, distance from cloud, and ceiling less than the minima specified for VFR
What is the definition of an ATZ?
Airspace of defined dimensions established around an aerodrome for the protection of aerodrome traffic.
Radius of 2nm if runway length less than 1850m otherwise radius of 2.5nm
Define Cloud Ceiling
From an aerodrome the vertical distance from the elevation of the aerodrome to the base of any cloud layer visible from the aerodrome sufficient to cover half of the sky.
Define an Aerodrome
A defined area (including any buildings, installations and equipment) on land or water, or on any fixed, off-shore or floating structure intended to be used either wholly or partly for the arrival, departure and surface movement of aircraft.
Define an ATCU
ANO Art 255- A unit established by a person appointed by a person maintaining an aerodrome or place to provide an ATC service.
MATS 1- A generic term meaning variously, area control centre, approach control unit or aerodrome control tower.
Define flight
An a/c shall be deemed to be in flight when… In the case of a piloted flying machine from the moment when, after the embarkation of its crew for the purpose of takng off it first moves under its own power until the moment when it next comes to rest after landing. (therefore towing doesnt count)
Define Uncertainity with regards to the phases of an emergency.
A situation whereing doubt exists as to the safety of an a/c or a marine vessel and of the persons on board.
Define Alert with regards to the phases of an emergency.
Situation wherein apprehension exists as to the safety of an aircraft or marine vessel and of the persons on board.
Define distress with regards to the phases of an emergency.
Situation wherein there is a reasonable certainity that a vessel or other craft, including an a/c or a person is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.
What is the definition of an Apron?
The part of an aerodrome provided for stationing of ac for the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers loading and unloading of cargo and parking.
What is the definition of a manoeuvring area?
That part of an aerodrome to be used for the take-off, landing and taxiing of ac.
EU 923/2012 and Cap 493
What is the definition of a runway?
A defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and tak-off of ac.
EU 923/2012 and CAP 493
What is the definition of aerodrome traffic?
-All traffic on the manoeuvring area of an aerodrome and all aircraft flying in the vicinity of an aerodrome. An aircraft operating in the vicinity includes but is not limited to a/c entering or leaving an ATZ.
Define a Flight Information Region
Airspace of defined dimensions within which FIS and alerting service are provided.
Define a taxiway
A defined path on a land aerodrome established for the taxiing of a/c and intended to provide a link between one part of the aerodrome and another including;
- Apron taxiways
- Taxilane
- Rapid exit taxiways
What is an apron taxiway?
A portion of a taxiway system located on an apron and intended to provide a through taxi route across the apron.
What is a taxilane?
A portion of an apron designated as a taxiway and intended to provide acess to a/c stands only.
Define a rapid exit taxiway
A taxiway connected to a runway at an acute angle and designed to allow landing aeroplanes to turn off at higher speeds than are achieved on other exit taxiways thereby minimising runway occupancy times.
Define Landing Area
That part of the movement area intended for landing or take-off of aircraft.
Define a safety management system
A systematic and explicit approach defining the activities by which safety management is undertaken by an organisation in order to achieve acceptable or tolerable safety.
What is the AAIB?
Air Accidents Investigation Board
- Part of the dept for transport
- Responsible for investigation of civil a/c accidents and serious incidents within the UK with the view to determining causes of air accidents/ incidents and making safety recommendations to prevent recurrence.
Define an AIRPROX
A situation in which in the opinion of the pilot or a controller, the distance between a/c as well as their relative positions and speeds have been such that the safety of the a/c involved was or may have been compromised.
Define SVFR
A VFR flight cleared by ATC to operate within a CTR in met conditions below VMC.
Define Aerodrome Control Tower
A unit established to provide Air Traffic Control Service to aerodrome traffic
Define QFE
Atmospehric pressure at offical aerodrome level. When QFE is set on the subscale of a pressure altimeter, the altimeter will read zero when the a/c is on the ground at the station.
Define QNH
Atmospheric pressure at mean sea level. When set on the subscale of a pressure altimeter it will read aerodrome elevation when the aircraft is on the ground at the station.
Define QNE
Height indicated on a pressure altimeter when the aircraft is on the ground at an airfield with a setting of 1013.2hPa set on the subscale.
Define Height
The vertical distance of a level, point or object considered as a point measured from a specified datum.
Define Altitude
The vertical distance of a level, point or object considered as a point measured from mean sea level.
Define Elevation
The vertical distance of a point or level, on or affixed to the surface of the earth, measured from mean sea level.
- NOTE - Aerodrome elevation is the elevation of the highest point on the landing area.*
- A separate threshold elevation is published if it is 7ft or more BELOW aerodrome elevation and for precision approach runways.*
Define a flight level
A surface of constant atmospheric pressure related to the specified pressure datum of 1013.25hPa and separated from other such surfaces by specific pressure intervals.
Define the Transition Altitude
The altitude at or below which the vertical position of an aircraft is controlled by reference to altitudes. The transition altitude is located at a fixed level and published in aeronautical information publications.
Define Flight level
The lowest Flight Level available for use above the Transition Altitude.
Located at least a nominal 1000 ft above the Transition Altitude to permit the TA and TL to be used concurrently in cruising flight, with vertical separation ensured.
Determined by;
- In CAS, based on the QNH of the major aerodrome
- Outside CAS, based on the QNH of the local aerodrome
Define the Transition Layer
The airspace between the transition altitude and the transition level.
RT- define Acknowledge
“Let me know that you have received and understood this message.”
R/T define AFFIRM
Yes, positive
R/T define Break
I hereby indicate the separation between portions of the message
Only really used when it is not clear that this is the different portion of a message to the same a/c
R/T define Break Break
I hereby indicate the separation between messages transmitted to different aircraft in a very busy environment.
R/T define cancel
Annul the previously transmitted clearance.
R/T define Check
“Examine a system or procedure.”
(Not to be used in any other context. No answer is normally expected.)
R/T define cleared
“Authorized to proceed under the conditions specified.”
R/T define confirm
“I request verification of: (clearance, instruction, action, information).”
R/T define Contact
“Establish communications with…” – Usually referring to details having been passed
R/T define Correct
“True” or “Accurate”.
R/T define Correction
“An error has been made in this transmission (or message indicated). The correct version is…”
R/T Define Disregard
Ignore
R/T define “How do I read?”
“What is the readability of my transmission?”
R/T define “I Say Again”
I repeat for clarity or emphasis
R/T define Maintain
“Continue in accordance with the condition(s) specified” or in its literal sense, e.g. “Maintain VFR”.
R/T define “Monitor”
“Listen out on (frequency).”
R/T define Negative
No, not possible etc
R/T define Readback
“Repeat all, or the specified part, of this message back to me exactly as received.”
R/T define Recleared
“A change has been made to your last clearance and this new clearance supersedes your previous clearance or part thereof.”
R/T define “Report…”
“Pass me the following information…”
R/T define request
“I should like to know…” or “I wish to obtain…”
R/T define Roger
“I have received all of your last transmission.” Under no circumstances to be used in reply to a question requiring “READ BACK” or a direct answer in the affirmative (AFFIRM) or negative (NEGATIVE).
R/T define Say Again
“Repeat all, or the following part, of your last transmission.”
R/T define Speak Slower
“Reduce your rate of speech.”
R/T define Standby
“Wait and I will call you.”
(The caller would normally re-establish contact if the delay is lengthy. STANDBY is not an approval or denial.)
R/T define Unable
“I cannot comply with your request, instruction, or clearance.” (UNABLE is normally followed by a reason.)
R/T define WILCO
“I understand your message and will comply with it.”
R/T define “Words Twice”
a) As a request: “Communication is difficult. Please send every word, or group of words, twice.”
b) As information: “Since communication is difficult, every word, or group of words, in this message will be sent twice.
Define an Air Traffic Control Clearance
Authorisation for an aircraft to proceed under conditions specified by an air traffic control unit.
Define a Danger Area
Airspace of defined dimensions within which activities dangerous to the flight of aircraft may exist at specified times.
In the context of the FUA Concept, some Danger Areas subject to management and allocation at ASM Level 2 are established at ASM Level 1 as “AMC-Manageable Areas” and identified as such in AIP
Define a Temporary reserved area
A defined volume of airspace normally under the jurisdiction of one aviation authority and temporarily reserved, by common agreement, for the specific use by another aviation authority and through which other traffic may be allowed to transit, under ATC clearance.
In the context of the FUA Concept, all TRAs are airspace reservations subject to management and allocation at ASM Level 2.
Define a Temporary Segregated Area
A defined volume of airspace normally under the jurisdiction of one aviation authority and temporarily segregated, by common agreement, for the exclusive use by another aviation authority and through which other traffic will not be allowed to transit.
In FUA, all TSAs are airspace reservations subject to management and allocation at ASM Level 2.
With regards to Longitudinal Separation what is the definition of same track?
Where the angular difference of the tracks of both aircraft is less than 45°
With regards to Longitudinal Separation what is the definition of recipricol tracks?
Opposite direction tracks and intersecting tracks (or portions thereof), the angular difference of which is more than 135º or less than 225º, and whose protection areas overlap
(Essentially where the track is opposite and within 45° of 180°)