Approach Services

Question 1

Define the term SID

Answer 1

Standard Instrument Departure

Question 2

How are Procedural SIDs identified?

Answer 2

Named after the final waypoint of the SID

Question 3

How are Radar SIDs identified?

Answer 3

Named after the airport the SID starts at.

Question 4

Define the term STAR

Answer 4

Standard Arrival Route

Question 5

What does a complete STAR clearance contain?

Answer 5

• STAR identifier
• a transition route when applicable
• a runway, when a STAR includes more than one arrival track
• a level assignment

Question 6

What MET conditions are required for a visual approach by day?

Answer 6

1. Clear of cloud
2. Continuous visual reference to ground or water.
3. Visibility along flight path not less than 5000M, or aerodrome is in sight.

Question 7

May level restrictions be placed on aircraft when cleared to make a visual approach?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

The MSA displayed on instrument approach charts displays what obstacle clearance? Within what radius?

Answer 8

1000FT, 25NM

Question 9

At what point does an instrument approach begin?

Answer 9

The Initial Approach Fix (IAF)

Question 10

Within what distance of an aerodrome, by day, may an aircraft commence a visual approach?

Answer 10

30NM

Question 11

What are Approach Controllers responsible for?

Answer 11

Separating consecutive departing aircraft and separating departing and arriving aircraft from each other.

Question 12

Are aircraft likely to be vectored in a surveillance or in a procedural environment?

Answer 12

Surveillance

Question 13

Outline the TMA positions

Answer 13

APPROACH - Approach Control on a frequency separate from Aerodrome Control
DIRECTOR - Final Control (civil) on a frequency separate from Approach Control
DEPARTURES - Departure Control on a frequency separate from Aerodrome Control
FLOW - Manages the sequence of arrivals at controlled aerodromes

Question 14

What does the Flow controller do?

Answer 14

Arranges inbound aircraft onto the runway in a specific order, via coordination with the Area and TMA coordinators responsible for those aircraft.

This is known as sequencing.

Question 15

What is the CTMS?

Answer 15

The Central Traffic Management System - a PC based system used to reduce airborne holding.

The system provides the following:
- air traffic scheduling into Sydney airport
- various reports including slot reports for Airports Coordination Australia (ACA)
- a web interface for airlines to manage their flights’ landing times
- a web interface that allows Sydney Airports (SACL) to view landing times for a flight

Question 16

How is CTMS managed?

Answer 16

Through the Network Coordination Centre (NCC)

The NCC undertakes capacity modelling, based on the weather conditions expected to prevail, airline demands and scheduling, noise abatement etc.

Question 17

What does CTMS permit airlines to do?

Answer 17

Delay departure times for aircraft in order to meet their arrival slot without being subjected to airborne holding requirements.

Question 18

Where can approach procedures for aerodromes in the Australian FIR be found?

Answer 18

DAP East and DAP West, or online through the Airservices website.

Question 19

What are instrument approach procedures?

Answer 19

A series of predetermined manoeuvres by reference to flight instruments with specified protection from obstacles from the initial approach fix, or where applicable, from the beginning of a defined arrival route to a point from which a landing can be completed and thereafter, if a landing is not completed, to a position at which holding or en-route obstacle clearance criteria apply.

Question 20

How are Instrument Approach Procedures classified?

Answer 20

1. Non-precision Approach (NPA) - designed for 2D instrument approach operations Type A
2. Approach Procedure with Vertical Guidance (APV) - A performance based navigation (PBN) instrument approach procedure designed for 3D instrument approach operations Type A
3. Precision Approach (PA) - Based on navigation systems (ILS, MLS, GLS and SBAS Cat I) designed for 3D instrument approach operations Type A or B.

Question 21

What form will authorisation for final approach take?

Answer 21

Clearance for the type of approach as shown on the approach chart title.

Question 22

What is the purpose of SIDs and STARs?

Answer 22

To separate departing and arriving aircraft at major aerodromes without controller intervention.

This is achieved by specifying tracking, route and vertical requirements to aircraft flying these procedures.

Question 23

Outline STAR codes vs Approach types.

Answer 23

A - ILS
B - VOR
D - NDB
P - RNP
U - RNP
V - VISUAL
Z - RNAV-Z (GPS)

Question 24

When is a SID issued?

Answer 24

As part of the Pre-Departure Clearance.

Question 25

True or False. RNP Approaches and Departures often operate in much closer proximity to challenging terrain than standard instrument approaches.

Answer 25

True

Question 26

What are RNP approaches/departures designed to do?

Answer 26

Take advantage of the sophisticated navigational capability of modern aircraft.

Question 27

What are RNP procedures approved for?

Answer 27

Qualifying aircraft for day and night operations and in all weather conditions.

Question 28

What is the MDA?

Answer 28

Minimum Decision Altitude

This is the point where a pilot has to commit to land.

Question 29

Who do RNP Charts belong to?

Answer 29

NavCanada

Question 30

In addition to lateral track keeping capability, what must RNP AP approved aircraft have?

Answer 30

Vertical navigation (RNAV) capability.