ATC Flashcards
TBFM (Time Based Flow Metering)
Automation to plan efficient flight trajectories from cruise to runway threshold; smart sequencing; wheels up time; call ATC Desk for >45 mins delay
LAADR (Low Altitude Alternate Dept Routes)
Limited AOB FL230 (crews should not request higher); primarily for departure phase, but may be extended if beneficial; issued via ADVZY; higher fuel burn due to lower altitude; SERMN routes
FEA (Flow Evaluation Area)
Line drawn across a portion of airspace to be evaluated for flow restrictions; may become an FCA
FCA (Flow Constrained Area)
Line drawn across a portion of airspace; frequently used to define a re-route or AFP
AFP (Airspace Flow Program)
Based on an FCA; assigns delays for crossing FCA instead of a re-route; provides option to “route out” to avoid AFP EDCT; MUST ADVISE ATC prior to routing out; GDP EDCT supersedes AFP
Reroutes
Issued in ADVZY; found in Current Reroutes on ATCSCC page, Fusion ATFM; may be issued as a partial or modified string of route; must fly route between (>
AZEZU (Offshore Radar Routes)
EWR to FL traffic in both directions offshore; Generally outside of published FCA/AFP; A/C must meet overwater requirements; Must file AOA FL310; PQUA in Unimatic to determine O/W capability
ICR (Integrated Collaborative Routes)
ATC defines constrained airspace and determines flights that require routing around constraint (wx); Customers determine own routing in time frame provided or receive assigned re-route
Preferred Routes (Pref)
Routes required between participating city pairs; Found in Route Management Tool on ATCSCC, Fusion Route Management
National Route Program (NRP)
For flights operating AOA FL290 (RVSM), from a point 200nm from dept to a point 200nm from dest, utilizing a SID and STAR
RVSM (Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum)
FL290-410 inclusive; separation by 1,000’ vertically; non-compliant a/c may cross this airspace ONLY WITH ATC APPROVAL (must be appropriately coded on ICAO FPL)
Playbook
Routes developed by ATCSCC in conjunction with ARTCCs to ensure manageable traffic flows during SWAP; issued via ADVZY; Found on ATCSCC site
CDR (Coded Departure Route)
Escape routes designed to assist departing the terminal area; frequently used during times of convective weather; issued in coded form to reduce radio transmission; may only use portion to get around wx; advice on use may be provided in SWAP statement; found in ATCSCC Route Management Tool and Fusion Route Management
UAL ADS-B Routes
GPS position/velocity “squitted” twice per second to track location outside radar environment; all UAL fleets are compliant; if MEL equipment issue, ATC approval required; SI/ADSB/REQUEST to send info to ATC desk for approval; PQUA in Unimatic for a/c equipment; ADS-B route in Sabre
SWAP (Severe Weather Avoidance Plan)
Used to mitigate convective impacts; CDRs, Playbook routes, MIT, GS/GDP; tower changes clearance process and are obligated to ensure dept gate is open (red light/green light); dept backlogs on open gates due to MIT
What is “file normal”?
Use NRP guidelines; pref routes (especially in the triangle from BOS-ORD-FL); Sabre plans are NRP compliant
Does ATC allow any CDR?
ZNY typically allows any CDR during SWAP; ZAU/ZDC typically allow any NRP compliant route
Can we file Playbook routes?
Yes, as long as ADVZY does not prohibit and is linked to a published SID
UAL Route Plan
ATC Coords focus on departure routes to reduce DFix congestion and based on city pairs; Dispatched should fuel for longest LIKELY re-route scenario, try to avoid filing FPL until 45 mins prior, adhere to ATC Coord route guidance unless MEL/FAR issues prohibit
Radio Numbers
Advise ATC Coord if radio number issued; use RPQ in Unimatic for available radio numbers
VIP Movement
SI/VIP/TODAY; flights with ETA/ETD +/- 30 mins of movement must carry hold fuel; minimum of 60 mins hold fuel hub/high traffic (30 mins low traffic()
MEDEVAC
Flight carrying patients/donors, organs/tissue; cargo must be time critical (blood, corneas not time critical); given ATC priority; ensure that Cpt is advised
NORDO
When out of comms for >5 mins; use NOWB (or SI/OOO) in Unimatic for providing ATC frequency to flight; 2nd message sent if no contact within 5 mins of contact; contact ATC Desk/MDO is no contact in total of 10 mins
ORD Snow Desk
Activated when ORD forecast to receive >= 2” of snow; staffed by UA, AA, and City; monitors field conditions/braking action; assist City in determining treatment plan; coordinate if flights have special circumstances
Captain Retirement Flight
May be contacted by ALPA for retirement flight; remark in FP filing
PAM (Planning Alert Message)
Alert of potential impacts to operations; MDO handles Hubs, Dispatcher handle non-hubs; PAM1 - reduction in AAR/ADR; PAM2 - diversions are probable; PAM3 - ops not conducted; PU in Unimatic to input PAM (local time); PM/xxx in Unimatic to edit (PU_(R for revise, C for cancel)xxx); PAM/ALL in Unimatic for current
ATC Coordinator Messages
CDRs on/off; Coordinator workload; GDP times published; Ops plans and planning guidance; departure gate restrictions
ICAO FPL Item 10
Always list standard equipment ‘S’ first (codes in DOM 8.30.6); certain items must be removed if MEL impacts (W for RVSM); use ICAO FPL QRG (DV, DBB, Dispatch Center Ref Links); ‘R’ if PBN equipped with addl details in Item 18
ICAO FPL Item 18
STS/ special handling (MEDEVAC, NONRVSM, HUM); PBN/ performance based navigation (RNAV/RNP); SUR/ surveillance (ADS-B or Required Surveillance Performance); SEL/ SELCAL code (find with PQUA Unimatic); RMK/ (NRP, DVRSN, TMU APVD, ADSB RTE)
