ATC + Airline Communications Flashcards
What does SELCAL stand for?
Selective Calling
SELCAL is a means of communication between pilots and flight dispatchers.
What is the purpose of SELCAL?
Communication between pilots and flight dispatchers
Each aircraft is assigned a unique SELCAL code for identification.
What does FAR 121.99 state about communications?
The PIC and dispatcher must communicate to maintain operational control.
Who is SFO ARinc?
The company providing communications between dispatchers and aircraft.
How many ARinc stations are there?
2, SFO and NYC.
What does ACARS stand for?
Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System.
What is ACARS used for?
Text messaging system between pilots and dispatchers.
Name some alternative communication methods for dispatchers and pilots.
- Sat Phones
- VHF Radio
All forms of communication must be approved in the Ops Specs.
Which government agency is responsible for the United States’ Air Traffic System?
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).
What is Class A airspace?
Airspace from FL180 to FL610.
What are the requirements to fly in Class B airspace?
- 2-way radio communications
- Transponder with mode C
- At least a private pilot license.
What is Class C airspace?
Airspace around medium busy airports.
What are the requirements to fly in Class C airspace?
- 2-way communications
- Mode C transponder.
What is Class D airspace?
Airspace around smaller airports, ranging from the surface to 2,500ft.
What are the requirements to fly in Class D airspace?
2-way radio communication.
What is Class E airspace?
Controlled airspace not classified as A, B, C, or D.
What is Class G airspace?
Uncontrolled airspace.
What is a prohibited area?
Airspace where flight is absolutely forbidden.
Where might you find a prohibited area?
- Over the White House
- Pentagon
- US Capitol building.
What is a restricted area?
Airspace where operations are hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft.
What is a Warning area?
Areas extending outward from 3NM off the US coast warning of hazardous activities.
What does MOA stand for?
Military Operating Area.
What is the purpose of a MOA?
To separate military activity from IFR traffic.
What does ARTCC stand for?
Air Route Traffic Control Center.
How many ARTCCs are there in the United States?
24 centers.
What is the ATC Command Center?
Located in Warrenton, Virginia, it addresses inefficiencies in the National Airspace System.
What is a Ground Stop?
A stop issued by any center preventing aircraft from arriving at a specific airport.
What is a National Delay Program?
Delays set up to manage traffic without stopping all aircraft from departing.
What does TRACON stand for?
Terminal Radar Approach Control Facility.
What is the function of TRACON?
To track departing and arriving aircraft using ASR.
What is a Transponder with Mode C?
A device that helps ATC identify aircraft and provides vital flight information.
What does ADIZ stand for?
Air Defense Identification Zone.
What are Jet and Q Routes?
- Jet routes: Ground-based navigation from VOR to VOR
- Q routes: Non-ground-based from waypoint to waypoint.
Where are Jet and Q Routes located?
Between FL180 and FL450.
What is a victor airway?
Routes found on low altitude charts.
What does DP stand for?
Departure Procedure.
What is a STAR?
Standard Terminal Arrival Route.
What are the purposes of STARs and SIDs?
- Efficiency
- Safety
- Terrain and obstacle avoidance
- Standardization
- Noise abatement.
What does ATIS stand for?
Automatic Terminal Information Service.
What is the purpose of ATIS?
Continuous broadcast service of airport-related information.
What does VFR stand for?
Visual Flight Rules.
What does VMC stand for and what are its parameters?
Visual Meteorological Conditions – ceilings at least 1,000ft and visibility 3SM.
What does IFR stand for?
Instrument Flight Rules.
What does IMC stand for and what are its parameters?
Instrument Meteorological Conditions – ceilings less than 1,000ft or visibility less than 3SM.
What is an IFR clearance?
Route, altitude, time, etc., cleared by ATC.
What is a transponder?
A device that sends out a unique code to air traffic controllers.
What are the emergency transponder codes?
- 7700 – Emergency
- 7500 – Hijack
- 7600 – Radio Failure.
What is clearance delivery?
Service providing pilots with their clearances.
What is the function of Ground Control?
Manages all aircraft taxiing on the ground.
What are the 2 types of NOTAMs?
- NOTAM D – Distant NOTAM
- FDC NOTAM – Flight Data Center.
What is a TFR?
Temporary Flight Restriction.
Where might you see a TFR?
- Over big sports games
- Area the President is visiting
- Permanent TFRs over places like Disney World.
