ATC Clearances Flashcards
Define an Air Traffic Control Clearance
Authorisation for an aircraft to proceed under conditions specified by an air traffic control unit
Define an Air Traffic Control Instruction
Directive issued by ATC for the purpose of requiring a pilot to take a specific action
Define Downstream Clearance
‘Downstream clearance’ means a clearance issued to an aircraft by an air traffic control unit that is not the current controlling authority of that aircraft
Define Clearance Limit
The point to which an aircraft is granted an air traffic control clearance
What are three things a clearance could be?
The name of the appropriate reporting point
Aerodrome
Controlled airspace boundary
When must ATC clearances be issued?
1) ATC must issue clearances to expedite and separate air traffic based on known traffic conditions which affect safety in aircraft operation.
2) ATC must issue clearances to prevent collisions and expedite and maintain an orderly flow of air traffic.
3) ATC clearances must be issued early enough to ensure that they are transmitted to the aircraft in sufficient time for it to comply with them.
What do ATC clearances NOT do?
Give authority to violate any applicable regulations.
Relieve the PIC of any responsibility whatsoever.
When should an aircraft obtain an ATC clearance?
Prior to operating a controlled flight, or a portion of a flight as a controlled flight. Clearances shall be requested through the submission of a flight plan to ATC.
What should happen if a clearance is not satisfactory to a pilot?
The pilot should inform ATC if the clearance is not satisfactory, and ATC shall issue an amended clearance.
What needs to happen if a pilot requests a priority clearance?
A report explaining the need for such priority shall be submitted, if requested by ATC.
Can an aircraft operating at a controlled aerodrome taxi without clearance?
No. An aircraft operating on a controlled aerodrome shall must taxi with clearance from the aerodrome controller, and must comply with the clearance.
What should an ATC clearance contain?
1) Aircraft Ident
2) Clearance Limit
3) Route of Flight
4) Flight Levels and any changes
5) Any necessary instructions pertaining to the clearance.
If an aircraft requests a change in route or level, what must happen?
1) The new clearance must contain the exact nature of the change
2) If traffic conditions do not permit a change of route/level, the word unable should be used and an alternative offered
How should a vertical clearance be expressed below the transition altitude?
In terms of altitude
How should a a vertical clearance be expressed above the transition level?
In terms of Flight Level
How should a vertical clearance be expressed when passing through the transition layer?
In terms of altitude when descending and in terms of Flight Level when climbing
When shall a flight crew be provided with the transition level?
In due time prior to reaching it during descent.
When is a QNH setting included in a clearance?
In a descent clearance when first cleared below the transition level
In approach clearances or clearances to enter the traffic circuit
In taxi clearances for departing aircraft, except where it is known that the aircraft has received the QNH in a directed transmission
When should a QFE be provided?
On request or regularly depending on local arrangements
When an aircraft is operating on QFE, how should its vertical position be expressed?
In terms of height above aerodrome elevation or height above runway threshold elevation
When can a conditional clearance be issued?
When the aircraft or vehicles concerned are all seen by the controller, pilots and drivers.
Can a conditional clearance be issued on multiple vehicles/aircraft?
No. The condition must be based on the first aircraft/vehicle that passes infront.
What are the contents and order of a conditional clearance?
1) Callsign
2) Condition
3) Clearance
4) Brief reiteration of the condition
Can designations of standard clearances be used in place of issuing a full route clearance?
Yes, when the standard routes have been established and published in the AIP.
What items of a clearance are mandatory readbacks?
ATC Route Clearances
Any clearance related to a runway
Runway-In-Use
Altimeter Setting
SSR Code
Frequencies
Level Instructions
Headings
Speeds
Transition Level
What is the ATCOs responsibility when hearing a readback?
To listen and ascertain a correct readback and take immediate action to correct any errors.
Are voice readbacks of CPDLC required?
No, unless specified by the ANSP.
When shall an aircraft be cleared for its entire route to destination?
When it has been possible to coordinate between all relevant units
When there is reasonable assurance that prior coordination will be effected between the relevant units
Where shall an aircraft be cleared when coordination has not been achieved?
The aircraft shall be cleared only to the point where coordination is reasonably assured. Upon reaching that point, further clearance or holding instructions will be given.
How should a downstream clearance be sourced?
Aircraft shall contact a downstream ATC unit, but must maintain two-way communications with the current ATC unit.
The downstream clearance shall be easily identifiable as such and not affect the aircrafts original profile.
What are the rules associated with flights between neighbouring CTAs/CTRs?
If an aircraft intends to depart an aerodrome within a CTR/CTA and enter another CTR/CTA within 30 minutes, prior coordination shall be effected before issuing a departure clearance.
However, if the flight is intending to use uncontrolled airspace between both CTAs/CTRs, this is not required.
