ATM 02 Flashcards
In the vicinity of the Aerodrome when may the standard separations be reduced?
the standard separation minima may be reduced in the vicinity of aerodromes if:
a) adequate separation can be provided by the aerodrome controller when each aircraft is continuously visible to this controller; or
b) each aircraft is continuously visible to flight crews of the other aircraft concerned and the pilots thereof report that they can maintain their own separation; or
c) in the case of one aircraft following another, the flight crew of the succeeding aircraft reports that the other aircraft is in sight and separation can be maintained.
When can Reduced Runway separation minima be used?
Reduced runway separation minima shall only be applied during the hours of daylight from 30 minutes after local sunrise to 30 minutes before local sunset.
How are aircraft categorised with regards to reduced runway separation minima?
Cat 1
-single-engine propeller aircraft with a maximum certificated take-off mass of 2000 kg or less.
Cat 2
- single-engine propeller aircraft with a maximum certificated take-off mass of more than 2000 kg but less that 7000 kg; and
- twin-engine propeller aircraft with a maximum certificated take-off mass of less than 7000 kg.
Cat 3
-All other a/c
Can you use reduced runway separation for a departing aircraft behind a landing aircraft?
No
What conditions is reduced runway separation subject to?
a) wake turbulence separation minima shall be applied;
b) visibility shall be at least 5 km and the ceiling shall not be lower than 300m (1000 feet);
c) tail wind component shall not exceed 5 kts;
d) there shall be available means, such as suitable landmarks, to assist the controller in assessing the distances between aircraft. A surface surveillance system that provides the air traffic controller with position information on aircraft may be utilized, provided that approval for operational use of such equipment includes a safety assessment to ensure that all requisite operational and performance requirements are met;
e) minimum separation continues to exist between two departing aircraft immediately after take-off of the second aircraft;
f) traffic information shall be provided to the flight crew of the succeeding aircraft concerned;
g) the braking action shall not be adversely affected by runway contaminants such as ice, slush, snow and water.
Must also be during the daytime only
What are the reduced runway separation minima for a/c landing after?
- A succeeding landing Category 1 aircraft may cross the runway threshold when the preceding aircraft is a Category 1 or 2 aircraft which either:
i) has landed and passed a point at least 600 m from the threshold of the runway, is in motion and will vacate the runway without back-tracking; or
ii) is airborne and has passed a point at least 600 m from the threshold of the runway; - A succeeding landing Category 2 aircraft may cross the runway threshold when the preceding aircraft is a Category 1 or 2 aircraft which either:
i) has landed and has passed a point at least 1500 m from the threshold of the runway, is in motion and will vacate the runway without back-tracking; or
ii) is airborne and has passed a point at least 1500 m from the threshold of the runway; - A succeeding landing aircraft may cross the runway threshold when a preceding Category 3 aircraft:
i) has landed and has passed a point at least 2400 m from the threshold of the runway, is in motion and will vacate the runway without back-tracking; or
ii) is airborne and has passed a point at least 2400 m from the threshold of the runway;
* In any event each runway will have its own minima published in MATS 2 and these are the absolute minimum*
What are the reduced runway separation minima for a/c departing behind another departure?
- a Category 1 aircraft may be cleared for take-off when the preceding departing aircraft is a Category 1 or 2 aircraft which is airborne and has passed a point at least 600 m from the position of the succeeding aircraft;
- a Category 2 aircraft may be cleared for take-off when the preceding departing aircraft is a Category 1 or 2 aircraft which is airborne and has passed a point at least 1,500 m from the position of the succeeding aircraft; and
- an aircraft may be cleared for take-off when a preceding departing Category 3 aircraft is airborne and has passed a point at least 2,400 m from the position of the succeeding aircraft.
* Note each runway will have its own minima and these are the absolute minimum*
Consideration should be given to increased separation between high performance single-engine aircraft and preceding Category 1 or 2 aircraft.
You are on duty, the runway in use is runway 30R. Surface wind 120 degrees 6 knots. A Boeing 737 has landed and has passed the 2400 metre marker and will shortly vacate the runway. You have an Airbus 320 on final, can you clear it to land?
no due to 5kt tailwind
You are on duty during the hours of darkness. The runway in use is runway 30R. A Boeing 737 has landed and has passed the 2400 metre marker and will shortly vacate the runway. You have an Airbus 320 on final, can you clear it to land?
No, can’t use reduced runway separation at night or twilight, must be day
You are on duty during the daytime, a Category 2 aircraft is airborne and has passed the 1500 metre marker, the next departing aircraft is also a Category 2 aircraft. Can you clear this aircraft for take-off?
yes
You are on duty during the daytime. A Boeing 757 (Cat 3) aircraft has departed and has passed the 2400 metre marker. The next departure is a Cessna 172 (Cat 1). Can you clear it for take-off?
yes as long as the CAT 3 is airborne
You are on duty during the daytime. The visibility is 3000 metres. A Boeing 737 has landed and passed the 2400 metre marker and will shortly vacate the runway. You have another Boeing 737 on final. Can you clear this aircraft to land?
no, vis needs to be at least 5km
You are on duty during the daytime. The visibility is 7Kms and it has been raining heavily for several hours and the braking action reported as poor. A Boeing 737 has landed and passed the 2400 metre marker and will shortly vacate the runway. You have another Boeing 737 on final. Can you clear this aircraft to land?
No, due to weather causing adverse braking action
You are on duty during the daytime. A Cessna 172 has landed and has passed the 600 metre marker. The pilot has requested a short backtrack to vacate to the flying club, which you have approved. You have another Cessna 172 on final. Can you clear this aircraft to land?
No, preceding a/c cannot be backtracking
With regards to reduced runway separation what is CAT 1 aircraft?
Cat 1
-single-engine propeller aircraft with a maximum certificated take-off mass of 2000 kg or less.
With regards to reduced runway separation what is CAT 2 aircraft?
Cat 2
- single-engine propeller aircraft with a maximum certificated take-off mass of more than 2000 kg but less that 7000 kg; and
- twin-engine propeller aircraft with a maximum certificated take-off mass of less than 7000 kg.
With regards to reduced runway separation what is CAT 3 aircraft?
Cat 3
-All other a/c that are not Cat 1 or 2
What are the conditions necessary for a controller to authorise climb or descent in VMC?
- The maneouvre is restricted to Class D,E airspace at or below FL100
- It is during the hours of daylight
- The aircraft is flying in VMC
- Pilot climbing or descending agrees to maintain his own sep. from other a/c and maneouvre is agreed by the pilot of the other a/c.
- Essential traffic info is given
When may reduced seperation in the vicinity of the aerodrome be used?
- Adequate seperation can be provided by the aerodrome controller when each aircraft is continously visible to this controller, or;
- Each a/c is continously visible to flight crews of the other a/c concerned and the pilots report they can maintain their own sep, or;
- In the case of one a/c following another, the flight crew of the succeeding a/c reports that the other a/c is in sight and sep can be maintained.
When can clearance for an IFR a/c to perform a visual approach happen?
- When requested by the flight crew
- Initiated by the controller
What are the conditions for an IFR flight to be cleared to conduct a visual approach?
An IFR flight may be cleared to execute a visual approach provided the pilot can maintain visual reference to the terrain, and;
- The reported ceiling is at or above the approved initial approach level for the a/c cleared
or, - The pilot reports at the initial approach level at any time during the instrument approach procedure that the met conditions are such that with reasonable assurance a visual approach and landing can be completed.
When shall a controller issue a caution of possible wake turbulence?
- When both a/c are of a heavy category,or;
- Preceding a/c is of a heavier wake category than the following, and the distance between them is less than the appropriate wake turbulence minimum.
What is transfer of control?
Achieved when a flight operating in accordance with the co-ordination has reached agreed position, level or time.
This can take place at;
- Agreed reporting point
- On estimate for FIR boundary
- At or passing an agreed level
- Climbing or descending to agreed level-providing standard separation exists
Why would transfer of communication take place before transfer of control?
So that instructions which become effective later can be issued.
What is co-ordination?
The act of negotation between two or more parties each vested with the authority to make executive decisions appropriate to the task being discharged.
What are the stages of coordination?
- Notification of the flight in order to prepare for co-ordination as necessary
- Coordination of conditions of transfer of control by the transferring ATC unit
- Coordination, if necessary, and acceptance of conditions of transfer of control by accepting ATC unit, and
- Transfer of control
When may an Area control centre transfer an aircraft directly to aerodrome control?
After coordination with the unit providing the approach service if the entire approach will be conducted under VMC.
Do controllers that are providing an ATAS coordinate in the same way as those providing a control service?
Yes
What are the types of separation?
- Vertical
- Horizontal
- Longitudinal
- RADAR
- Lateral
What types of lateral separation are there?
Track and geographic
To whom do we provide standard separation between?
- All flights in Class A & B airspace
- IFR flights in Class A to E
- IFR & VFR flights in class C airspace
- IFR & SVFR
- SVFR as prescribed by the appropriate authority
- As so far as possible between participating IFR flights in Class F airspace
Whom do we separate in Class G airspace?
No one, pilots use the see and be seen principle.
When shall the standard separations be increased?
- When requested by the pilot
- When deemed necessary by the controller
- When directed by the appropriate authority
What shall a controller do in the event of standard separation being lost?
Take all action necessary to reestablish the separation or achieve another form.
When considered practicable pass traffic information/ essential traffic info
What is your response to an aircraft declaring a TCAS RA?
Roger
Do not pass instructions until the a/c reports clear of conflict
When may an aircraft be allowed to climb or descend in VMC?
- Essential Traffic Information is given
- The pilot agrees to maintain his own separation from one other a/c and the manoeuvre is agreed by the pilot of the other a/c
- It is during the hours of daylight
- The a/c is flying in VMC at all times
- in Class D,or E airspace at or below 10,000ft
- The pilot informs ATC if IMC will be encountered so as to provide an alternative clearance.
What are the vertical limits of RVSM airspace?
FL290 to FL410 inclusive
What are the vertical separation minima?
1,000ft below FL290 and 2,000ft above (unless you are RVSM capable in which case it is 1,000ft up to and including FL410)
How can aircraft be cleared to change cruising level?
At a specified time, place or rate.
If an aircraft requests climb to a level already occupied by an aircraft who has priority?
The aircraft already at the level (unless the other a/c is a higher priority category)
When two a/c are at the same level who has priority?
The preceding a/c
What must a pilot do if RVSM equipment fails?
Inform ATC asap so that an alternative clearance can be issued.
When must a pilot of a Non RVSM aircraft report this status?
During operations in and when transiting through RVSM airspace, he shall make this call;
- At initial call
- in all requests for level changes
- in all readbacks of level clearances.
When can an aircraft be cleared to a level previously occupied by another aircraft?
When the vacating a/c has reported vacated except when;
- Severe turbulence is known to exist
- the higher aircraft is effecting a cruise climb
- The difference in a/c performance is such that less than the applicable separation may result
In which clearance shall be withheld until the a/c vacating the level has reported at or passing another level separated by the required minimum.
Can pilots be cleared to maintain a specified vertical separation between their aircraft when climbing or descending?
Yes, provided both pilots have agreed to the manoeuvre
How is longitudinal separation established?
By requiring a/c to;
- Depart at a specified time
- To lose time to arrive over a geographical location at a specified time
- To hold over a geographic location until a specified time.
What are the times for longitudinal separation of departing a/c and what are the conditions? ICAO
1 min- If the a/c are flying on different tracks separated by at least 45° immediately after take-off. Minima may be reduced if using lateral runways which do not cross, procedure must be approved and lateral separation must be effected immediately after take off.
2 min- provided that the preceding a/c is 40kts or more faster
5 min- when vertical separation does not exist if a departing aircraft will be flown through the level of a preceding aircraft and both propose to follow the same track.
What are the time based longitudinal separations for a/c flying on the same track and level?
15 mins- unless:
10 mins- if nav aids allow frequent determination of position and speed of a/c
5 mins- Preceding a/c is 20kts (TAS) or more faster than the proceding a/c where both have departed from the same a/d.
- Preceding a/c is 20kts (TAS) or more faster than the proceding a/c that have reported over the same reporting point.
- Preceding a/c has reported over an ERP and is 20kts (TAS) or more faster than the proceding a/c which is departing an a/d provided that 5 mins separation can be provided by the time the proceding a/c reports over the same reporting point.
3 mins- Where the preceding a/c has an TAS 40kts or more faster than the following a/c
What are the time based longitudinal separations for a/c flying at the same level where their tracks cross?
15 mins. or;
10 mins- If nav aids allow frequent determination of speed and position
What are the time based longitudinal separations for a/c flying on the same track but climbing/descending through levels? ICAO
15 mins between a/c when a/c changing level leaves a vertically separated level, when it is passing through and all the way until it is established at the new vertically separated level. ie when vertical separation does not exist.
or
10 mins- while vertical separation does not exist if navigation aids permit frequent determination of position and speed.
or
5 mins- while vertical separation does not exist provided that the level change is commenced within 10 minutes of the time the second aircraft has reported over an exact reporting point
What are the time based longitudinal separations for a/c flying on crossing tracks when climbing/ descending?
15 mins whilst vertical separation does not exist
or
10 mins whilst vertical separation does not exist- where nav aids allow frequent determination of position and speed.
What are the time based longitudinal separations for a/c flying on recipricol tracks when climbing/ descending?
Where lateral separation is not provided, vertical separation shall be provided for at least 10 minutes prior to and after:
– The time the aircraft are estimated to pass, or…
– The time the aircraft are estimated to have passed Provided that it has been determined that the aircraft have passed each other, this minimum need not apply.
What are the distance based longitudinal separations for aircraft on the same track and level?
20nm, provided;
- Each a/c utilises;
i) The same “on track” DME station when both a/c are using DME; or
ii) an “on-track” DME station and a co-located waypoint when one a/c is using DME and the other GNSS
iii) The same waypoint when both a/c are using GNSS - Separation is checked by obtaining simultaneous DME and/or GNSS readings from the aircraft at frequent intervals to ensure that the minimum will not be infringed
10nm provided;
All the same as above with additional that the preceding aircraft must have a TAS of 20kts or more faster than the succeeding a/c.
What are the distance based longitudinal separations for a/c crossing tracks?
The ‘same track’ minimum apply provided:
- Each aircraft reports distance from the DME station/co-located waypoint/same waypoint located at the crossing point of the tracks
- The relative angle between the tracks is less than 90º - i.e. crossing track
20nm provided;
-Proceeding a/c not to be heading towards to the other a/c from a frontal direction, ie its track is not within the front 180° of the first a/c
10nm provided;
-Same as 20nm but the proceeding a/c is 20kts or more faster
What are the distance based longitudinal separations for a/c flying on same track when climbing/ descending?
10nm while vertical separation does not exist provided each aircraft utilises either:
- The same “on-track” DME stations; or
- An ‘on track’ DME station & collocated waypoint; or
- The same waypoint; AND
- One aircraft maintains a level while vertical separation does not exist;
- Separation established by obtaining simultaneous DME and/or GNSS readings from the aircraft.
What are the distance based longitudinal separations for a/c flying on recipricol tracks?
10 MILES (Unless CAA approve other) If both aircraft are using “on-track” DME and/or collocated/same waypoint;
One aircraft may be cleared to climb or descend to or through levels occupied by the other aircraft provided:
• It has been positively established that the aircraft have passed each other and at least the prescribed distance apart
What are the time based longitudinal separations for MACH numbers?
When the Mach number technique (MNT) is applied and provided that:
a) the aircraft concerned have reported over the same common point and follow the same track or continuously diverging tracks until some other form of separation is provided; or
b) if the aircraft have not reported over the same common point and it is possible to ensure, by radar, ADS-B or other means, that the appropriate time interval will exist at the common point from which they either follow the same track or continuously diverging tracks;
Longitudinal separation minima with Mach number technique based on time Between turbojet aircraft on the same track, whether in level, climbing or descending flight shall be:
10 minutes; or
Between 9 and 5 minutes inclusive, provided that:
• the preceding aircraft is maintaining a true Mach number greater than the following aircraft
What are the Longitudinal separation minima with MNT based on distance using RNAV?
• A 80 nm (150km) RNAV distance-based separation minimum with Mach number technique may be used on same-direction tracks in lieu of a 10 minute longitudinal separation minimum with Mach number technique, provided:
a) Each aircraft reports its distance from the same “on-track” waypoint
b) Separation between aircraft at the same level is checked by obtaining simultaneous RNAV distance readings from the aircraft at frequent intervals to ensure that the minimum will not be infringed 80nm (150km)
c) separation between aircraft climbing or descending is established by obtaining simultaneous RNAV distance readings from the aircraft; and
d) in the case of aircraft climbing or descending, one aircraft maintains a level while vertical separation does not exist.
When the 80nm (150km) longitudinal separation minima with MNT is applied, the preceding aircraft shall maintain a Mach number equal to or greater than that maintained by the following aircraft.
This is also the minima for a/c climbing/descending through levels on the same track for the entire time where vertical separation does not exist
What are the Longitudinal separation minima with MNT based on distance using RNAV Aircraft on Reciprocal Tracks?
Aircraft utilizing RNAV may be cleared to climb or descend to or through the levels occupied by other aircraft utilizing RNAV provided it has been positively established by simultaneous RNAV distance readings to or from the same “on-track” waypoint that the aircraft have passed each other and are at least 150km (80nm) apart.
Why do we apply Lateral Separation?
so that the distance between those portions of the intended routes for which aircraft are to be laterally separated is never less than an established distance to account for navigational inaccuracies plus a specified buffer.
• This buffer shall be determined by the appropriate authority and included in the lateral separation minima as an integral part thereof
If Nav equipment fails or capability detoriates then Pilot must inform ATC
How is Lateral Separation established?
By requiring aircraft to operate;
– On different routes, or
– In different geographical locations as determined by:
- Visual observation, or
- By use of navigation aids, or
- By use of area navigation (RNAV) equipment
With regards to lateral sep what is track sep?
Track Separation between aircraft using the same navigation aid or method and requiring aircraft to fly on specified tracks which are separated by a minimum amount appropriate to the navigation aid or method employed.
• Four methods:
VOR
Both aircraft are established on radials diverging by at least 15° and at least one aircraft is at a distance of 15nm or more from the facility
NDB
Both aircraft are established on tracks to or from the NDB which are diverging by at least 30° and at least one aircraft at a distance of 15nm or more from the facility.
GNSS/GNSS
each aircraft is confirmed to be established on a track with zero offset between two waypoints and at least one aircraft is at a minimum distance from a common point or
VOR/GNSS
the aircraft using VOR is established on a radial to or from the VOR and the other, using GNSS is confirmed to be established on a track with zero offset between two waypoints and at least one aircraft is at a minimum distance from a common point
With regards to Lateral Sep what is the VOR method of establishing separation?
Both aircraft are established on radials diverging by at least 15° and at least one aircraft is at a distance of 15nm or more from the facility.
With regards to Lateral Sep what is the NDB method of establishing separation?
Both aircraft are established on tracks to or from the NDB which are diverging by at least 30° and at least one aircraft at a distance of 15nm or more from the facility.
With regards to Lateral Sep what is the GNSS method of establishing separation?
each aircraft is confirmed to be established on a track with zero offset between two waypoints and at least one aircraft is at a minimum distance from a common point
With regards to Lateral Sep what is the GNSS/VOR method of establishing separation?
the aircraft using VOR is established on a radial to or from the VOR and the other, using GNSS is confirmed to be established on a track with zero offset between two waypoints and at least one aircraft is at a minimum distance from a common point
Define same track
When the direction of tracks have an angular difference less than 45° or more than 315°
Ie track is within 45° of the other aircrafts
Define reciprocal tracks
Opposite direction tracks the angular difference of which is more than 135° or less than 225°
Ie track of one aircraft is within 45° of the reciprocal of the other aircraft
Define crossing tracks
Those that aren’t same or reciprocal
How do we apply distance based longitudinal separation?
By applying the requisite distances to aircraft using the same DME, two aircraft using GNSS, or one using DME and the other using GNSS.
What happens to MACH speed as you ascend?
It decreases due to lower temperature.
What is the speed of sound in ISA conditions at sea level?
660kts
Where do MACH considerations come into play?
At higher altitudes (normally FL250 and above).
What is the rule of thumb for MACH numbers at higher levels?
0.01 Mach = 6kts TAS
If a controller has told to aircraft at different levels to fly the same Mach speed will the higher aircraft by slower or faster than the lower one?
Slower
What is Wake turbulence?
The effect of rotating air masses generated behind the tips of the wings of large aircraft. This is different to a “Wake Vortex” which just describes the nature of those air masses.
What are the European Wake turbulence categories?
Super (J)- A380
Heavy (H)- A/C of MTOW 136,000kg or more
Medium- between 136,000kg-7,000kg
Light- A/C with MTOW of 7,000kg or less
When is wake turbulence separation applied?
When aircraft are using:
- The same runway, whether full length or intermediate
- Parallel runways separated by less than 760m, full or intermediate
- The projected flight path of the aircraft will cross the projected flight path of the first aircraft at the same altitude or less than 1000ft below.
- Crossing runways if the projected flight path of the aircraft will cross the projected flight path of the first aircraft at the same altitude or less than 1000ft below.
- An intermediate departure is as follows:
The second aircraft is departing from: An intermediate part of the same runway or an intermediate part of a parallel runway separated by less than 760m
Who is responsible for ensuring that the wake turbulence separation is sufficient when following a larger aircraft?
The Pilot, who shall inform ATC if additional spacing is required.
Although for departing aircraft, ATC shall be responsible for ensuring that the subsequent aircraft’s take-off clearance is not issued until the requisite wake turbulence sep time has elapsed.
What are the wake turbulence separations for Departing A/C when not intermediate?
H behind J= 2 mins
L/M behind H= 2 mins
L behind M= 2mins
L/M behind J= 3 mins
What are the wake turbulence separations for Departing A/C when not intermediate when a heavy is departing behind a super?
H behind J= 2 mins
What are the wake turbulence separations for Departing A/C when not intermediate when a light or medium aircraft is departing behind a heavy?
L/M behind H= 2 mins
What are the wake turbulence separations for Departing A/C when not intermediate when a light is departing behind a medium?
L behind M= 2mins
What are the wake turbulence separations for Departing A/C when not intermediate when a light/ medium is departing behind a super?
L/M behind J= 3 mins
What are the wake turbulence separations for a/c departing from an intermediate point?
L/M behind heavy= 3 mins
L behind M= 3 mins
L/M behind J= 4 mins
H behind J= 3 mins
ie just add one minute to the normal departure separations
What are the wake turbulence separations for arriving aircraft when using a displaced threshold?
Arr L/M behind a H dep= 2mins
Arr L behind M dep= 2mins
Arr L/M behind J dep= 3 mins
or
Dep L/M behind a H arr= 2mins
Dep L behind a M arr= 2mins
Dep L/M behind J arr= 3mins
If projected flight paths are expected to cross.
What are the wake turbulence separations for a/c heading in opposite directions?
L/M following H= 2 mins
L following M= 2 mins
L/M following J= 3 mins
- Departing on the opposite runway heading.
- Is landing in the opposite direction on the same runway. or;
- Is landing in the opposite direction on a parallel runway separated by less than 760m
How do controllers apply wake turbulence separations?
For aircraft in the air, controllers provide a caution of possible wake turbulence to the aircraft
For those on the ground simply hold the aircraft until the requisite time or distance has passed.
What is a wake vortex?
A term describing the nature of air masses of wake turbulence. It can be similar to a small tornado
What else is included in an aircraft callsign for super heavy aircraft?
“Super”
eg BAW101 Super
What considerations should a controller have regarding helicopters and wake vortices?
Helicopters should be kept well clear of light aircraft when air-taxiing or hovering as they produce vortices that are more powerful for their weight than fixed wing aircraft.
What are the wake turbulence separation minima for arriving aircraft?
Medium landing behind a Super= 3 minutes
Medium landing behind a heavy= 2 minutes
Light landing behind a super= 4 minutes
Light landing behind a heavy/medium=3 minutes
What is the wake turbulence separation for a medium landing behind a Super for arriving aircraft?
Medium landing behind a Super= 3 minutes
What are the wake turbulence separation minima for arriving aircraft for a medium landing behind a heavy?
Medium landing behind a heavy= 2 minutes
What are the wake turbulence separation minima for arriving aircraft for a light landing behind a super?
Light landing behind a super= 4 minutes
What are the wake turbulence separation minima for arriving aircraft for a light landing behind a heavy or medium?
Light landing behind a heavy/medium=3 minutes
What a/c have to carry TCAS?
According to ICAO ACAS II SARPS;
All a/c with a MTOW of more than 5,700kgs or the capacity to carry more than 19 passengers must have ACAS II, currently the only system that meets the specs of this SARP is TCAS II
What is ACAS?
Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) An aircraft system based on SSR transponder signals which operates independently of ground based equipment to provide advice to the pilot on potential conflicting traffic that are equipped with SSR transponders.
TCAS II (v7.1)
What is the latest version of TCAS?
TCAS II (v7.1)
How does TCAS work?
TCAS II uses range and altitude data obtained by interrogating other aircraft transponders to determine the possibility of collision (the bubble around the aircraft). TCAS II is also able to present bearing information of aircraft intruding into your airspace (the bubble), but uses this information on the display only to assist in visual acquisition of an intruder.
When range and altitude of an intruder are computed and a collision risk is predicted, TCAS II will declare the intruder a “threat” and give manoeuvre advice in visual and aural form. Avoidance manoeuvres using TCAS II are in the vertical plane only. Bearing information produced by TCAS II does not possess the accuracy necessary for determining horizontal avoidance manoeuvres.
TCAS relies on a functioning transponder as all functions use SSR data!!
What transponder modes does TCAS use?
Mode A/C Transponders Give both Traffic Advisory and Resolution Advisory, but only if Mode C available but any manoeuvre may not be in the logical sense.
Mode S Transponders - communicate’ with each other and ‘agree’ a course of action.
Where is the TCAS data displayed?
Vertical speed indicator visual display
What would you expect a pilot to do on receipt of a TA?
Nothing as of yet, they may request specific traffic information on the intruder and prepare for possible RA (heightened alert)
What must pilots do on receipt of an RA?
Respond immediately to the instructions (unless this would compromise safety) doing only the minimum necessary to resolve the confliction. The pilot shall advise ATC ASAP and return to previous clearance once clear of conflict.
What are the level limitations associated with TCAS TA’s and RA’s?
Enhanced RA “Increase Descent” is inhibited below 1450ft AGL.
A Descend RA is inhibited below 1100ft AGL.
All RAs inhibited below 1000ft AGL.
All spoken messages inhibited below 500ft AGL.
RAs also inhibited when some GPWS or Windshear warnings are active.
Give an example of something that would cause a nuisance TA/RA.
High vertical speed of other a/c, or
Ground testing of transponders
What is the Controller reponse to a pilot experiencing an RA?
Roger
At what point after an RA does the controller become responsible for the standard separation of the a/c experiencing the RA?
once
- The controller acknowledges a report from the flight crew that the aircraft has resumed the current clearance, or;
- The controller acknowledges a report from the flight crew that the aircraft is resuming he current clearance and issues an alternative clearance which is acknowledged by the flight crew.
Once off of an operational position what must a controller do in response to an RA?
File a MOR report
What are the visual display symbols associated with TCAS?
What is the maximum time before CPA that TCAS will issue an RA?
up to 35 seconds
What is the maximum time before CPA that TCAS will issue an TA
20- 48 seconds
What is a MAYDAY?
-A distress signal- A situation in which a vessel, aircraft, vehicle, or person is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.
SOS in morse
Red pyrotechnics
7700
What is a PAN-PAN?
An urgency message- ie means there is an emergency on board a aircraft, but that, for the time being at least, there is no immediate danger to anyone’s life or to the aircraft itself.
XXX in morse
White pyrotechnics
What are the phases of emergency?
Emergency Phase- A generic term meaning as the case may be;
1. Uncertainity Phase- Situation wherein doubt exists as to the safety of an a/c or a marine vessel and of the persons on board.
2. Alert Phase- Situation wherein apprehension exists as to the safety of an a/c or marine vessel and of the persons on board.
3. Distress Phase- Situation wherein there is a reasonable certainity that a vessel or other craft, including an a/c or a person on board, is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.
What does a red flare or light from an aircraft signify?
Immediate assistance is required.
What does a green light or flare from an aircraft signify?
May I land in different direction from the T?
What signals can an aircraft give to signal that it is compelled to land?
Switching on/off of navigation lights or a white flare/ light.
When given to an aircraft in flight what does a green light from the aerodrome mean?
Flashing= Return to aerodrome, wait for permission to land
Steady= You may land
When given to an aircraft in flight what does a red light from the aerodrome mean?
Flashing= Do not land, aerodrome not available for landing
Steady= Give way to other a/c and continue circling.
When given to an aircraft on the ground what does a green light from the aerodrome mean?
Flashing= You may move on the manoeuvring area and apron.
Steady= You may take off.
When given to an aircraft on the ground what does a white flashing light from the aerodrome mean?
Return to starting point on the aerodrome.
When given to an aircraft on the ground what does a red light from the aerodrome mean?
Flashing= Move clear of the landing area
Steady= STOP
Define an alerting service
A service provided to notify appropriate organisations regarding an a/c in need of SAR aid and assist such organisations as required.
To whom do we provide an Alerting service?
Alerting service shall be provided:
– For all aircraft provided with ATC service
– In so far as practicable, to all other aircraft having filed a flight plan or otherwise known to the air traffic services; and…
– To any aircraft known or believed to be the subject of unlawful interference
What are the phases of emergency?
Emergency Phase- A generic term meaning as the case may be;
1. Uncertainity Phase- Situation wherein doubt exists as to the safety of an a/c or a marine vessel and of the persons on board.
2. Alert Phase- Situation wherein apprehension exists as to the safety of an a/c or marine vessel and of the persons on board.
3. Distress Phase- Situation wherein there is a reasonable certainity that a vessel or other craft, including an a/c or a person on board, is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.
What is the distress phase of an emergency?
A situation wherein there is reasonable certainty that an aircraft and its occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger or require immediate assistance.
What is the uncertainity phase of an emergency?
–When no communication has been received from an aircraft within a period of 30 minutes after the time a communication should have been received, or…
– from the time an unsuccessful attempt to establish communication with such aircraft was first made, whichever is earlier, or…
– when an aircraft fails to arrive within 30 minutes of the ETA last notified to or estimated by ATSUs, whichever is later, except…
– when no doubt exists as to the safety of the aircraft an its occupants.
What is the alert phase of an emergency?
– When following the uncertainty phase, subsequent attempts to establish communication with the aircraft or inquiries to other relevant sources have failed to reveal any news of the aircraft, or…
– When an aircraft has been cleared to land and fails to land within 5 minutes of the estimated time of landing and communication has not been re-established with the aircraft, or…
- When information has been received which indicates that the operating efficiency of the aircraft has been impaired, but not to the extent that a forced landing is likely, except…
- When evidence exists that would allay apprehension as to the safety of the aircraft and its occupants, or…
- When an aircraft is known or believed to be the subject of unlawful interference.
What is the distress phase of an emergency?
When following the alert phase, further unsuccessful attempts to establish communication with the aircraft and more widespread unsuccessful inquiries point to the probability that the aircraft is in distress, or…
- When the fuel on board is considered to be exhausted, or to be insufficient to enable the aircraft to reach safety, or…
- When information is received which indicates that the operating efficiency of the aircraft has been impaired to the extent that a forced landing is likely, or…
- When information is received or it is reasonably certain that the aircraft is about to make or has made a forced landing, except…
- When there is reasonable certainty that the aircraft and its occupants are not threatened by grave and imminent danger and do not require immediate assistance.
Define distress
Distress A condition of being threatened by serious and/or imminent danger and of requiring immediate assistance.
Define urgency
A condition concerning the safety of an aircraft or other vehicle, or of some person on board or within sight, but which does not require immediate assistance.
When in flight what signals can an aircraft give to show acknowledgement of a message?
- By day- rocking of the a/c’s wings (this cant be done on base or final approach)
- Night- Flashing on and off once of the a/c’s landing lights or on and off twice of its navigation lights.
When on the ground what signals can an a/c give to show acknowledgement of a message?
- day- moving the a/c’s ailerons or rudders
- Night- flashing on and office twice of the a/c’s landing lights or its navigation lights
What is a PAN-PAN medical?
A emergency message reserved for medical emergencies on medical transport aircraft.
