ATM Flashcards
Define a holding procedure
A predetermined manoeuvre which keeps a/c within a specified airspace awaiting further clearance
What direction of turn is the standard holding pattern?
Right hand
Define a holding fix
A geographical location that serves as a reference for a holding procedure
Define a holding axis
The required inbound track to the holding fix. If this is defined by VOR radials, then the axis must lie on one of the radials although it may be orientated towards or away from the relevant VOR
What are the standard rates of turn in the hold?
Rate 1 (3 degrees a sec) or with 25 degrees of bank angle, whichever requires least angle of bank.
What are the hilding speeds for a/c up to an including 14000ft?
Normal;
CAT A & B- 170kt
CAT C, D & E- 230kt
Turbulent
CAT A & B- 170kt
CAT C, D & E- 280kt
What are the holding speeds for a/c above 14000ft up to and including 20000ft?
Normal- 240kt
Turbulent- 280kt or M0.80
What are the holding speeds above 20000ft up to and including 34000ft
Normal- 265kt
Turbulent- 280kt or M0.80
What is the normal length of the outbound leg for a hold?
1 min, 1 and 1/2 above 14000ft
What factors can affect the hold?
Wind
Climbing and descent
Performance rates of a/c
Type of Nav Aid being used (accuracy)
Holding in stacks
Holding for weather
Holding for safety reasons
Describe the standard holding procedure
Describe the Parallel Entry to the hold
Describe the Offset Entry procedure
Describe the Direct Entry Procedure
When is an a/c considered separated from the hold when non-radar?
When vertically separated from other a/c or 5 minutes flying time from the holding area
What is the lowest level available at EVN?
3000ft
What is the lowest level available at WVN?
3000ft
What is the lowest level available at TAM?
3000ft
What is the lowest level available at TYN?
FL50ft
What is the lowest level available at BRN?
FL60
Define an EAT
Expected Approach Time
The time at which ATC expects that an arriving a/c, following a delay, will leave the holding fix to complete is approach for landing
When do we issue EATs (ICAO)?
When the a/c is subject to a delay of 10 minutes or more, or such period as has been determined with the appropriate authority
When do we issue revised EATs (ICAO)?
Whenever the delay differs from that previously transmitted by 5 minutes or more, or such time as has been determined by the appropriate ATS authority.
Define identification
The situation which exists when the position indication of a particular a/c is seen on a situation display and is positively identified
What are the methods of PSR identification?
Turn method
Departing a/c method
Position report method
What methods of identification can be used when using PSR?
The turn method, Departing aircraft method and position report method.
How do you identify aircraft using the turn method?
An aircraft may be identified by ascertaining its heading and, following a period of track observation, correlating the observed movement of a particular Position Indication with:
- the acknowledged execution of an instruction to alter heading by at least 30°;
- one or more changes of heading of at least 30°‚ as instructed by another controller;
- one or more changes of heading of at least 30° reported by the pilot.
A turn for identification does not constitute the provision of a surveillance service. However, controllers should take into consideration, terrain, other surveillance returns, PSR coverage and the RoA before instructing an aircraft to alter heading.
In using the turn method the controller shall:
(1) verify that the movements of not more than one Position Indication correspond with those of the aircraft;
(2) exercise caution particularly when employing this method in areas where changes of aircraft heading are commonly made as a navigational routine.
How do you identify aircraft using the departing aircraft method?
By observing and correlating the Position Indication of a departing aircraft to a known airborne time. Identification is to be achieved within one mile of the end of the runway unless otherwise authorised by the CAA.
Particular care should be taken to avoid confusion with aircraft overflying the aerodrome, making a missed approach, departing from an adjacent runway or holding overhead the aerodrome.
How do you identify aircraft using the position report method?
By correlating a particular Position Indication with a report from the pilot that the aircraft is:
(1) over an exact reporting point which is displayed on the situation display; or
(2) at a particular distance not exceeding 30 miles on a particular radial from a co- located VOR/DME or TACAN (DME). The source facility must be displayed on the situation display; or
(3) over a notified visual reference point or prominent geographical feature, in either case approved for the purpose and displayed on the situation display, provided that
(the flight is operating with visual reference to the surface and at a height of 3000 ft or less above the surface.) UK
The identification must follow a period of track observation sufficient to enable the controller to compare the movement of the Position Indication with the pilot’s reported route. The reported position and level of the aircraft must indicate that it is within known PSR cover.
This method must be reinforced by an alternative method if there is any doubt about the identification because of:
(1) the close proximity of other returns; or
(2) inaccurate reporting from aircraft at high level or some distance from navigational facilities.
How can transfer of identification be effected?
Designation by automated means, provided that only one position indication is indicated with no possible doubt
Notification of the aircrafts discrete SSR code or aircraft address
Notification that the a/c is Mode S / ADS-B equipped with an ident feature when coverage is available
Direct designation (pointing) of the Position Indication where two situation displays are adjacent or a conference type of display is used.
Designation by reference to bearing and distance from a geographical position or nav facility, together with the track of the observed position indication if the route of the a/c is not known to both ATCO’s
Not more than 30nm from the VOR/DME facility
Instructing an aircraft to change SSR code by the and accepting controller observes this
Issuing an instruction to squawk IDENT and accepting controller observes this
When shall an a/c be informed of their position?
Upon identification, except when identification is established:
Based on pilots report of aircraft position or within 1nm of the runway on departure
By use of ADS-B/Mode S ident or assigned discrete SSR code
By transfer of identification
When pilot requests this information
When pilots estimated position differs significantly from controllers estimate based on observed position
When pilot instructed to resume own navigation after vectoring If current instructions had deviated from assigned route
Immediately before termination of ATS surveillance service if a/c observed to deviate from intended route
How is position information passed to a/c?
Reference to a well-known geographical position
Magnetic track and distance to significant point, an en-route aid or approach aid
Direction (using compass point) and distance from known position
Distance to touchdown when on final approach
Distance & direction from centre line of ATS route
What actions should an ATCO take in the event of misidentification?
Tell pilot to resume own navigation
Climb aircraft to safe level
Provide vertical separation/pass ETI
Continue to search for aircraft
Cancel any descent clearance and advise pilot to climb to original level
If identification is lost what action must be taken?
Inform pilot that identification is lost
What is the definition of Radar Map
Information superimposed on a situation display to provide ready identification of selected features
What is the definition of video mapping?
The electronic superimposing of a. map or plan on a situation display
What is verification?
A check that the a/c’s mode C readout is within agreed parameters
What is validation?
Checking that the correct code has been selected by the pilot and is showing on the situation display
How may an A/C be indentified using SSR?
Observing compliance with the instruction to set a discrete four digit code
Recognising a previously validated Mode A code- code/callsign conversion procedures may also be used if code/callsign pairing has been confirmed
Observing an Ident feature when it has been requested
How may a squawk be validated?
Instruct a/c to squawk assigned code and observe that the correct numbers appear on the situation display
Instructing the a/c to squawk ident and simultaneously checking that the code numbers are associated with the radar return
Matching a previously identified radar return with the assigned code for the flight
What are your actions if the observed Mode A readout does not correlate to that expected?
Instruct pilot to reset assigned code
If error persists instruct pilot to select A0000
If it still persists instruct pilot to switch off transponder- a corrupt code may be retained for identification and tracking purposes if the Mode C is verified but adjacent ATSUs must be informed
When may a Mode A code be deemed validated?
When the code set can be recognised by the code assignment plan to have been assigned by a unit deemed capable of validating the code, providing the code has not been notified as corrupt.
When shall verification be achieved?
Effected at least once by each equipped ATC unit on initial contact with the A/C or ASAP
How is Mode C verified?
By simultaneous comparison of the displayed data with the information received from the a/c via R/T
What are your actions if the Mode C data is not within assigned tolerances?
Pilot should be advised and requested to check the pressure setting and confirm the a/c’s level
Does a pilot need to be informed of verification?
no
What are the ATCO’s actions if Mode C data is still inaccurate after confirming the pressure setting?
Request the pilot to switch off Mode C provided this does not interrupt the operation of Mode A and notify the next ATSUs of the action taken
Inform the pilot of the discrepancy and request Mode C operation continue in order to prevent loss of position and identity information on the a/c, notify the next ATSUs
When is an a/c considered to be at an assigned level?
When 3 consecutive sweeps (or 15 seconds whichever is greater) show that the Mode C is +/- 200ft of the assigned level
When is an a/c considered to have passed a level (ICAO)?
When the Mode C indicates more than 300ft through that level and continuing in the anticipated direction
When is an a/c considered to have vacated a level (ICAO)?
When the Mode C indicates more than 300ft from that level and continuing in the anticipated direction
When may transfer of control take place using silent handover procedures?
- Updated flight plan information including the SSR code/mode S/ADS-B a/c identification is provided to the accepting controller prior to transfer
- ATS surveillance coverage to the accepting controller is such that the a/c concerned is presented on the situation display before the transfer is effected and is identified on or before the initial call
- When the controllers are not physically adjacent, two-way direct speech facilities are available between them at all times.
- The transfer points or point and all other conditions of application, such as direction of flight, specified levels, transfer of comms, and especially an agreed minimum separation between a/c about to be transferred have been made the subject of specific instructions or a specific LOA between the adjacent units
- The instructions or letter of agreement specify explicitly that the application of this type of transfer of radar control may be terminated at any time by the accepting controller, normally with agreed advanced notice.
- The accepting controller us kept currently informed of any level, speed or vectoring instructions given to the a/c prior to its transfer and which modify its anticipated flight progress at the point of transfer
Apart from a silent handover when may transfer of control take place between ATSUs?
- Identification has been transferred to or has been established directly by the accepting controller
- When the controllers are not physically adjacent, two-way direct speech facilities are available between them at all times.
- Separation from other controlled flights conforms to the minima authorised for use during transfer of control between the sectors or units concerned
- The accepting controller is informed of any level, speed or vectoring instructions applicable to the a/c at the point of transfer
- Radio comms with the a/c is retained by the transferring controller until the accepting controller has agreed to assume responsibility for providing the ATS surveillance service to the a/c. Thereafter, the a/c should be instructed to change over to the appropriate frequency and from that point is the responsibility of the accepting controller.
What is the definition of a radar handover?
Transfer of responsibility for the control of an a/c between two controllers using radar, following identification by both controllers.
What conditions are there before issuing a radar handover?
- Satisfactory two-way comms is available between controllers
- The identity has been transferred to the accepting controller, or has been established by him; and
- The accepting controller is informed of any level, speed or vectoring instructions applicable to the a/c at the stage of transfer
When must an a/c be informed of their position and that they have been identified inside CAS?
Only when using the turn method
When must an a/c be informed of their position and that they have been identified outside CAS?
Informed identified- SSR, turn, departing, and position report methods
Position passed- only for the turn method
What transponder modes does TCAS require?
Mode A
Mode C for RA’s
Mode S for the transponders to agree a course of action
What are your actions as a controller on receipt of an RA?
Say roger to the a/c and leave them until clear of conflict
What responsibility for separation does an ATCO have during an RA?
ATC responsibility ceases for sep from affected traffic
Should an ATCO pass traffic information to a/c receiving an RA?
Not normally and also shouldn’t pass it to other a/c affected by such manoeuvres
When does an ATCO resume responsibility for an a/c after an RA?
ATCO acknowledges report from pilot that they have resumed their previous clearance
or
The controller acknowledges a report from the pilot that this is a/c is resuming the clearance and issues another clearance which is acknowledged by the pilot
What TCAS RAs must be MOR’d?
All of them
Define the Transition altitude
The level at or below which an a/c’s vertical position will be controlled with reference to Altitude
Define the Transition Level
The lowest usable flight level above the transition altitude, must be at least 1000ft above the TA
Define the transition layer
The band of airspace between the TA and the TL
What are, a) Temporary Segregated Areas, b) Temporary Reserved Areas, and c) Cross-Border Areas?
a) a defined volume of airspace normally under the jurisdiction of one aviation authority and temporarily segregated, by common agreement, for the exclusive use by another aviation authority and through which other traffic will not be allowed to transit.
b) a defined volume of airspace normally under the jurisdiction of one aviation authority and temporarily reserved, by common agreement, for the specific use by another aviation authority and through which other traffic may be allowed to transit, under ATC clearance
c) is an airspace reservation (TSA pr TRA) established for specific operational requirements over international boundaries
When may an a/c be instructed to climb VMC?
When requested and agreed by the pilots of both a/c
In Class D and E airspace
Pilots maintain their own sep
Below 10000ft
During the day
In VMC
What is Essential Traffic Information?
Information passed between a/c that are not separated by the appropriate minima
What shall Essential Traffic Information contain?
Direction of flight
Type and W/T Cat of a/c
Cruising level of a/c concerned and;
a) Estimated time over the reporting point closest to where the level will be crossed, or;
b) Relative bearing of the a/c concerned in terms of the 12-hour clock as well as distance from conflicting traffic, or;
c) Actual or estimated position of the a/c concerned
Give an example of Essential Traffic Info
“Bigjet 347, essential traffic information, a westbound B737 maintaining FL80 estimating KTN at 50”
Who holds executive control over all a/c emergencies in the UK?
D and D
To whom do we provide an alerting service?
To all a/c which are known by the Air Traffic Services to be operating within UK FIRs
How will Royal Flights be protected outside CAS?
By the establishment of CAS-T
What class of airspace is CAS-T?
D
What are the dimensions of CAS-T?
Vertical and horizontal dimensions defined as required
For how long will CAS-T be active?
15 mins before to 30 mins after an ETD or ETA
What are the dimensions of RLLCs?
Royal Low Level Corridors
5nm either side of the a/c’s track from the surface to 1000ft above the a/c’s max operating level
To whom do we provide a Radar Control Service?
To IFR a/c in Class A-E Airspace
To VFR a/c in Class C-D Airspace
To SVFR a/c
Can a Radar Control Service be reduced?
No
To which a/c do we provide a Radar Control Service in Class E airspace?
IFR- service cannot be reduced
What service do we provide to VFR flights in Class E airspace?
Traffic or Basic Service to participating VFR flights
Service can be reduced
VFR a/c asks for a Deconfliction Service, can you give this?
No, Deconfliction Service can only be given to IFR a/c
When must a pilot be advised if surveillance service commences, terminates or changes?
-Outside CAS
-Entering CAS, except when entering CAS in connection with an IFR flight holding Class E airspace
-Changing from IFR to VFR or VFR to IFR within Class E airspace
-VFR flights entering/leaving Class C or D airspace
-Before they leave CAS
Surveillance services should be reduced when?
a) A/C operating close to; the edge of situation display, radar overhead, weather clutter or PEs
b) A/c is operating in area of high traffic density
c) Operating close to limits of solid radar cover
d) Services is provided by using SSR only (when approved)
e) A/c is operating in known areas of poos surveillance performance/PEs/weather clutter
f) ATCO suspects the ATS surveillance system is degraded
What are your actions when the radar fails?
1) Notify a/c under your control
2) Establish a procedural sep
3) Reduced vertical sep of (500ft) may be used temporarily
4) Pass ETI if necessary
What are your actions when the radar comes back into service?
1) Re-identify all a/c
2) Inform pilots when identified
3) Validate and verify SSR data if not already achieved
What is QDM?
Magnetic heading to a station
What is QDR?
Magnetic bearing from a station
What is QUJ?
True track to a station
What is QTE?
True bearing from a station
How can position information be passed to an a/c?
1) Well known geographical position
2) Bearing (using points of the compass) and distance from a known position
3) Magnetic track and distance to a reporting point, en-route nav aid or approach aid on the situation display
4) Lat and long
5) Distance from touchdown if the a/c is on final approach
When should a/c be informed of their position?
1) Following identification using the turn method
2) At the pilot’s request
3) A/c is flying off the correct track
4) Pilot’s estimate differs significantly from controller’s based on ATS surveillance system observation
5) Pilot is instructed to resume own nav after vectoring if the controller considers it necessary
6) Position information may be passed when considered necessary
In a radar cct when should an a/c be informed of their position?
At least once during each leg
When an a/c is descending from what level do you pass a range check?
FL60 (approx 20nm)
How can you transfer identity of an a/c using PSR in the UK?
Direct designation
Designation by direction and distance from a common reference point
Designation by electronic means
What considerations are there regarding the direct designation method of transferring identity?
The situation displays must be adjacent or a conference type
Ensure position returns correlate
What considerations are there regarding the method of transferring identity using direction and distance from a common ref point?
May be a nav facility or a geographical position
Must be situated on both displays
Position indication must be within 3nm of the position stated
Distance between a/c and ref point must not exceed 30nm (using mag tracks, radials and bearings) or 15nm (when using cardinal directions)
What considerations are there regarding the SSR methods of transferring identity?
Both units must have SSR
Only to be conducted in accordance with MATS part 2 and local agreements
What must a Radar Handover contain?
Position
SSR Code
Heading or observed track
Flight level/altitude
To be given in the pre-note;
A/c type
Point of dep and destination
Type of service
Any additional info
Within what range of the radar head may 3nm sep be used?
40nm
What separation do we apply between departing a/c and others on our frequency?
5nm until identified, thereafter may use 3nm
When may SSR be used on its own to provide sep?
To overcome temporary deficiencies with PSR cover or immediately after PSR failure for the minimum time required to establish procedural sep
What sep do we provide between known and unknown a/c in CAS?
5nm and/or 5000ft (do not allow blips to merge)
From when until when do Approach Control provide ATC services to A/C within CAS?
1) Arriving A/C are released by Area Control until transferred to Aerodrome Control
2) A/C approaching from outside CAS place themselves under the control of Approach Control until transferred to Aerodrome Control
3) Departing A/C are taken over from Aerodrome Control until;
a) they are transferred to Area Control; or
b) they are clear of CAS
4) Overflying A/C are within the relevant CAS
Outside CAS from when and until when shall Approach Control provide services to A/C?
1) Arriving A/C place themselves under the contol of Approach Control until control is transferred to Aerodrome Control
2) Departing A/C are taken over from Aerodrome Control until they no longer wish a service or are 10 minutes flying time away from the Aerodrome whichever is sooner.
3) Overflying A/C place themselves under the control of Approach Control until they are clear of the Approach pattern and either no longer wish to receive a service or are 10 minutes flying time away from the aerodrome, whichever is the sooner.
What shall Approach Control co-ordinate with Aerodrome Control?
1) A/C approaching to land, if necessary requesting clearance to land.
2) Arriving A/C which are to be cleared to Visual Holding Points
3) A/C routing through the traffic cct
What shall Aerodrome Control co-ordinate with Approach Control?
1) Departing IFR flights
2) Arriving A/C which make their first call on the tower frequency (unless they are transferred to Approach Control)
What shall Area Control co-ordinate with Approach Control?
Arriving A/C which is to be cleared to an aerodrome holding facility or a Visual Holding point, instead of the normal holding facility
What information should be provided to an a/c when being vectored for an approach?
The type of final approach
The runway in use
What information should be passed to an a/c conducting an SRA?
Pass nominal descent path or gradient
The termination range
The applicable obstacle clearance alt/height
Radio comms fail procedure (if not published)
What distance shall a/c not be vectored closer than for an approach?
2nm before the FAF for an ILS, VOR, NDB or SRA, or;
the IF for an RNP approach
No closer than 5nm
When may an inbound a/c at Avon be descended to 2000ft?
Within 17nm of touchdown
What techniques may be used to vector an a/c to final approach for a precision approach-ILS?
(1) Clear the pilot for the ILS approach IF a descent instruction has been issued to the procedure altitude/height published on the IAP at the FAF, or a lower level according to the ATSMAC as detailed in MATS Part 2; or,
(2) Issue a conditional clearance to the pilot to descend on the glidepath once established on the LOC; or,
(3) When necessary to ensure that an aircraft joining the ILS does not descend until cleared, instruct the pilot to report established on the LOC and to maintain previously
assigned level. Subsequently, the pilot shall either be cleared to descend on the glidepath or given appropriate alternative level instructions.
What techniques may be used to vector an a/c to final approach for a non precision approach?
Non-precision approaches do not have descent guidance and include LOC only, LOC/DME, VOR, VOR/DME, NDB, NDB/DME,
and SRAs.
Non-precision approaches rely on the pilot crossing the FAF at
the published procedure altitude/height in order to safely
complete the approach.
Controllers vector aircraft onto the FAT, or to a heading closing
FAT at an angle not greater than 45° (or not greater than 30° for
independent parallel approaches) offset from final approach
track.
Aircraft are established on FAT and provided with a descent
profile to enable a crossing of the FAF at the published
procedure altitude/height.
Range checks are passed if procedure is not supported by DME.
Further checks are passed if necessary or on request.
A range check is passed and aircraft is cleared for the approach
if procedure is supported by DME.
What techniques may be used to vector an a/c to final approach for a non precision approach?
An RNP approach uses GNSS augmented by either ABAS (e.g.
RAIM) or SBAS to provide lateral, or lateral and vertical
guidance.
Traffic permitting, aircraft are routed to the Initial Approach Fix
(IAF) waypoint, the descent profile enables the aircraft to cross
the IAF not below the published procedure height/altitude at
the IAF.
Aircraft may be vectored onto FAT or a closing heading of not
more than 45° (not more than 30° for independent parallel
approaches) offset from FAT enabling aircraft to establish on FAT
no later than IF.
Descent clearances enable aircraft to cross the IF at published
procedure height/altitude, or if ATCSMAC permits, that enable
aircraft to cross FAF at the published procedure height/altitude.
Aircraft are not positioned onto FAT of a RNP approach closer to
touchdown than the IF.
Pilot follows lateral and vertical profile of RNP approach when
cleared.
What a/c may be offered a visual approach?
IFR only
Do VFR a/c conduct visual approaches?
no
When may an a/c conduct a visual approach?
Pilot reports he can maintain visual ref to the surface and;
1) The reported C.C is at or above the level of the beginning of the initial approach segment, or;
2) The pilot reports at any time after commencing an approach procedure that the vis will permit a visual approach and landing and a reasonable assurance exists that this can be accomplished.
When can visual approaches not be approved?
When the RVR is less than 800m, in this instance pilot will be informed that this approach is not available and asked for their intentions
Are we required to separate a/c on a visual approach?
Yes they are still IFR
Can you provide a Deconfliction Service below the terrain safe level?
No, should provide a traffic service instead
Whom are SVFR a/c separated from?
IFR and other SVFR
Are we required to provide Deconfliction Minima against a/c inside CAS?
No unless surveillance info indicates that a/c is leaving CAS
What are the deconfliction minima against known a/c?
3nm or 1000ft
What are the deconfliction minima against unknown a/c?
5nm or 3000ft, surveillance returns should also not merge unless Mode A data indicates that the Mode C is verified
What are your actions if a pilot under a DS asks to descend below the terrain safe level?
They will be reminded that they are responsible for terrain sep and service downgraded to a TS
When is traffic considered to be relevant?
When the flight profile indicates it will pass within 3nm or 3000ft of the a/c receiving the service.
Info should be passed prior to the a/c being with 5nm
Who is responsible for terrain sep below the terrain safe level on a TS?
The pilot
When can ATCOs issue headings to a/c under a TS?
Only above the terrain safe level
How will traffic info be passed to an a/c who is manoeuvring?
Using cardinal points
What are our actions when an unknown a/c enters Class C airspace?
IFR flights shall be given avoidance advice and traffic info passed
VFR flights shall be given traffic info and (if requested by the pilot) avoidance advice
What are our actions when an unknown a/c enters Class D airspace?
IFR flights shall be given avoidance advice and traffic info passed
SVFR and VFR flights shall be given traffic info and (if requested by the pilot) avoidance advice
What is the deconfliction minima against unknown a/c inside CAS?
5nm or 5000ft, don’t allow blips to merge if Mode C unverified
What responsibilites re terrain sep in Class D airspace do ATCOs have for SVFR and VFR a/c?
None if they accept vectors although levels shall not be assigned
Who is responsible for terrain clearance in Class G?
Pilots
Define the SMAA
Surveillance Minimum Altitude Area
Defined area in the vicinity of an aerodrome, depicted on a SMAC in which the minimum safe levels allocated by a controller vectoring IFR flights with PSR and SSR have been predetermined
