Ch.4 - Position Reporting Flashcards
What are the reasons for position reports
- Clearance requests
- Traffic info/avoidance
- Radar identification
- SAR
Clearance requests position reports
When you wish to enter controlled airspace your call to Air Traffic Control will generally need to include a position report. The purpose of this call is to let ATC know where you are so that they can assess how you can be integrated with traffic already in the controlled airspace.
Traffic/information avoidance position reports
Other pilots will be listening to the position report you make and they can assess your position relative to themselves. This will assist them in sighting you and so avoid a collision with you if you are in their vicinity. Also, Air Traffic Services use this information to provide traffic information to other aircraft.
Radar identification position reports
A radar controller can positively identify that the target on the radar screen is actually you when the target is in the same position (on the screen) as your reported position.
SAR position reports
The regular passing to Air Traffic Services of position reports facilitates the monitoring of your progress and can narrow down the search area should you fail to arrive at your destination.
When must position reports be broadcasted
- When requesting a clearance to enter class C or D (controlled) airspace
- When requested by ATC when operating in class C or D airspace
- At entry and at specified locations and intervals while operating in an MBZ
- Prior to entry into Restricted or Military Operating areas if ATC is the controlling authority.
What are the contents of a position report
- Callsign
- Your position
- Time at position
- Altitude
- Intended route / intentions
- Next landing point and ETA
- Request clearance
Position report contents - indication
Aircraft callsign and discrete transponder code
Position report contents - your position
You can report in position in many ways such as
- Reporting when flying overhead a prominent geographical position;
- Reporting your position relative to a prominent geographical position, for example, 5 miles north of Woodville
- Reporting your position relative to a radial/bearing and distance from a navigation aid such as a VOR, NDB or DME station.
What to avoid when reporting your position
- Avoid reports such as over Auckland as this is a very big place
- Be careful when using the term as abeam as you could be any direction, so when using this term include more details
- Avoid reports such as “crossing the river” as this is too vague
Position report contents - Time at position
The time at which you passed the position is included if you were at the position a few minutes ago, however, if you are making the report as you fly over the position then the time is not required
Position report contents - level
Altitude (not height above ground)
Position report contents - intended route
Report your intended route to the next significant position, this is done to narrow down the search area if you crash and it advises ATC of your requested route when you ask for a clearance to transmit through controlled airspace, it also provides traffic info to other aircraft
Position report contents - ETA
Report your ETA to next landing point, this is not needed if requesting a clearance to transit through a Control Area
Position report contents - request clearance
Only needed if requesting clearance through controlled airspace
When operating in controlled airspace when must you pass position reports
The times or reporting points instructed by ATC
Outside of controlled airspace, if you are on a VFR cross-country flight and have filled out a flight plan when should you contact ATS
No requirements but you should report as soon as practically possible after leaving the control zone or if you departed from an uncontrolled aerodrome, report asap after departure
When may the words operations normal be used
When sending a position report to keep ATS informed of your progress and no clearance request or other items such as change in SARTIME are necessary
Reporting when transiting near unattended aerodrome
There is no mandatory requirement, you should when you are within 5 to 10 nm and below 3,000 ft inbound to, or in transiting near an unattended aerodrome, maintain a listening watch, make a call advising that you have vacated their airspace. Each transmission should be preceded by the word traffic
Reporting when transiting near Flight Service Aerodrome
If you fly within the vicinity of an aerodrome that has Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) in attendance in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace, you are required to maintain a continuous listening watch on their frequency. You should adhere to the procedure explained for unattended aerodromes.
Reporting when transiting near controlled aerodrome
Controlled aerodromes have a Control Zone (CTR) around them. This means that if you plan to transit near a controlled aerodrome you will need to contact the Air Traffic Control unit at the aerodrome and request a clearance to enter the Control Zone.
What is flight information
The provision of advice and information useful for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft
What does flight information include
- Traffic information relating to other known aircraft operating in your vicinity,
- NOTAM information
- Meteorological information
- Other significant info relating to your flight
- On request, advice relating to questions you may have regarding your flights
- An alerting service
What is the only FIC in NZ
Christchurch FIC
FIC
Flight information centre
Flight information from Christchurch FIC
Is given by the way of general broadcasts, you can also request info, Details of new NOTAMS will be broadcasted at the time of issue and on the hour a summary of the NOTAMS received in the last 90 minutes will be broadcasted.
FISB
Flight Information Service Broadcast
What is FISB
Introduced in the Ohakea region, includes information regarding weather and NOTAMS affecting aerodromes in the coverage area as well as activation advice on some military and danger areas
What does the reception of FISB depend on
Aircraft altitude
ACAS
Airborne Collision Avoidance System
What should an aircraft that doesn’t have an operable transponder transmit when requesting authorisation into controlled airspace
NEGATIVE TRANSPONDER
If ATC believes that the transponder in an aircraft is not operating the phrase “CONFIRM TRANSPONDER OPERATING” is used, if correct what should the response be
NEGATIVE TRANSPONDER UNSERVICEABLE
