Communications Flashcards
What is VHF radio used for in aviation?
Within line of sight transmission
What is HF radio used for in aviation?
Long range communication, shared frequencies
What is a datalink used for in aviation?
Long distance satellite communications
What is the VSCS used for?
Voice Switch and Control System; coordination with other controllers
What is the AIDC used for?
ATS Inter-Centre Data Communication; data comms with other ATS facilities
What is the AFTN used for?
Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network; international exchange of aeronautical data
What is a radio report?
A mandatory radio report from an aircraft to the appropriate ATS unit.
What is a radio broadcast?
A radio broadcast from an aircraft on the appropriate frequency to provide advisory traffic information to other aircraft.
What are the comms requirements for RPT aircraft?
VHF and HF or 2VHF in Classes A, C, D, E & G
What are the comms requirements for CHTR aircraft?
VHF or HF (when VHF does not allow continuous comms) in Classes A, C, D, E & G
What are the comms requirements for IFR aircraft?
VHF or HF (when beyond VHF range of ATS units) in Classes A, C, D, E & G
What are the comms requirements for NGT VFR aircraft?
VHF in Classes A, C, D, E & G
What are the comms requirements for VFR aircraft?
VHF in Classes A, C, D & E
VHF in Class G when at 5,000ft or above
VHF in Class G at those aerodromes where the carriage and use of radio is required
VHF in Class G below 3,000FT AMSL or 1,000FT AGL in reduced VMC
What are the comms requirements for gliders?
VHF in Class G when operating at aerodromes serviced by RPT aircraft
What does AIP ENR 1.1 say about IFR aircraft that cannot establish contact with ATS on the ground prior to departure?
The pilot of an IFR aircraft operating from a non-controlled aerodrome must attempt to contact ATS on VHF or HF when taxiing. If the pilot is unable to establish contact, the flight may proceed on a broadcast basis provided contact is established as soon as possible after takeoff, and:
a) In the case of an RPT, CHTR or AWK flight, the pilot is assured of radio contact with his or her operator, or a representative of his or her operator who has immediate access to a serviceable telephone, until contact is made with ATS, or
b) For flights other than RPT, a SARTIME for departure has been established with a maximum of 30 minutes from EOBT.
Which chart can be used to see areas where continuous VHF communications are expected, and at which altitudes does it depict these areas?
Planning Chart Australia (PCA).
5,000ft - light purple
10,000ft - dark purple
What function does the Idle VSCS key perform?
Transmissions from this frequency will not be sent or received on your console.
What function does the Monitor VSCS key perform?
Listen to a frequency, but does not allow you to transmit.
What function does the Traffic VSCS key perform?
Will allow you to transmit on the selected group of VHF frequencies.
What function does the Group VSCS key perform?
Will allow you to transmit on the selected group of VHF frequencies.
What function does the Retransmit VSCS key perform?
Will establish a retransmission network when you have control of multiple VHF frequencies. Pilots on one frequency will be able to hear pilots broadcasting on other frequencies on the network.
What are the Hotline VSCS keys?
Coordination lines that, once selected, will open immediately and the sender or receiver is able to start talking straight away.
What are the Coldline VSCS keys?
Coordination lines that require an answer from the receiver before voice communications can begin.
What are the Indirect Access VSCS keys?
In the event of failure of the communications network the Indirect Access function allows the controller to access the regular public telephone system.
What are some of the functions of the SELCAL system?
Selective Calling System
- Alerts the crew to an incoming HF or VHF radio call with a chime and flashing light.
- Aircraft code is a group of four letters
- Tones are transmitted as a series of audio tones
- Used only for ground to air calling
What are some of the limitations of the SELCAL system?
- Signal does not identify its source
- The pilot must ascertain the ground station calling
- No ‘hash reduction’ advantage to the ground operator
- Aircraft must be suitably equipped
- Pilots have no situational awareness of close proximity traffic
What is the CPDLC and what are some of it’s functions?
Controller Pilot Data Link Communication
- Datalink system for ATC - pilot communication
- Onboard printing
- Auto-load of certain uplink messages into the FMS
- Downlink of complex route requests which can be returned with approval
- Downlink messages and some responses to uplink messages that automatically update the FDR
What is the AIDC and what are some of it’s functions?
ATS Inter-Centre Data Communication
- Passes information from controller console to console across FDRG boundaries
- Provides snapshot updates to the ATC system receiving a flight
- Ensures controllers have up-to-date flight data available and in some cases acquits the requirement for coordination between controllers in different control centres
What is an ABI?
Advance Boundary Information; sent at a pre-set time prior to the aircraft’s estimate for the boundary. This will provide a snapshot update of the FDR.
What is a PAC?
Preliminary Activation Message; sent at a time prior to departure in place of the ABI for departures close to the boundary.
What is an EST?
Estimate; provides an update of the CFL and estimate for the boundary. This may replace coordination.
What is an ACC?
Acceptance; sent by the receiving centre to indicate the system has received and processed an EST message. An “A” indicates to the sending controller that the message has been accepted.
What is a TOC?
Transfer of Control; offers control authority to the receiving centre. This is initiated by the sending controller prior to transferring to the receiving centre’s frequency.
What is an AOC?
Acceptance of Control; the controller in the receiving centre is ready to assume control authority. This finishes the FDR in the sending centre.
What is the AFTN and what are some of it’s functions?
Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network
- Performs international data exchange between aeronautical authorities
- Messages must adhere to ICAO messaging conventions
- Controllers enter information into the FDR in line with ICAO syntax and semantics
- Message is sent by the FDC (flight data coordinator), not the controller
What is the AFTN Message Priority SS?
Emergency