Definitions

Question 1

Disrupted schedule

Answer 1

• A schedule that by reasons or circumstances outside the control of the operator is prevented from being completed within its scheduled time.

In other words anything unforseen during the course of a duty. i.e. Diversions, Aircraft maintenance etc.

Question 2

TORA

Answer 2

• Take Off Run Available
• The Runway length (can include starter ext)

(Does not include: Stopway)

Question 3

Take Off Run Required

(TORR)

Answer 3

The Longest Of:

• The Horizontal distance required to accelerate to V1 and under, failure of the critical engine, continue to the midpoint between lift off and 35ft

or

• 115% of the horizontal distance required for the aircraft to reach midway between lift off and 35ft with AEO

Question 4

TODA

Answer 4

• Take Off Distance Available
• TORA + Clearway

Question 5

Stopway

Answer 5

• A defined rectangular area on the ground at the end of the take-off run available prepared as a suitable area on which an aircraft can be stopped in the case of an abandoned take-off

Question 6

Clearway

Answer 6

• means a defined rectangular area on the ground or water, at the departure end of the runway—
  (1) under the control of the aerodrome operator; or
  (2) with the agreement of the authority controlling the clearway—

selected or prepared as a suitable area over which an aeroplane may make a portion of its initial climb to a specified height

Question 7

Accelerated Stop Distance Available

(ASDA)

Answer 7

• The declared length of the runway available for an abandoned take off

= TORA + Stopway

Question 8

Air Traffic Control

Answer 8

A service provided for the purpose of preventing collisions between aircraft in flight and on the manoeuvring area between A/c and obstructions.

Also in expediting and maintaining safe and efficient flow of air traffic.

Question 9

Area Minimum Altitude (AMA)

Answer 9

The minimum altitude on an aeronautical chart to be used in IMC that provides a minimum obstacle clearance within a specified area, normally formed by parallels and meridians.

• Contains a 5nm buffer outside each quadrilateral.

Question 10

Ceiling

Answer 10

The height above the ground or water of the base of the lowest layer of cloud:

Below 20,000ft

• Covering more than half the sky

Question 11

Change-over point

Answer 11

• The point at which an A/c navigating on an ATS route segment defined by reference to VOR is expected to transfer its primamry navigation reference to the facility ahead of the aircraft

Question 12

Decision Altitude (DA)

or

Decsion Height (DH)

Answer 12

• A specifed altitude or height in a precision approach or approach with vertical guidance, at which a missed approach must be initiated if the required visual reference to continue the apprach has not been established.
• DA: referenced to MSL
• DH: Referenced to the threshold elevation

Question 13

Flight Level

Answer 13

• A surface of constant atmospheric pressure which is related to a specific pressure datum of 1013.2 hPa

Question 14

Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA)

or

Minimum Descent height (MDH)

Answer 14

A specified altitude or height ina non-precision approach or circling approach below which descent must not be made without the required visiual reference.

MDA: Referenced to MSL

MDH: Referenced to aerodrome elevation (Straight in and circling)

or

Threshold elevation for straight in approaches if it is more than 7ft below the aerodrome elevation.

Question 15

Minimum Sector Altitude

(MSA 25nm)

Answer 15

The lowest altitude that provides 1000ft (2000ft in mountainous terrain) above all objects located in an area contained within a sector of a circle of a 25nm radius centred on a radio nav aid or with GNSS procedures, the aerodrome reference point.

Question 16

Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA)

Answer 16

It is the lowest safe altitude, rounded up to the nearest 100ft, which provides clearance over all obstacles to not less than 1000ft or 2000ft in mountainous terrain within a horizontal radius of 5nm from each sector.

Where an obstacle has not been mapped a 100ft obstacle allowance is added.

Question 17

VOR MRA Sector Altitudes (VORSEC)

Answer 17

Charts which show the higher of MSA or MRA of the nominated nav aid within sectors defined by VOR radials and DME. They provide obstical clearance and good reception information.

• Can be used for arriving, departing or transiting but NOT for holding at an unpublished fix or holding pattern
• If tracking on a radial that devides 2 sectors then the lower sector altitude applies.

Question 18

Minimum Reception Altitude (MRA)

Answer 18

Is the lowest altitude, rounded up to the nearest 100ft which an adequate VOR signal can be recieved on a VOR route.

Question 19

Minimum Enroute Altitude (MEA)

Answer 19

The lowest altitude at which an adequate NDB signal can be recieved on an NBD route.

Question 20

Minimum Flight Altitude (MFA)

Answer 20

The MFA for a route sector will be the higher of the route MSA/MRA/MEA or VHZ upper limit or Danger/Restricted Area upper limit, as appropriate, I.A.W the direction of flight.

Where aircraft have approved enroute area navigation equipment e.g. (GNSS) compliance with MRA and MEA is not required.

Question 21

Climb to MFA

Answer 21

A departure climb gradient is used till MSA, once at MSA, the aircraft can climb at min gradient of 3.3% to MFA.

Question 22

Descent Below MFA

Answer 22

A Descent below MFA prior to arrival may only be commenced in the following circumstances:

• In accoradance with published enroute descent steps, VORSEC steps of radar control.
• Prior to the first distance or VORSEC step when:
  
  • A positive fix using DME for at least 15 sec, or by use of off-track VOR or NDB with intersection angle of 45° or greater AND
  • A positive tracking indication for at least 15sec
  • Must be monitored during descent to ensure continuity of guideance
• Descent is restricted to the higher of MSA, VHZ, MOA, danger or restricted area upper limit.
• Within 10nm of the approach aid or fix, is limited to the min holding altitude, procedure commencement altitude or MSA, whichever is higher.

Question 23

Trigger NOTAM

Answer 23

A NOTAM issued when an AIP amendment or supplement is published to serve as a reminder and ensure users are aware of any changes.

• It is issued automatically
• Remains for 14 days.

Question 24

UNICOM

Answer 24

An Air/Ground comms facility providing an info service at aerodromes with no ATC or AFIS

• Is NOT an air traffic service
• May provide AD info and conditions
  
  • A Basic weather report
  • AWIB
• May be supplemented by an Aerodrome frequency response unit (AFRU)