Emergencies General Flashcards
The responsibility for alerting the Aerodrome Emergency Services normally rests with…
The ATCU
What constitutes an emergency?
Any UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE that precludes a controller from handling the a/c in the anticipated/normal manner.
An ATCO may suspect an a/c is in an emergency situation when:
- radio contact not established at time expected
- radio contact is lost
- report from pilot or other pilots
- erratic behaviour observed
- a/c overdue at destination aerodrome
- pilot reports short of fuel
- reports from unofficial third parties.
What are the main ABES categories? (9)
- radio failure
- unlawful interference/hijack
- bomb threat
- strayed/unidentified aircraft
- a/c unable to maintain height
- control difficulty affecting handling
- pilot unsure of position
- diversion
- non-specific/the unusual/the unexpected.
ATCOs are responsible for alerting RFFS whenever:
- an a/c accident has occurred on or in the vicinity of the aerodrome
- info is received that the safety of an a/c has been impaired
- requested by flight crew
- when deemed necessary or desirable.
In an emergency the ATCO “assists” the pilot. What does ASSISTS stand for?
A- acknowledge S- separate S- silence I- inform S- support T- time S- squawk
What is the phraseology for acknowledgement?
“(A/C callsign), (ATSU callsign), roger mayday/pan.”
What is the phraseology for imposition of silence?
“All stations, (ATSU callsign), stop transmitting - Mayday.”
What is the phraseology for cancellation?
“All stations, (ATSU callsign), distress traffic ended.”
What is the phraseology for transferring a/c to another frequency?
Mayday (a/c callsign), all other aircraft contact (station) on (frequency) - out.”
What are the general principles during emergencies? (6)
- don’t panic, remain calm
- determine exact nature of problem
- assess situation before acting
- prioritise tasks
- offload non-essential tasks
- inform, advise and co-ordinate.
Who should be informed if there’s any doubt of a/c reaching aerodrome?
ACC Supervisor
How can an aerodrome ATCO plot the position of an a/c? (5)
- VDF bearings
- marks on windows
- a/c report
- map ref/position
- ATM
What priority is an emergency aircraft?
Priority Category A
What are the main actions by ATC when an emergency has been declared? (4)
- ascertain type of emergency, crew intentions, position & level of a/c
- decide upon appropriate assistance
- enlist help of other ATSU/services as necessary
- provide crew with any info requested as well as suitable aerodromes, minimum safe altitudes and weather info.