ERSA (Normal and Emergency)

Question 1

What are the Emergency SSR codes?

Answer 1

1. 7700 – Emergency in flight
2. 7600 – Loss of two-way communications
3. 7500 – Unlawful interference

REF: AIP ENR 1.6, 6.4 - SSR Emergency Codes

Question 2

A pilot encounters an Emergency (other than loss of two-way communications) in flight what should they do?

Answer 2

Select code 7700, unless they have a specific reason to believe that maintaining the assigned code would be the better course of action.

REF: AIP ENR 1.6, 6.4 - SSR Emergency Codes

Question 3

What are initial actions for an IFR flight with a loss of two-way communication?

Answer 3

1. Squawk 7600;
2. Listen to ATIS & voice modulated Navaids;
3. Transmit intentions & position with “Transmitting Blind”; and
4. If VMC and certain of maintaining VMC: stay VMC and land at the most suitable aerodrome (NOTE: special procedures if proceeding to a Class D aerodrome); or
5. If IMC or uncertain of maintaining VMC:
   a. If no clearance limit was received or acknowledged: proceed with the latest route clearance acknowledged and climb to planned level;
   b. If a clearance limit was received: hold at the nominated location for 3 minutes at MSA or last assigned level (whichever is higher) and then proceed as planned or last route and climb to planned level,
   c. If receiving ATC surveillance service climb to MSA / LSALT & if being vectored: maintain last vector for 2 min then proceed with the latest ATC route clearance acknowledged; or
   d. If in a holding pattern: complete 1 more & then proceed I.A.W. latest acknowledged ATC route clearance.

REF: ERSA EMERG page 3, 1.5.4 - Emergency Procedures

Question 4

What are destination procedures for an IFR flight with a loss of two-way communication?

Answer 4

Destination Procedures:
1. Track to the destination in accordance with the flight plan;
2. Commence descent in accordance with standard operating procedures of flight plan;
3. Within 25nm of the destination, track to the IAF for the most suitable instrument approach and descend to the IAA (Initial Approach Altitude) in accordance with published procedures; and
4. Carry out the prescribed approach to the minima (the most suitable approach is normally the approach which facilitates the most accurate track keeping. However, listen out on ATIS as it may indicate a specific approach).

REF: ERSA EMERG page 3, 1.5.4 - Emergency Procedures

Question 5

What are actions at the minima for an IFR flight with a loss of two-way communication?

Answer 5

Actions at Minima:
1. Uncontrolled Aerodrome: if visual at the minima, continue to land provided a safe landing can be accomplished;
2. Controlled Aerodrome: if visual at the minima, continue to land provided a clearance is received via voice modulated NAVAID or light signal from the TWR;
3. If NOT visual at the minima: depart for alternate aerodrome unless insufficient fuel, where the pilot may hold or carry out additional approaches until visual

NOTE: Certain class D aerodromes have specific comms failure procedures (se ERSA FAC).

REF: ERSA EMERG page 3, 1.5.4 - Emergency Procedures

Question 6

If a pilot selects code 7500 (due unlawful interference) what will the controller do?

Answer 6

1. Request confirmation of the setting of the assigned code as follows: “confirm squawking assigned code” (the absence of a reply in these circumstances shall be regarded as positive evidence of the emergency);
2. Provide the aircraft with priority in all respects;
3. Transmit all useful information pertinent to the conduct of the flight without expecting a reply from the aircraft;
4. Avoid reference of the nature of the emergency except if it is first referred to by the pilot;
5. Monitor and plot the progress of the flight;
6. Co-ordinate transfer of control, as appropriate, without requiring response from the aircraft, unless communication remains normal; and
7. Relay messages as required between the aircraft and appropriate authorities.

REF: AIP ENR 1.6, 6.4 - SSR Emergency Codes

Question 7

What is the meaning of light signals to an aircraft on ground and in flight?

Answer 7

1. Steady Green:
   a. On the ground: cleared to take-off if no collision risk exists.
   b. In flight: Cleared to land.
2. Flashing Green:
   a. On the ground: cleared to taxi if no collision risk exists.
   b. In flight: Return for landing.
3. Steady Red:
   a. On the ground: Stop
   b. In flight: give way to other aircraft and continue circling (i.e. go around).
4. Flashing Red:
   a. On the ground: Taxi clear of the landing area in use.
   b. In flight: Do not land, aerodrome unsafe.
5. White Flashing:
   a. On the ground: return to starting point on aerodrome.
   b. In flight: N/A.

REF: ERSA EMERG page 4, 1.5.6 - Emergency Procedures

Question 8

What is the format of a MAYDAY call?

Answer 8

1. Mayday, Mayday, Mayday
2. Darwin Approach
3. Helicopter NWD
4. Transmission failure
5. 75nm Darwin on the 310 radial, passing 4500 on descent, heading SE
6. Conducting an emergency descent
7. 18 POB with 95 minutes endurance

REF: AIP GEN 3.4 6.2 – Emergency

Question 9

What is the format of a PAN call?

Answer 9

1. Mayday, Mayday, Mayday
2. Darwin Approach
3. Helicopter NWD
4. Single engine failure
5. 75nm Darwin on the 310 radial, passing 4500 on descent, heading SE
6. Intentions are to return visually back to Darwin
7. 18 POB with 95 minutes endurance

REF: AIP GEN 3.4 6.2 – Emergency