General: Separation Standards Flashcards
To who & where shall standard separation be applied?
- All flights in Class A
- IFR flights in Class C, D, and E
- IFR & VFR in Class C
- IFR & SVFR flights
- SVFR flights
Who provides separation in Class G?
Separation ultimatley the responsibility of the pilot.
In providing a Deconfliction Service controllers will provide information & advice aimed at achieving defined deconfliction minima.
When shall separation standards minima be increased?
When;
* Requested by the pilot
* An ATCO considers it necessary
* Directed by the CAA
When can separatio be reduced in the vicinity of aerodromes?
When;
* Adequate separation can be provided by the ADC when each aircraft is continuously visible.
* Each aircraft is continuously visible to the pilots of other aircraft concerned & the pilots report they can maintain their own separation.
* When one aircraft is following another, the pilot of the succeeding aircraft reports the other aircraft is in sight & can maintain their own separation.
Standard Separation Reduction - Search & Rescue Escort
Standard separation may be reduced when a SAR aircraft is escorting an aircraft in an emergency.
What should an ATCO do when faced with a loss of separation?
- Use every means at their disposal to obtain the required minimum with the least possible delay;
- When considered practicable, pass traffic information if an ATS surveillance service is being provided. (Otherwise, pass essential traffic info)
What is Essential Traffic Information?
Traffic which is separated for any period by less than the specified stadard separation.
It is normally passed in situations when ATS surveillance systems are not available.
What should be included in the passing of Essential Traffic Information?
- Direction of flight of conflicting aircraft.
- Type.
- Cruising level of conflicting aircraft, ETA for reporting point.
- Any alternative clearance.
What are the vertical separation minima?
Between aircraft flying subsonic up to FL290: 1,000ft. Above FL290, 2,000ft. (1,000ft betwee FL290 & FL410 for RVSM approved aircraft)
Between aircraft flying supersonic & subsonic: Up to FL450, 2,000ft. Above FL450, 4,000ft.
When and how may aircraft be instructed to change levels?
Aircraft may be instructed to change level at a specified time, place, or rate.
When may an aircraft be instructed to climb / descend to a level previously occupied by another aircraft?
- Vertical separation already exists
- The vacating aircraft is proceeding to a level that will maintain vertical separation; and
- Either - the ATCO observes the vacating aircraft has left the level OR the pilot reports vacating the level.
What should an ATCO wait for when instructing an aircraft to change levels during turbulence?
If sever turbulence is known to exist, instructions shall be delayed until the vacating aircraft is known to be at, or through, another level separated by the required minimum.
Why should ATCOs be cautious when instructing aircraft to climb/descent to a previously occupied level?
Consideration shall be given to the face that aircraft may climb / descend at markedly different rates &, if necessary, additioal measures such as specifying maximum/minimum climb or descent rate for each aircrast sall be applied to ensure sep maintained.
(Particularly when in holding patterns)
What are the 3 types of horizontal separation?
- Lateral
- Longitudinal
- Separation based on ATS surveillance system information
When can the 1 Minute Departure Separation rule be applied?
Provided the aircraft fly on tracks diverging by 45 degrees or more immediately after take-off.
Define “Wake Turbulence”
In radiotelephony, “wake turbulence” shall be used to describe the effect of the rotating air masses generated behind the wing tips of aircraft, in preference to “wake vortex” which describes the nature of the air masses.
When is wake vortex stronger?
- Heavier, slower aircraft produce stronger vortex.
- Vortices are especially persistent in calm conditions.
- They are most hazardous to aircraft with a small wingspan during the take-off, initial climb, final approach, and landing phases of flight.
When do wake vortices begin to be generated?
By fixed-wing aircraft when the nose wheel lifts off the runway and continue until the nose wheel touches down on landing.
How does wake vortex from helicopters compare to that of fixed-wing aircraft?
Some evidence that per pg of mass, wake from helicopters is more intense than that of a fixed-wing aircraft.
What are the Intermediate Approach Wake Turbulence Separation Criteria?
Crossing behind;
* 5NM between a HEAVY & a MEDIUM (upper & lower) or SMALL.
* 6NM between a HEAVY & LIGHT.
* As per Final Approach for aircraft following a SUPER.
What are the Final Approach Wake Turbulence Criteria?
- SUPER: 5, 7, 7, 7, 8
- HEAVY: 4, 5, 5, 6, 7
- UM: #, 3, 4, 4, 6
- LM: #, #, #, 3, 5
- SMALL: #, #, #, 3, 4
What is Departurn Wake Turbulence Minima?
From Same Position: 2 mins
From Intermediate Point: 3 mins
(Heavy = 4NM or time equivalent)
(Super = add another minute)
What are cross runway wake turbulence minima?
3 mins
(Super 4 mins)
Touch & Go / Low Approach Wake Turbulence Minima?
3 mins.
Assume aircraft is departing from intermediate point.
Wake Turbulence Minima for helicopters crossing the runway?
3 mins.
Assume aircraft is departing from intermediate point.
How does an ATCO avoid wake turbulence from helicopters impacting other aircraft?
- Instruct helicopters to ground taxi when able around other aircraft.
- Not air-taxi helicopters close to light aircraft operations on runways/taxiways / avoid over-flying them.
How far away should ATCOs keep light aircraft from helicopters in the hover?
Minimum of 3 times the rotor diameter away.
(More for larger helicopters)
When PSR & SSR info is displayed, what must separation be provided on?
The PSR returns.
When may SSR returns alone be used for separation?
Provided the pilots are ade aware of the limitations;
* In accordance with MATS2
* To overcome temporary deficiences within PSR cover e/g/ clutter
* Immediately after PSR failure for minimum time necessary to establish procedural separation.
SSR shall not be used to provide horizontal separation if an ATCO has any doubt about the accuracy of the position symbol due to equipment malfunctions etc.
