IFR Procedure - All airspace

Question 1

What are the general provisions of separation for all flights in CTA?

Answer 1

Class A - Separation provided between:
1. IFR flights. (IFR flights only permitted)

Class C - Separation provided between:
1. IFR and all other flights
2. Special VFR flights when visibility is less than VMC; and
3. VFR flights receive traffic information in respect of other VFR. flights

Class D - Separation provided between:
1. IFR and IFR flights and Special VFR flights
2. IFR flights ONLY receive traffic information in respect of VFR flights
3. Special VFR flights when visibility is less than VMC
4. VFR flights receive traffic information in respect of all other flights.

Class E - Separation provided between:
1. IFR and IFR flights
2. IFR flights ONLY receive traffic information on VFR flights as far as practicable
3. VFR flights receive a surveillance Information Service (SIS) on request.

At controlled aerodromes, ATC provides runway separation to all aircraft

REF: AIP ENR 1.4, 2.1 - Provision of separation in Controlled Airspace

Question 2

To stay in CTA, how high above the lower limit of the CTA steps should you remain?

Answer 2

For operations within class A, C, D or E airspace, the pilot must remain not less than 500 feet above the lower limit of the CTA steps. This will provide a vertical buffer with aircraft operating in adjoining airspace.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 2.5.3.3- Pilot Responsibilities

Question 3

Outside what tracking tolerances must a pilot inform ATC?

Answer 3

In controlled airspace, separation standards are based on the pilot maintaining route or track as closely as possible at all times.

Corrective action must be taken to regain route or track as soon as any deviation is observed.

Additionally, the pilot must immediately notify ATC for any of the deviations described below:
1. LOC/VOR ½ scale deflection or more of the CDI;
2. NDB 5° or more from specified bearing;
3. DME 2nm or more from required Arc;
4. RNAV – where route or track guidance is provided by an area navigation system - when the aircraft cannot be maintained on the desired track plus/minus the prescribed RNP/RNAV value; and
5. When navigating by visual reference to the ground or water - more than 1NM from the cleared track.

Note: The values given above must not be interpreted as defining a sector within which the pilot is permitted to navigate.

NOTE: THESE ARE NOT THE ‘ESTABLISHED’ TOLERANCES FROM ENR 1.5

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 4.6.1 & 4.6.2 – Aircraft Deviations in controlled airspace – advice to ATC

Question 4

What are the Flight under the IFR navigation requirements?

Answer 4

IFR aircraft must be navigated by either:
1. Approved area navigation system that meets performance requirements of the intended airspace or route; or
2. NAV System on routes +/- 9° from last positive fix within coverage of NAV aid for next fix – Maximum intervals between positive fixes is 2 hours, or
3. Visual reference to the ground or water by day where suitable NAV aids not available – VMC and visual position fixing are met by a positive visual fix every 30 minutes.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 4.1 – Flight under the IFR & AIP ENR 1.1, 4.2.1 (b) – Flight under the VFR

Question 5

What is considered a positive fix?

Answer 5

Q: What is considered a positive fix?

A positive radio fix is one determined by:

1. The passage of the aircraft over an NDB, VOR, TACAN, marker beacon or a DME site; or
2. The intersection of two or more position lines which intersect with angles of not less than 45°and which are obtained from NDBs, VORs, localisers or DMEs in any combination. For the purpose of this paragraph, a position line must be within the rated coverage of the aid with the exception that if a fix is determined entirely by position lines from NDBs, the position lines must be within a range of 30NM from each of the NDBs; or
3. GNSS meeting the equipment requirements of GEN 1.5 Section 2.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 4.5.1 - Position Fixing.

Question 6

For an IAP FAT, When are you considered ‘established’ on track or on a DME arc?

Answer 6

Q: For an IAP FAT, When are you considered ‘established’ on track or on a DME arc?

“Established” means being within;
1. Half full-scale deflection for the ILS, VOR and GNSS;
2. 5° of the required bearing for the NDB; or
3. 2 nm of the DME arc.

Question 7

What needs to be included in an IFR Taxi report OCTA and in CTA?

Answer 7

Taxi reports for IFR flights operating OCTA must include the following information:
1. aircraft type
2. POB (for IFR flights other than RPT)
3. IFR
4. location
5. destination or departure quadrant or intentions; and
6. runway to be used

Taxi reports for IFR flights operating in CTA must include the following information:
1. Aircraft type
2. POB
3. ATIS code
4. Flight rules (if IFR)
5. “Request Taxi”

Optional in [ ] are:
1. [SQUAWK code]
2. [Aircraft location]
3. TO aerodrome of destination]

REF: AIP GEN 3.4, 6.16.4 – Taxi Procedures

Question 8

What are a pilots options if the pilot is unable to establish contact with ATS taxying OCTA?

Answer 8

Q: What are a pilots options if he/she is If the pilot is unable to establish contact with ATS taxying OCTA?

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 take-off and the following conditions are complied with:

1. Where the operator of the flight is an AOC holder, AWK certificate holder or Part 141 Operator (Flying School) – the pilot is assured of radio contact with their operator, or a representative of their operator who has immediate access to a serviceable telephone, until contact is made with the air traffic service; or
2. Other than Part 121 (Large Air Transport with MOPSC > 19 seats): a SARTIME for departure, that is a maximum of 30 minutes after commencing to taxi has been established with air traffic services.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 9.1.1 - Communications

Question 9

By when must an IFR aircraft establish on track when departing an OCTA Aerdrome?

Answer 9

A pilot in command of an IFR flight must establish flight on the departure track as soon as practicable after take-off and within 5NM of the aerodrome, except that, at aerodromes which have published standard instrument departure procedures, an IFR aircraft may depart in accordance with those procedures.

When established on the departure track, and clear of the circuit traffic, the pilot in command must report departure to ATS unless instructed otherwise.

Question 10

What needs to be included in an IFR Departure report OCTA?

Answer 10

This report must include the following information:

1. If NOT RADAR ID (Non-Surveillance):
   a. Departure time;
   b. Outbound track in degrees magnetic;
   c. Intended cruising level; and
   d. Estimate for the first en route reporting point.
2. If RADAR ID (Non-Surveillance), but not yet identified:
   a. Current position;
   b. Level passing;
   c. Intended cruising level; and
   d. Estimate for the first en route reporting point.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1 9.6.2, 9.6.3 – Departure Information

Question 11

In VMC, the pilot of an IFR flight may request a visual departure. What requirements must be met for the pilot to request it and for ATC to offer it?

Answer 11

A pilot of an IFR aircraft may only request a visual departure when the cloud base will allow the aircraft to climb in VMC to the MSA / LSALT applicable to the departure. Additionally, if intended cruising level is lower than route LSALT, the cloud base must permit flight in VMC at that level.

During the conduct of a visual departure a pilot must:
1. Maintain the track(s) / heading(s) authorised by ATC;
2. Remain not less than 500ft above the lower limit of the CTA; and
3. Visually maintain obstacle clearance.

ATC will only issue visual departure to an IFR flight when the cloud base is such that the pilot can maintain flight in VMC below the MVA (ATS surveillance services) or the MSA/LSALT. When an IFR aircraft is issued heading instructions and/or required to maintain a level below the MVA or MSA/LSALT during a visual departure, “VISUAL” will be appended to the departure instruction.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 2.5 Visual Departures 2.5.2 ATC Responsibilities, 2.5.3 Pilot Responsibilities

Question 12

Where an ATS surveillance service is provided on first contact with departures control a pilot must report?

Answer 12

In Class C and Class D control zones where an ATS surveillance service is provided, on first contact with Centre, Approach or Departures, a pilot must report:

1. If assigned an initial heading – the direction of turn and assigned heading;
   2 Altitude passing to nearest 100ft; and
   3 Last assigned level.
   When a departure report is required during a SID, the SID designator must be included in the report.
   For a radar SID, the direction of turn and assigned heading must be advised in the airborne report.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 2.7.1 & 2.7.2.2- After Take-off, ENR 1.5 8.2.13 & 8.2.14 SID Procedures

Question 13

What must a pilot of an IFR flight report after take-off in a Class D control zone? When is this NOT required?

Answer 13

1. Tracking information; and
2. The last assigned altitude

However, this report is not required:
1. For VFR aircraft departing the control zone (CTR) directly into class G airspace; or
2. For aircraft that have been instructed to contact centre once airborne – in which case an airborne report will be made on the relevant frequency.

Tracking information must confirm the track established with reference to the appropriate navaid.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 2.7.2.1 & 2.7.2.2 -Departure Report - certain Class D aerodromes

Question 14

After take-off, by when must you be established on your departure track?

Answer 14

Q: After take-off, by when must you be established on your departure track?

Unless tracking via a SID or instructed by ATS, a pilot must remain within 5 nm of the departure aerodrome to establish flight on the departure track as soon as practicable after take-off.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 2.7.3 - Establishment on track

Question 15

What is meant when ATC uses the phrase ‘Standard Rate’ in a clearance?

Answer 15

“Standard Rate” Specifies a rate of climb or descent of not less than 500ft/min, except that the last 1000ft to the assigned level must be made at 500ft/min

REF: AIP ENR 1.7, 4.1.10 - Change of Levels

Question 16

When must a pilot report an error in a previously notified position report?

Answer 16

Q: When must a pilot report an error in a previously notified position report?

A pilot of an IFR flight must notify the intentions to amend route, deviate from track or change level in sufficient time for ATS to advise traffic. When a position estimate changes by more than two (2) minutes the pilot must advise ATS.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 9.7.1 - Climb & Cruise Procedures

Question 17

What must a pilot do if they are issued a clearance they cannot comply with?

Answer 17

ATC is responsible for issuing clearances. If the pilot is in doubt that the clearance can be complied with, ATC should be advised immediately and an alternative clearance should be requested.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 2.2.10 - Air Traffic Clearances & Instructions

Question 18

In CTA, how soon after receiving instructions from ATC must a pilot commence a vectoring procedure?

Answer 18

On receipt of heading instructions, the pilot must, unless otherwise instructed, immediately commence a rate 1 turn, or standard rate of turn for the aircraft type, and maintain the heading given.

REF: AIP ENR 1.6, 3.1 – Vectoring procedures

Question 19

In CTA, how soon after receiving instructions from ATC must a pilot commence a level change?

Answer 19

As soon as possible but no later than one minute after receiving instructions from ATC unless instructions specify a later time or place.

REF: AIP ENR 1.7, 4.1.1 - ATC Approval Required (Change of Levels)

Question 20

A pilot of an IFR flight must notify ATC of present position when OCTA – how long before a level change?

Answer 20

Q: A pilot of an IFR flight must notify ATC of present position when OCTA – how long before a level change?

In airspace where ATC approval is not required to change level, the pilot of an IFR flight must report present position and intentions to ATC approximately One (1) min prior to making any change.

REF: AIP ENR 1.7, 4.2.1 - ATC Approval not required

Question 21

What are the requirements for pilots on an IFR flight plan operating VFR on top?

Answer 21

Q: What are the requirements for pilots on an IFR flight plan operating VFR on top?

1. Fly at the appropriate VFR levels as prescribed in ENR 1.7 Section 5.;
2. Comply with the VFR visibility and distance from cloud criteria stipulated in ENR 1.2 Section 2.;
3. Comply with instrument flight rules that are applicable to the flight; i.e. minimum IFR altitudes, position reporting, radio communications, cleared route, adherence to ATC clearance etc; and
4. Advise ATC prior to any altitude change to ensure the exchange of accurate traffic information.

The pilot of an IFR flight requires a clearance to operate VFR-on-top.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 2.9.2.1 & 2.9.2.2 – Pilot Procedures (VFR-On-Top – IFR Flights)

Question 22

What are the reporting requirements of an IFR flight en-route?

Answer 22

1. Must notify the intention to amend route, deviate from track or change level in sufficient time for ATS to advise traffic;
2. When a position estimate changes by more than two (2) minutes, must advise ATS;
3. Must give ATS notice of an impending position report by use of the word “POSITION”;
   e.g. “MELBOURNE CENTRE (callsign) POSITION”.
   Pilots must wait for the ATS instruction before reporting position.
4. Pilots must report maintaining an assigned level.
5. After any en route frequency change, a pilot in command of an IFR flight must advise present level. If the aircraft is not at its planned cruising level, the pilot must also provide advice of the level to which the aircraft is being climbed.
6. When operating in Class G airspace in proximity to a controlled aerodrome, pilots should consider monitoring the TWR frequency to enhance situational awareness of traffic entering and leaving the CTR.
7. A pilot of a flight intending to operate in the vicinity of a non- controlled aerodrome at altitudes used by arriving and departing aircraft should:
   a. monitor the appropriate VHF, and broadcast by 10NM or earlier from the aerodrome commensurate with aircraft performance and pilot workload with an ETA (unless otherwise specified in ERSA); and
   b. where possible, avoid the circuit area and arrival and departure tracks. Position Reports
8. Except when identified, position reporting is mandatory when operating under the IFR and must normally be made at the positions or times notified on the flight notification.
   (See ENR 1.10 para 3.5.2 for flight notification requirements).
9. IFR aircraft operating area-type flights and nominating schedules reporting times may limit the report to level and the present position or the sector of the survey area in which the aircraft is currently operating.
10. Before descending from controlled into Class G airspace and before separation with any aircraft operating near the base of controlled airspace can be compromised, the pilot in command of an IFR flight must report position, level, intentions and estimate for next position/destination to the ATS unit providing services in Class G airspace. If the report is made using HF radio, a broadcast must be made on the appropriate area VHF frequency.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 9.7-9.9

Question 23

What must follow a report given by an IFR aircraft to ‘Flight watch’ on HF?

Answer 23

Q: What must follow a report given by an IFR aircraft to ‘Flight watch’ on HF?

An appropriate broadcast on CTAF or Area VHF.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 9.1.11 - Operations in Class G Airspace – Communications

Question 24

How far apart can position reports be for an IFR flight?

Answer 24

Position reporting points for a route should be separated by a distance approximately 30 minutes or 200NM apart, whichever is least, and, when practicable, should be selected from those shown on en route charts. Otherwise, the position reporting points should be places named on VTC or WAC, and identifiable by radio or visual means.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 5.1.4 - Air Route Specifications

Question 25

When on an ATS route depicted on an ERC Low chart, what do the following symbols indicate:

1. Solid Black Triangle?
2. Empty Triangle?

Answer 25

1. Solid Black Triangle: Compulsory position report required for all aircraft.
2. Empty Triangle: Position report required for aircraft with a TAS less than 300kts and for all other aircraft on request

Question 26

What do IFR flights have to do if a listening watch can no longer be maintained with ATS due to communications with a non-ATS station?

Answer 26

Reports of “CHANGING TO (location) CTAF (frequency)” are required by pilots of IFR flights when inbound to a non-controlled aerodrome when the ATC frequency will not, or cannot, be monitored.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 9.10.1- Arrival Information

Question 27

Which Flights are required to submit a flight notification?

Answer 27

1. All IFR flights; and
2. VFR flights operating in controlled airspace; and
3. VFR flights requiring the submission of a SARTIME (next question).

REF: AIP ENR 1.10, 2 - Flight Notification

Question 28

Which VFR flights are required to submit a SARTIME or alternative a flight note with a responsible person?

Answer 28

1. Air transport operation; or
2. Over water flights conducted beyond a distance from land greater than which would allow the aircraft to reach land with an engine inoperative; or
3. Flights in designated remote areas; and
4. Flights at night proceeding beyond 120 nm from the departure aerodrome

REF: AIP ENR 1.10, 2.13 - Flight Notification

Question 29

Can the pilot of an IFR flight nominate a SARTIME for departure on arrival at an en-route location?

Answer 29

A pilot may nominate a SARTIME for departure that is a maximum of 30 minutes after commencing to taxi either as Part of the arrival report or when submitting flight notification by the phrase “SARTIME FOR Departure”.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 9.1.3 – Operations in Class G Airspace – Communications

Question 30

Is an IFR report sufficient to cancel a SARTIME for departure?

Answer 30

No, An IFR departure report is not sufficient to cancel a SARTIME. Pilots MUST use the phrase “CANCEL SARTIME” with the departure report.

REF: AIP ENR 1.1, 10.2.3.3 – SARTIME for departure