Lesson 1-04 Airport Information

Question 1

Describe an active runway

Answer 1

The runway currently being used for takeoff and landing. If more than one is in use they are all active runways

Question 2

Who dictates the active runway?

Answer 2

The controller decides the active runway

Question 3

When would we choose from multiple potential active runways?

Answer 3

When there is calm wind
Or a wind that splits the runway
Low ceilings or thunderstorms from a certain direction
If the airport has parallel runways

Question 4

Define Calm Wind Runway

Answer 4

Preferential runway for use in calm winds because it offers operational advantages like, length, approach, taxi distance or noise abatement.

Question 5

When would we deviate from the current active runway?

Answer 5

YOu or the aircraft gain an operational advantage
You clearly indicate the wind speed and direction

Question 6

What do you need to tell the pilot if you are using a runway with a tailwind?

Answer 6

Clearly indicate the wind speed and direction
Only if the tailwind component of the wind (including gusts) is less than 5 knots.
Runway is dry

Question 7

What must wind speeds be to us the calm wind runway?

Answer 7

Less than 5 knots. If more than 5 knots assign the runway most closely aligned with wind direction

Question 8

Define Operationally suitable runway

Answer 8

Runway must be long enough for the aircraft to use it.
If runway is too short planes may not want to use it even though the winds may favor it. IT may not be operationally suitable.

Question 9

Define a crosswind

Answer 9

a wind that is 19 or 90 degrees to the runway that is in use.

Question 10

Define a tailwind

Answer 10

When the angle of surface wind excedes 90 degrees in relation to the actvie runway.

Question 11

What are operational advantages for a controller?

Answer 11

Anything that makes controlling easier

Question 12

What are operational advantages for a pilot

Answer 12

Runway that saves tiem, fuel or is more convenient

Question 13

Why are longer runways advantageous for arrivals? Departures?

Answer 13

More stopping distance
Less thrust reverse and braking
Less fuel consumption
Less wear and tear on the aircraft.

Length if takeoff must be aborted, less thrust usage for fuel efficiency

Question 14

How long do runways have to be to have a wind sock on both ends?

Answer 14

3900’ or greater

Question 15

Define operating surfaces?

Answer 15

Issue takeoffs and landing clearances to a fixed wing aircraft provided the operation takes place on a runway or another approved and designated area.

Question 16

WHo has discretion when landing or taking off in non designated areas?

Answer 16

the pilot does. But ATC will inform of traffic, obstructions or other control instructions

Question 17

What are the noise abatement procedures?

Answer 17

When issuing a clearance, vectors or approving a pilots, except for reasons affecting flight safety, follow noise abatement procedures.
Avoid directing aircraft that make a significant amount of noice over a populated area, particularly at night. even if there is not noise abatement procedure.

Question 18

Define preferential runway

Answer 18

One or more runways designated and published by the airport operator who selection directs aircraft away from noise sensitive areas, especially during initial departure and final approach phases of flight

Question 19

Define a wet runway

Answer 19

A runway with sufficient moisture to cause it to be rreflective, but not contaminated

Question 20

Who makes the final decision on runway acceptability?

Answer 20

The pilot has the final say on taking off or landing on a specific runway

Question 21

Define ATIS

Answer 21

Automated the proviision thoughout the day or a specified poriton of the day, of a current routine information to arriving and departing aircraft by means of continuous and repetitive, recorded broadcasts.

Question 22

How are ATIS broadcasts designated?

Answer 22

By phonetic alphabet letter in order

Question 23

IF ATIS service has been down for more than 6 hours how will the new broadcast be designated when service resumes?

Answer 23

IT will be ATIS ALFA

Question 24

IF ATIS braodcast is interrupted who should you tell?

Answer 24

Other concerned units or sectors

Question 25

What is the ATIS format?

Answer 25

1) Aerodrom name
2) MEssage code letter
3) Weather information (time, surface wind and gusts, visibility (obstructions to visibility and sky conditions with cloud layers), temperature, dewpoint, altimeter, relevant SIGMET, AIRMET, PIREP, other airport info
4) Type of instrument approach in use
5) Landing runway
6) Departing runway
7) aerodrome conditions
8) Restrictions or suspension of landings and takeoffs
9) aircraft acknowledge receipt of broadcasts (“inform ATC you have received information delta”)

Question 26

when would you issue a new ATIS?

Answer 26

New METAR of SPECI issued
SIGMET AIRMET PIREP received, updated or cancelled
Altimeter changed by plus/minus 0.4
If the IFR approach has changed
If the active runway has changed
NOTAM updates
Change in runway conditions

Question 27

What do you do if conditions are changing too rapidly to update atis?

Answer 27

Include a message in ATIS directing pilots to contact the appropriate unit for update information.