Loss of Radio Comms Flashcards
why is losing radio comms during VFR flight not that much of a worry?
due to separation from terrain and other aircraft not being jeopardized if a good lookout is maintained.
why is losing radio comms during IFR flight a worry?
since IFR is normally operated in the cloud, loss of comms can have serious consequences and declaring an emergency is then a proper action.
what are the main things to remember when comms are lost?
Fly your aircraft, Squawk 7600, Maintain separation from the cloud, terrain, and other aircraft. Keep a sharp lookout
During VFR flight, loss of comms require what actions? (8)
- Maintain control, stay visual and ensure terrain clearance,
- Maintain a very good lookout for other aircraft
Carry board checks
CHECK: - Electrical master switch/ Avionics ON, VHF - COM set ON and volume set correctly
- squelch function and level checked
- Circuit breakers and fuses checked
- correct frequency selected
- Microphone and other leads correctly plugged in
- Surrounding terrain is your flight in the lee of high ground
What are the secondary actions that can be done if first isn’t successful? (5)
- Change frequency (if possible) more than one frequency/ another station with VHF).
- If using headphones, revert to cockpit speaker and handheld
- Male calls to other aircraft, if successful ask to relay.
- Transmit blind - receiver appears unserviceable but you assume the transmitter is working
- Fly higher if possible
what happens if comms are effectively lost in controlled airspace? (4)
- Obey most recent clearances,
- avoid high-density areas,
- divert to nearest, suited, unattended aerodrome (not Auckland Christchurch or wellington) or approach side on/runway-in-use and do overhead join
- contact nearest ATS ASAP.
what happens if comms are effectively lost in uncontrolled airspace?
remain clear of controlled areas and land at the nearest suitable aerodrome, contact nearest ATS ASAP.
If transponder equipped what can you do if comms are lost?
squawk 7600
if a cellphone is equipped what can you do if comms are lost?
attempt communications with ATS.
when diverting to alternate aerodrome what should you do?
turn on landing lights, beacons, and strobes and approach clear of the final approach area, and do overhead join. call ATS ASAP
when is the speechless technique used?
use when the radio is working but the mic isn’t
how is the speechless technique used?
hold mic down for a brief period. On hearing on unmodulated transmission ATS will instruct pilot to activate the transmitter three times ( press transmitter button on the mic three times with definite short breaks)
what type of questions do ATS ask on speechless?
yes or no questions
what does one-button activation mean?
yes
what does two-button activation mean?
no
what does three-button activation mean?
say again
what does four-button activation mean?
at nominated position
what do ATS towers have that can be used to convey messages to aircraft that don’t have a radio or have failed?
signal lamps
What does a steady green light on a signal light on ATS towers mean? (Aircraft in flight and in aerodrome/ground)
in flight - cleared to land
in aerodrome - cleared to takeoff
What does a steady red light on a signal light on ATS towers mean? (Aircraft in flight and in aerodrome/ground)
in flight - give way and continue circuiting
in aerodrome - stop
What does a series of green flashes on a signal light on ATS towers mean? (Aircraft in flight and in aerodrome/ground)
in flight- return for landing
in aerodrome - cleared to taxi
What does a series of red flashes on a signal light on ATS towers mean? (Aircraft in flight and in aerodrome/ground)
in flight - aerodrome unsafe, don’t land
in aerodrome - taxi clear of the landing area in use
What do alternating red and green flashes on a signal light on ATS towers mean? (Aircraft in flight and in aerodrome/ground)
in flight - danger be alert
in aerodrome - danger be alert
What does red pyrotechnic on a signal light on ATS towers mean? (Aircraft in flight and in aerodrome/ground)
notwithstanding any previous instructions, don’t land for now
when is a radio signal check readability needed?
when aircraft is airborne and an inflight radio check is required.
when is a radio maintenance check readability needed?
fora ground test during maintenance
on the readability scale of radio transmissions, what does 1 mean?
unreadable
on the readability scale of radio transmissions, what does 2 mean?
readable now and then
on the readability scale of radio transmissions, what does 3 mean?
readable but with difficulty
on the readability scale of radio transmissions, what does 4 mean?
readable
on the readability scale of radio transmissions, what does 5 mean?
perfectly readable
what happens during a listening watch?
meaning you must stay alert for potential messages directed to you.
what does TIBA stand for?
Traffic Information Broadcasts by Aircraft
when does TIBA occur?
if significant disruption occurs to ATC or other related services.
what happens under TIBA procedures?
pilots provide their own seperation. if a known disruption is expected, NOTAM action will be used to advise pilots.
what should you do when broadcasting your time?
give as much advance notice as possible of your intentions
when should time broadcasts be made prior to entry into a designated airspace?
10 minutes prior
when should time broadcasts be made before or after takeoff
ASAP
when should time broadcasts be made prior to crossing a report point?
10 minutes prior
when should time broadcasts be made prior to changing altitude?
2-5 minutes at time of changing altitute and on reaching the required altitude.
when else should a time broadcast be made?
whenever a pilot considers it necessary
