M1, S3, C1 - Approach Control

Question 1

Approach Control Services within the UK FIRs comprise surveillance and non- surveillance based ATS. The type of ATS to be provided depends on the classification of airspace within which the aircraft is flying as tabulated below:

Answer 1

Question 2

An Approach Control unit may be combined with…

Answer 2

…an Aerodrome Control unit or a Zone Control unit. Alternatively an Approach Control unit may share the Zone Control function with an Area Control unit

Question 3

An Approach Control unit at an aerodrome within controlled airspace shall provide ATC Services to aircraft, according to the classification of the airspace within which the aerodrome is located, from the time and place at which:

Answer 3

(1) arriving aircraft are released by Area Control until control is transferred to Aerodrome Control;
(2) aircraft approaching from outside controlled airspace place themselves under the control of Approach Control until control is transferred to Aerodrome Control;
(3) departing aircraft are taken over from Aerodrome Control until:
(a) they are transferred to Area Control; or
(b) they are clear of controlled airspace.
(4) overflying aircraft are within the relevant controlled airspace.

Question 4

Approach Control shall provide standard separation between…

Answer 4

…Special VFR and IFR flights and between Special VFR flights unless the CAA has approved a reduced separation.

Question 5

Participating VFR flights in Class E airspace shall, subject to controller workload, be provided with either…

Answer 5

…Traffic Service or Basic Service in accordance with CAP 774 – UK Flight Information Services.

Question 6

An Approach Control unit at an aerodrome outside controlled airspace shall provide ATS to aircraft, as determined by the Aerodrome Operator and approved by the CAA, from the time and place at which:

Answer 6

(1) arriving aircraft place themselves under the control of Approach Control until control is transferred to Aerodrome Control;
(2) departing aircraft are taken over from Aerodrome Control until they no longer wish to receive a service or are 10 minutes flying time away from the aerodrome, whichever is the sooner;
(3) overflying aircraft place themselves under the control of Approach Control until they are clear of the approach pattern and either no longer wish to receive a service or are 10 minutes flying time away from the aerodrome, whichever is the sooner.

Question 7

Aircraft within an ATZ are required to comply with…

Answer 7

…instructions from the ATC unit.

Although IFR/VFR flight within Class F/G airspace outside the ATZ is permitted without an ATC clearance, controllers will act on the basis that pilots will comply fully with their instructions in order to promote a safer operating environment for all airspace users.

Question 8

Approach Control shall provide flight information to…

Answer 8

…aircraft under its control; in particular any failure or irregular functioning of the aerodrome lighting system or approach aid.

Question 9

Approach Control shall supply the following information to Aerodrome Control:

Answer 9

(1) Pertinent data on all relevant flights including the type of flight, i.e. IFR or VFR, level of arriving aircraft and ETA;
(2) The anticipated order in which control of aircraft is to be transferred;
(3) The anticipated delay to departing IFR flights together with the reason for the delay.

Question 10

The approach controller shall supply to the approach radar controller, as required, the…

Answer 10

…current weather report (including RVR) and any other significant information, e.g. aerodrome and lighting unserviceabilities, runway changes etc.

Question 11

Approach Control shall supply to Area Control the following data on IFR flights:

Answer 11

(1) Lowest level at the holding facility available for use by Area Control;
(2) The average time interval between successive approaches;
(3) Revision of expected approach times issued by Area Control when Approach Control calculations show a variation of 5 minutes or more;
(4) Arrival times over the holding point if these vary from the estimate by 3 minutes or more;
(5) Missed approaches when re-routeing is entailed, in order that the subsequent action may be co-ordinated;
(6) Departure times of aircraft;
(7) All available information relating to overdue aircraft.

Any of these items can be deleted from routine practice by agreement with Area Control.

Question 12

Approach Control shall co-ordinate with Aerodrome Control:

Answer 12

(1) Aircraft approaching to land, if necessary requesting clearance to land;
(2) Arriving aircraft which are to be cleared to visual holding points;
(3) Aircraft routeing through the traffic circuit.

Question 13

Aerodrome Control shall co-ordinate with Approach Control:

Answer 13

(1) Departing IFR flights;
(2) Arriving aircraft which make their first call on the tower frequency (unless they are transferred to Approach Control).

Question 14

Area Control shall co-ordinate with Approach Control an arriving aircraft which is to be…

Answer 14

…cleared to an aerodrome holding facility or a visual holding point, instead of the normal holding facility.

Question 15

IFR flights operating with visual reference to the surface may be transferred by Approach Control to Aerodrome Control in the following circumstances:

Answer 15

(1) When an aircraft carrying out an instrument approach has become ‘number 1 to land’, and for following aircraft when they are established on final approach and have been provided with the appropriate separation from preceding aircraft;
(2) Aircraft operating in the traffic circuit;
(3) Aircraft approaching visually below all cloud when the reported aerodrome visibility is 10 km or more. When the reported visibility consists of two values, the lower of the two values shall be used when determining whether an aircraft may be transferred to Aerodrome Control.

In the case of 2 and 3 the volume of traffic and Aerodrome Control workload must be such as to allow the use of one of the reduced separations permitted in the vicinity of aerodromes.

In order to clear other aircraft to descend through the cloud formation it will be necessary for the aircraft approaching underneath to be kept more than 1000 feet below all cloud, or for horizontal separation to be provided.

Question 16

Approach Control may delegate to Approach Radar Control its functions for any aircraft according to circumstances. Before an aircraft is controlled or monitored by Approach Radar Control the following information must be supplied:

Answer 16

(1) Callsign, type, level, route, ETA (or position) and frequency;
(2) Expected approach time, if appropriate;
(3) Service required;
(4) Release and contact instructions issued by Area Control;
(5) Information on conflicting traffic;
(6) Actual time of departure of outbound aircraft.

Approach Control may delegate the responsibility for co-ordination to Approach Radar Control.

Question 17

At certain aerodromes, authority may be granted to Approach Control to delegate its functions to Aerodrome Control for certain categories of IFR flights, operating in the vicinity of the aerodrome, providing…

Answer 17

…the aerodrome controller holds an Approach Control rating valid for that aerodrome. Details of the extent of the permitted delegation will be published in MATS Part 2

Question 18

Approach Control may instruct IFR flights to establish communication with Aerodrome Control (for the purpose of obtaining landing clearance and essential aerodrome information) when…

Answer 18

…the aircraft has become number one to approach and, for following aircraft, when they are established on final approach and have been provided with appropriate separation.

Until such aircraft are flying with visual reference to the surface the responsibility for separation between them shall remain with Approach Control.

Aerodrome Control shall not issue any instructions or advice that would reduce the separation established by Approach Control

Question 19

Approach Control shall retain all arriving VFR flights under its control until…

Answer 19

…appropriate traffic information on IFR flights and other VFR flights has been issued and co-ordination effected with Aerodrome Control

Question 20

A particular watch should be kept for situations where a VFR flight may approach the aerodrome in a sector in which…

Answer 20

…other aircraft are letting down on an instrument approach aid, or where sequencing is in operation.

D/F indications, where available, will assist in this respect.

In these circumstances the pilot of the VFR flight should not be given clearance for a straight-in approach and should be advised to avoid the initial and final approach areas.

Question 21

Approach Control must ensure that VFR flights are…

Answer 21

…transferred in sufficient time for Aerodrome Control to pass additional information in respect of local traffic.

Question 22

Visual Reference Points (VRPs) are established to assist ATC in…

Answer 22

…routeing VFR traffic and to integrate VFR flights with IFR flights.

Where VRPs are established outside controlled airspace, controllers should not instruct aircraft to hold over such VRPs.

This does not apply to VRPs established within controlled airspace where a known traffic environment exists. Controllers should not direct VFR traffic over VRPs unless the IFR traffic situation specifically demands this.

Question 23

VFR Minima Class D:

Answer 23

When the reported meteorological conditions at aerodromes in Class D airspace reduce below a ground visibility of 5 km and/or a cloud ceiling 1500 ft, both by day or night, ATC shall advise pilots of aircraft intending to operate under VFR to or from such aerodromes, and request the pilot to specify the type of clearance required.

Except for helicopters using Police; Helimed; Rescue; Electricity; Grid; Powerline, or Pipeline callsigns, or an SAR training flight operating in accordance with MATS Part 2, or rail track inspection flights, controllers shall not issue any further VFR clearances to aircraft wishing to operate in accordance with VFR to or from an aerodrome, or enter the aerodrome traffic zone, or aerodrome traffic circuit, of an aerodrome within Class D airspace when the official meteorological report at that aerodrome indicates, by day or night, a ground visibility less than 5 km and/or a cloud ceiling less than 1500 ft

Question 25

For the purpose of observing the meteorological conditions at an uncontrolled and/or unlicensed aerodrome or operating site located within a control zone, and assessing whether those conditions satisfy the minima specified, the Civil Aviation Authority deems the following to be competent to act as ‘accredited observers’ for their flight:

Answer 25

(a) The holders of valid EASA Flight Crew Licences, valid National Flight Crew Licences and Certificates issued by, or on behalf of, the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority, and third country licences deemed valid in accordance with Article 150 of the Air Navigation Order 2016; and
(b) A student pilot-in-command (SPIC) who has passed the theoretical knowledge examination in meteorology toward the grant of an EASA Flight Crew Licence or National Flight Crew Licence or Certificate issued by, or on behalf of, the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority within the preceding two years.

Question 26

When the ground visibility consists of two values…

Answer 26

…the lower of the two values shall be used when determining whether to implement the above procedures.

Question 27

Procedures for operations into subsidiary aerodromes…

Answer 27

…will be found in MATS Part 2.

Question 28

The assigned level in initial clearances to arriving aircraft should normally not be below…

Answer 28

…the appropriate minimum sector altitude or, if this is not known, the highest minimum sector altitude. If a pilot is flying at, or has requested, a lower level or has confirmed that he is in a position to accept an ATC clearance at a lower level; a reminder of the highest sector altitude should be issued.

This instruction does not apply where altitudes to be assigned on particular routes have been specifically approved by the CAA.

Question 30

If a clearance is to be relayed to an arriving aircraft by personnel providing a FIS at an ACC, the approach controller shall include…

Answer 30

…the minimum sector altitude in the clearance message passed to them.

Question 31

Area Control shall pass…

Answer 31

…estimates on and release inbound aircraft to Approach Control.

Inbound estimates shall be passed at least 15 minutes prior to the arrival of the aircraft at the designated approach fix.

Question 32

Release messages shall be passed to Approach Control in a timely manner as specified in MATS Part 2 and shall contain the following:

Answer 32

(1) Aircraft identity, type and SSR code (if applicable);
(2) Point of departure;
(3) Release point;
(4) Estimated time and level at the holding facility, or arrival time and level at the holding facility if the release is given after arrival;
(5) Expected Approach Time;
(6) Contact point.

Question 33

Area Control shall clear arriving aircraft to the holding facility if…

Answer 33

…the flight is remaining within airspace Classes A to F, give instructions to hold if necessary and include an EAT in the clearance.

Question 34

Approach Control may issue any instructions to an aircraft released to it by Area Control. However, that aircraft must not be instructed to…

Answer 34

…climb above, or stop its descent to, the level at the holding point agreed with Area Control and passed in the release message, without prior co- ordination with Area Control

Question 35

Unless approved by the CAA, Area Control shall not release arriving aircraft to Approach Control at…

Answer 35

…FL195 or above.

When such procedures are approved by the CAA, MATS Part 2 shall include details of the area in which aircraft may be released and the full details of the conditions under which the procedures may be used.

Question 36

After co-ordination with Approach Control, Area Control may clear an arriving aircraft to…

Answer 36

…an aerodrome facility, or to a visual holding point, instead of the normal holding facility.

Question 37

It should be noted that when an aircraft is the subject of a ‘radar release’ the approach controller shall not…

Answer 37

…control it until the approach radar controller reports that it is clear of the conflicting traffic.

Question 38

Aerodrome Operating Minima are criteria used by pilots to determine…

Answer 38

…whether they may land or take off from any runway at night or in IMC.

Aerodrome Operating Minima in relation to take offs are the RVR and/or visibility, and if necessary, cloud conditions.

For approach and landings, the Aerodrome Operating Minima consist of the decision height or minimum descent height, RVR and or visibility, and, if necessary, cloud conditions, as applicable for the type of approach.

Question 39

Aerodrome Operating Minima vary depending on:

Answer 39

(1) the type of aircraft and its navigation equipment;
(2) flight crew composition, competence, experience, and flight techniques used;
(3) runway dimensions and characteristics;
(4) availability and performance of visual and non-visual ground aids
(5) obstacles in the approach, missed approach, and climb out areas;
(6) the obstacle clearance height for the instrument procedures;
(7) the means to determine and report meteorological conditions;
(8) special provisions pertinent to low visibility procedures.

Question 40

Controllers are not responsible for determining, passing or enforcing a pilot’s…

Answer 40

…Aerodrome Operating Minima.

However, in accordance with Section 6 Chapter 3, controllers should report any occurrence which they consider has endangered, or if not corrected would have endangered an aircraft, its occupants, or any other person.

Question 41

Except where an ATIS is employed as described at paragraph 11.7, after an arriving aircraft has placed itself under the control of Approach Control, the following information shall be passed as soon as practicable:

Answer 41

(1) Runway in use;
(2) Current meteorological information together with the time of observation:
(a) Surface wind direction (in degrees magnetic) and speed. The maximum wind speed should be included if it is 10 knots or more greater than the mean speed and the extremes in direction when the variation is 60 degrees or more and the mean speed exceeds 3 knots. Controllers should note that anemometers indicate magnetic direction but meteorological reports give wind direction in degrees true;
(b) Visibility;
(c) Present weather;
(d) Significant cloud amount and height of base;
(e) The appropriate barometric pressure setting as described in Section 1;
(f) Relevant information reported by pilots of other aircraft, e.g. vertical wind shear, severe icing, severe turbulence;
(g) Significant meteorological information, e.g. thunderstorms, hail;
(h) Warnings of marked temperature inversion;
(i) Any other relevant information;
(j) RVR according to the procedures in Chapter 3.

This information may be reduced to items (a), (e) and (f) when aircraft are below cloud flying in VMC and able to continue VMC to the landing;

(3) Current runway surface conditions when appropriate;
(4) Any changes in the operational status of visual and non-visual aids essential for approach and landing;
(5) LVP in operation.

Question 42

Aircraft which have received the information above must be kept informed of the following until they have landed:

Answer 42

(1) Significant changes in the meteorological and runway conditions;
(2) Further reports from other pilots;
(3) Further changes in the operational status of approach and landing aids;
(4) Implementation or cancellation of LVP.

Question 43

Controllers should exercise caution when approving…

Answer 43

…self-positioning to final approach and are not to initiate reference to the ‘Centrefix’ or other locally used term.

Question 44

If controllers are in any doubt about the location of the ‘Centrefix’ or other position referred to by a pilot, they are to…

Answer 44

…ask the pilot to define this position and take this definition into consideration when carrying out their controlling duties

Question 45

When controllers receive requests for meteorological information from pilots they must ensure that…

Answer 45

…the information supplied conforms to the request, e.g. a report should not be given in place of a forecast.

Question 46

As a general rule, controllers shall only transmit meteorological information that has been supplied, or agreed, by the Meteorological Office. The exceptions are:

Answer 46

(1) Indicated wind direction (degrees magnetic) and speed when anemometer indicators are fitted in the control room;
(2) RVR observations;
(3) Sudden or unexpected deteriorations which, in the interests of safety, a controller considers it advisable to warn aircraft of immediately and consult with the Meteorological Office afterwards;
(4) Information from an aircraft in flight may be passed to other aircraft when a controller considers that it may be useful to them. Whenever this is done the controller shall state that the information originated from an aircraft in flight and the time at which the observation was made. Aircraft reports of meteorological conditions that affect safety, e.g. severe icing or severe turbulence, shall always be passed to other aircraft likely to be affected. Information on severe icing and/or severe turbulence is to be communicated as soon as possible to the duty meteorological forecaster who will decide whether the conditions warrant the issue of a special report;
(5) Cloud echoes observed on the situation display. The use of ATS surveillance systems for reporting and avoiding weather is described in Section 1, Chapter 6;
(6) Observations made at aerodromes by ATS staff who hold a meteorological observers certificate;
(7) Observations made at aerodromes without accredited observers (Meteorological Office staff or MET certificated ATS personnel) are not regarded as official reports. If transmitted to aircraft or disseminated beyond the aerodrome, the message must be prefixed by: “Unofficial observation from (name of aerodrome) at (time) UTC gives (observation)”.

Observations of visibility and RVR passed to aircraft making an approach to land when the visibility is less than 1500 m shall be recorded. Records shall be made available to the CAA on request.

Question 47

SIGMET messages should be relayed…

Answer 47

…with the least possible delay to all aircraft likely to be affected, but without prejudice to the control of aircraft in flight.

Question 48

The ATIS message is intended to provide a pilot with a range of…

Answer 48

…information to enable him to make a definite decision about his approach and landing or take-off.

The ATIS message is transmitted on a published VHF broadcast frequency or selected VORs therefore reducing RTF loading. The message should, whenever practicable, not exceed 30 seconds.

Question 49

If a departure ATIS is installed it may only be used by…

Answer 49

…aircraft on the ground as the frequency has limited range protection. Combined arrival/ departure ATIS facilities have a greater frequency protection and so may be used both on the ground and in the air.

Question 50

Each message is to be consecutively coded using the phonetic alphabet. A new message is to be broadcast whenever there is a…

Answer 50

…significant change in any of the items comprising the message and controllers must pass such changes to pilots on the RTF until the new ATIS message is being transmitted and has been acknowledged.

All altimeter settings transmitted in the broadcast must be individually identified.

Question 51

When rapidly changing weather conditions make it impracticable to include weather reports in the broadcast the ATIS message is to indicate that…

Answer 51

…the information will be passed on the RTF.

Question 52

In the case of a departure ATIS, controllers must obtain a read-back of…

Answer 52

…all relevant altimeter settings contained in the broadcast, unless the setting will also be passed in association with start-up or taxi clearance.

Question 53

Except where the broadcast includes a specific request to do so, pilots of departing aircraft need not…

Answer 53

…acknowledge receipt of an ATIS message

Question 54

Pilots of arriving aircraft are required to acknowledge receipt of…

Answer 54

…the ATIS message on initial contact with Approach Control using the code letter allocated to the message.

If a non-current code letter is used, or if receipt of ATIS is not acknowledged, Approach Control must pass the complete Information to Aircraft detailed in paragraph 9E.1.

Question 55

To expedite traffic at any time, IFR flights, either within or outside controlled airspace, may be authorised to execute visual approaches if the pilot reports that he can maintain visual reference to the surface and:

Answer 55

(1) the reported cloud ceiling is at or above the level of the beginning of the initial approach segment; or
(2) the pilot reports at any time after commencing the approach procedure that the visibility will permit a visual approach and landing, and a reasonable assurance exists that this can be accomplished.

Question 56

Controllers should not clear an aircraft for a visual approach when the RVR is…

Answer 56

…less than 800 m.

If a pilot requests a visual approach when the RVR is less than 800 m, controllers should inform the pilot that this type of approach is unavailable and request the pilot’s intentions.

Where IRVR systems are employed, the touchdown value is used to trigger the above procedure.

Within controlled airspace, standard separation shall be effected between such aircraft and other IFR and/or Special VFR aircraft

Question 58

Outside controlled airspace, IFR flights in receipt of any of the UK FIS may be authorised to conduct a visual approach.

Responsibility for the provision of deconfliction advice and traffic information continues to be dictated solely by the service being provided.

Continued ATS provision is subject to the following:

Answer 58

(1) Procedural Service. There is no requirement for controllers to change the level of service provided;
(2) Deconfliction Service. When flights carrying out visual approaches descend below the unit’s terrain safe level, controllers shall not provide Deconfliction Service, and should instead provide a Traffic Service;
(3) Traffic Service. Subject to maintenance of surveillance identity, there is no requirement to change the level of service provided;
(4) Basic Service. There is no requirement to change the level of service required.

Question 59

Where IFR flights are authorised to make a visual approach, pilots are to be informed of…

Answer 59

…any recommended wake turbulence separation minima.

Question 60

Controllers shall exercise caution in initiating a visual approach when there is reason to believe that…

Answer 60

…the flight crew concerned is not familiar with the aerodrome and its surrounding terrain.

Question 61

Official instrument approach procedures are notified by the CAA. Pilots are normally expected to be conversant with these procedures, but in exceptional circumstances a pilot may request the information.

When this request is made, or it is apparent that the pilot is not conversant with these procedures, the following information is to be transmitted.

Answer 61

(1) On initial contact:
(a) “This is the approach procedure for (aid) for category A aircraft. Final approach track (degrees)”;
(b) Arrival level (if necessary);
(c) Type of reversal manoeuvre including outbound track, length in time or distance, level instructions and direction of procedure turn where applicable.
(2) When aircraft commences final reversal: intermediate and final approach track, intermediate and final approach fixes together with level instructions, stepdown fixes and OCH;
(3) Missed approach point and missed approach procedure (when required).

Items (1)(b) and (1)(c) may be omitted for straight-in approaches.

If the pilot is copying down the information the whole procedure can be passed in one message.

Even if visual reference to the ground is established before completion of the approach procedure, the pilot will normally complete the whole procedure. At his request however, he may be cleared to break-off the instrument procedure and carry out a visual approach. Separation from other traffic is to be provided unless the pilot cancels his IFR plan.

Question 62

Holding shall be accomplished in accordance with notified procedures. If the notified entry and holding procedures are not known to the pilot…

Answer 62

…the appropriate ATC unit shall describe the procedures to be followed.

Question 63

Levels at holding facilities shall be assigned so as to permit aircraft to…

Answer 63

…approach in their correct order. Normally the first aircraft to arrive over a holding facility should be at the lowest level with following aircraft at successively higher levels.

Question 64

Departure times of aircraft from the holding facility shall be based on…

Answer 64

…the desired time interval between aircraft landing.

If the weather conditions are such that the pilot may encounter difficulty in completing the landing, the time interval may be increased to allow the first aircraft to land before the second aircraft commences descent of final approach.

Question 65

If a pilot advises that he is unable to comply with Approach Control holding or communication procedures…

Answer 65

…alternative procedures requested by him should be approved if traffic conditions permit.

Question 66

The approach sequence shall be established in a manner which will facilitate…

Answer 66

…arrival of the maximum number of aircraft with the least delay. However, priority in the approach sequence is to be given to certain aircraft as indicated in Section 1.

Question 67

When airborne holding is needed and the delay is expected to be less than that requiring the issue of EATs, controllers shall…

Answer 67

…explicitly instruct pilots to hold (at the required exact reporting point) and provide the pilot with an estimate of the delay.

Question 68

When EATs are required, they shall be…

Answer 68

…passed sufficiently in advance to permit pilots to arrange their flight paths accordingly

Question 69

The first aircraft will descend from…

Answer 69

…the lowest level of the holding stack and commence approach when instructed.

Question 70

The second aircraft in the approach sequence may be instructed to descend to…

Answer 70

…the level previously occupied by the first aircraft, after the first aircraft has reported vacating it.

If, however, severe turbulence is known to exist, the instruction shall be withheld until the first aircraft has reported at least 1000 feet below the vacated level.

Question 71

The second aircraft may be instructed to leave the holding facility and descend for approach when…

Answer 71

…the required separation has been established between it and the preceding aircraft and reasonable assurance exists that a normal landing can be accomplished.

Question 72

Approach Control shall calculate EATs for…

Answer 72

…aircraft likely to be delayed before commencing an intermediate approach.

Question 73

Unless otherwise instructed controllers shall pass EATs to…

Answer 73

…aircraft with whom they are in contact.

Question 74

EATs shall not normally be issued when…

Answer 74

…the delay is expected to be less than 20 minutes.

The statement “no delay expected” is only to be used if it genuinely reflects the situation. However, at the request of a pilot, controllers are to give a general indication of the likely delay based on the information available at that time.

Question 75

Pilots of arriving aircraft may elect to hold for…

Answer 75

…the weather to improve. In addition to passing routine weather reports, controllers are to advise pilots of other relevant meteorological information.

Question 76

The first aircraft to enter the holding pattern for wx is to be advised…

Answer 76

…“no traffic delay expected”.

No instruction to leave the holding facility shall be given until the pilot indicates his intention to attempt a landing.

Question 77

Subsequent aircraft entering the holding pattern for wx shall be advised…

Answer 77

…“delay not determined (number) aircraft holding for weather improvement”.

Controllers should establish the intention of any pilot if it has not already been stated.

Question 78

When a pilot wishes to make an approach he is to be given routeing instructions to enable him to…

Answer 78

…descend clear of other traffic and return to the holding facility above other aircraft which have elected to make an approach.

He is to be given an expected approach time relative to those aircraft and will take his place in the normal landing sequence

Question 79

If aircraft are making approaches in poor weather conditions…

Answer 79

…the possibility of missed approaches shall be considered.

The lowest holding level at a convenient holding facility shall normally be kept vacant for such eventualities

Question 80

Where marginal weather conditions exist or where the need for diversions is likely to arise due to the state of the aerodrome, traffic density, or for any other reason, controllers at aerodromes are to maintain…

Answer 80

…the closest liaison with operating companies and the supervisor at the parent ACC.

They shall pass, as often as necessary, the latest pertinent information so that diversions may be anticipated and not interrupt the smooth flow of air traffic.

Question 81

When the need does arise for a diversion, the controller concerned is to take the following action:

Answer 81

(1) Hold the aircraft in the vicinity of the aerodrome;
(2) Contact the ACC Watch Supervisor by telephone and advise him of the aerodrome selected for diversion, or if none selected, seek his advice as to the one most suitable;
(3) Obtain clearance instructions together with any other instructions to be passed to aircraft;
(4) Pass diversion messages to aircraft;
(5) If required, pass alternate aerodrome weather report;
(6) Advise the operating company or nominated addressee in accordance with the instructions in Section 1.

Question 82

When a controller is informed that aircraft are about to divert to his aerodrome, he shall ensure that…

Answer 82

…full details are passed to the Aerodrome Operator.

Question 83

After a diverted aircraft has landed an arrival signal shall be sent to:

Answer 83

(1) the aerodrome of departure;
(2) the point of first intended landing;
(3) the ACCs serving the original planned route;
(4) LTCC Route charges section (EGTTYTYR).

Question 84

At aerodromes not open on a 24-hour basis, close liaison shall be maintained with the Aerodrome Operator and the parent ACC before watch is closed, if it is known that…

Answer 84

…diversions are likely to be received. Details of the procedures for arranging extensions of watch will be agreed with the Aerodrome Operator and published in MATS Part 2.

Question 85

ATC clearances issued by Approach Control shall specify any or all of the following:

Answer 85

(1) Turn after take-off;
(2) Track to make good before turning on to desired heading;
(3) Initial level to fly;
(4) Time, point, and/or rate at which changes of level are made.

Question 86

A clearance expiry time determined by Approach Control, when considering its own traffic, must not be…

Answer 86

…later than that issued by Area Control

Question 87

Outbound clearances issued by Area Control to Approach Control may not take into account…

Answer 87

…the need for separation from any inbound aircraft that have passed the release point. This responsibility rests with Approach Control.

Question 88

Outbound clearances issued before inbound aircraft pass the release point shall take into account…

Answer 88

…the need for separation of traffic except in cases where separation is automatically ensured by the use of fixed operating procedures, e.g. SIDs, standing agreements, or the outbound clearance is qualified by a “Release subject your discretion” (RSYD) restriction.

Question 89

An RSYD restriction is intended to facilitate the overall expedition of traffic where Approach Control procedures may offer a more expeditious resolution of the confliction than Area Control procedures.

In accepting an RSYD clearance the approach controller accepts the responsibility for the provision of separation between the outbound aircraft and the conflicting inbound or overflying aircraft.

Before clearing the outbound aircraft for departure the approach controller must ensure that:

Answer 89

(1) he has received the release message on the inbound aircraft or full details of the overflying aircraft;
(2) he can provide the required separation.
(3) Before the outbound aircraft is transferred to Area Control the conflictions must have been resolved or co-ordination effected.

Question 90

Pilots of all aircraft flying instrument departures are required, on first contact, to inform the approach/approach radar controller of…

Answer 90

…their callsign, SID designator (if appropriate), current or passing level and their cleared level.

If the SID involves a stepped climb profile then the initial altitude/flight level to which the aircraft is climbing will be given.

If the pilot does not provide the cleared level then controllers shall, without delay, either confirm that the crew are climbing to the correct initial level or clear the aircraft to climb to a higher altitude or flight level.

Question 91

When an aircraft requests permission to enter controlled airspace for the purposes of landing at the associated aerodrome or transiting the airspace, it may not be possible, for traffic reasons…

Answer 91

…to issue that clearance immediately. In such situations controllers shall advise the pilot to remain outside controlled airspace, when to expect clearance and give a time check.