MATS 1 sect 1 Flashcards
What are the suite of FIS in the UK?
- Basic Service
- Traffic Service
- Deconfliction service
- Procedural service
What is an ATS?
Air traffic service is a generic term meaning variously a;
- Air Traffic Control Service
- Flight information Service
- Alerting Service
- Air Traffic Advisory Service
To whom do we provide an Air Traffic control service?
- To all IFR a/c in Class A, B, C, D and E airspace
- To all VFR a/c in Class B, C and D airspace
- To all SVFR a/c
- To all aerodrome traffic at controlled aerodromes
What is a Flight Information Service?
A service provided for the purpose of giving advice and information useful to the safe and efficient conduct of flight and shall include the provision of pertinent.
- AIRMET and SIGMET information
- Information concerning pre-eruption volcanic activity, volcanic eruptions, and volcanic ash clouds
- Information concerning the release into the atmosphere of radioactive materials or toxic chemicals
- Information on changes in the availability of radio navigation services
- Information on changes in condition of aerodromes and associated facilities, including information on the state of the aerodrome movement areas when they are affected by snow, ice, or significant depth of water
- Information on unmanned free balloons
- Information on space weather phenomena that have an impact on high frequency radio communications, communications via satellite, GNSS based navigation, and surveillance systems, and/or pose a radiation risk to aircraft occupants at flight levels, and
- of any other information likely to affect safety
What is an Air Traffic Advisory Service?
-A service provided within Class F airspace which provides information on collision hazards which is more effective than FIS.
Suggest to the aircraft a course of action by which a potential hazard may be avoided. Priority shall be given to an aircraft already in advisory airspace over other aircraft wanting to enter advisory airspace. Pass to aircraft information comprising the same information as that received by an area control service.
The advisory service does not:
• offer the same degree of safety, or assume the same responsibilities as an ATCS. The information available to the unit providing the advisory service may be incomplete The advisory service does not deliver “clearances” but only “advisory information”. It uses the words “advise” or “suggest” when a course of action is proposed to an aircraft.
What are the objectives of an ATS?
- To prevent collisions between aircraft
- Prevent collisions between aircraft on the manoeuvring area and obstructions on that area
- Expedite and maintain an orderly flow of Air traffic
- Provide advice and information useful to the safe and efficient conduct of flight
- notify appropriate organisations regarding aircraft in need of SAR aid and assist such organisations as required.
What is the definition of a controlled aerodrome?
an aerodrome at which ATC service is provided to aerodrome traffic regardless of whether or not a control zone exists.
Define Aerodrome traffic
All traffic on the maneouvring area of an aerodrome an all aircraft flying in the vicinity of an aerodrome includes but is not limited to aircraft entering or leaving the aerodrome traffic circuit.
To whom do we provide FIS?
Shall be provided by the appropriate ATSU’s to all aircraft which are likely to be affected by the information and which are;
- provided with an ATC service; or
- otherwise known to the relevant ATSU’s
What is an alerting service?
A service provided to notify appropriate organisations regarding a/s in need of SAR aid and to assist such organisations as required.
Can be provided by anyone.
Describe class A airspace
IFR only
Clearance required
ATC must be complied with
Everyone separated from everyone
Gliders may enter in VMC
Describe class B airspace
VFR & IFR
Clearance required to enter
Instructions must be followed
Everybody seperated.
VMC applies
Describe Class C airspace
VFR & IFR
Clearance required to enter
Instructions must be followed
IFR sep from IFR & VFR
VFR sep from IFR, given Tx info on other VFR
VMC
Describe Class D airspace
VFR and IFR
Clearance required to enter
Instructions must be followed
IFR sep from IFR and SVFR, given tx info on VFR
VFR given tx info on everyone
SVFR treated as IFR for all intents and purposes
VMC
Describe Class E airspace
VFR and IFR
IFR require clearance to enter, VFR does not
IFR sep from IFR, tx info on VFR- avoidance advice given if requested
Participating VFR given Tx info on IFR and other VFR
IFR must comply with instructions
VFR pilots strongly encouraged to contact ATC and comply
VMC
Describe Class F airspace
Advisory service to participating flights
IFR and VFR
IFR are required to FPL before entry
no clearances required
Participating IFR expected to comply with advice
FIS provided on request
Advice provided in presence of essential tx info and pass course of action
“suggest” and “advise”
Describe Class G airspace
ATCU’s provide FIS
Pilots responsible for all collision avoidance
Pilots still expected to comply with advice
What is the speed limit?
A/C must not fly faster than 250kts IAS below FL100, unless;
- In Class A or B airspace
- IFR in Class C
- Exempted VFR in Class C when authorised by ATC in accordance with MATS pt 2
- For exempted flights in Class D airspace when authorised by ATC in accordance with MATS pt 2
- Test flights in accordance with certain specified conditions
- Aircraft taking part in flying displays when authorised by CAA
- Aircraft given written permission from the CAA
- State aircraft such as military.
What must a flight do if a navigation or anti-collision lights fail at night?
For any light he is not to depart at night if cannot be repaired immediately. If in flight, land as soon as possible unless authorised to continue by relevant authority.
What must a flight do if an anti-collision light fails during the day?
Nothing, he may continue provided that the light is repaired at earliest opportunity.
What must a controller take into account during the failure of anti-col or nav lights?
Permission to continue with the flight should normally only be given in the a/c is to remain in UK class A-D airspace, it can leave the UK if permission is granted by the adjacent authority.
If pilot intends to fly outside CAS or in Class E he should be instructed to land at the nearest suitable aerodrome.
Define a controlled aerodrome?
An aerodrome at which ATC service is provided to aerodrome traffic regardless whether a CTR exists or not
Define flight visibility
The visibility forward from the cockpit of an a/c in flight.
What is the CAA’s definition of night (ANO 2016 schedule 1)
Half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise
Determined at surface level
Which visibility is used to determine whether VMC permits VFR flight?
Flight vis
However for fixed wing and helicopter flights to/or from aerodromes, or entering ATZ or traffic circuit in Class D airspace shall use Ground Vis
Which aircraft are exempted from the VMC criteria in the UK?
- Powerline
- Pipeline
- Police
- Helimed
- SAR
- SAR training if LOA (letter of agreement) with ATC provider exists
What are the VMC minima for an Aircraft cruising at FL100 or above in the day?
1500m and 1000ft from cloud with a flight visibility of 8km
What are the VMC minima for an Aircraft criusing between FL100 and 3,000ft amsl or above 1,000ft above terrain in the day?
1500m and 1000ft from cloud with a flight visibility of 5km
What are the VMC minima for an Aircraft criusing at or below 3,000ft amsl or at or below 1,000ft above terrain whichever is higher, Class C, D or E airspace during the day?
1500m and 1000ft from cloud with a flight visibility of 5km (Class A-E airspace)
What are the VMC minima for an Aircraft criusing at or below 3,000ft amsl or at or below 1,000ft above terrain whichever is higher in uncontrolled airspace (F&G) in the day?
clear of cloud with the surface in sight with a flight visibility of 5km
What are the daytime VMC minima for a fixed wing Aircraft cruising at or below 3,000ft in Class F or G airspace where its IAS in Knots is 140 or less?
Clear of cloud with the surface in sight with a flight visibility of 1500m.
What are the daytime VMC minima for a Helicopter at or below 3,000ft in Class F or G airspace where its IAS in Knots is 140 or less?
Clear of cloud with the surface in sight with a flight visibility of 1500m
At night what are the VMC minima for aircraft at or above FL100?
1500m and 1000ft from cloud with a flight visibility of 8km
At night what are the VMC minima for aircraft between FL100 and 3,000ft amsl or 1,000ft above terrain?
1500m and 1000ft from cloud with a flight visibility of 5km
At night what are the VMC minima for aircraft at or below 3,000ft amsl or at or below 1,000ft above terrain whichever is higher?
1500m and 1000ft from cloud with a flight visibility of 5km and with the surface in sight
Under what met conditions do ATC advise pilots that VMC no longer possible?
In Class D airspace when the reported met conditions are below
a Cloud ceiling of less than 1,500ft and/or a G.V of less than 5km in dya or night ATC shall;
- Advise pilots of a/c intending to operate under VFR to or from such aerodromes, and
- Request the pilot to specify the type of clearance required.
What are the conditions for a VFR refusal?
ATC shall not issue any further VFR clearances to a/c wishing to operate under VFR,
- to or from an aerodrome
- or enter the ATZ
- or traffic circuit
In Class D airspace when the reported MET conditions are below the following minima;
- Cloud ceiling less than 1,500ft, and/or
- Ground vis less than 5,000m
What are the daytime VMC for a helicopter at or below 3,000ft amsl in Class D airspace when flying 140kt IAS or less?
1500m flight vis COCSIS
What are the daytime VMC for a fixed wing aircraft at or below 3,000ft amsl in Class D airspace when travelling 140kts IAS or less?
5km flight vis COCSIS
At night what are the VMC minima for aircraft at or below 3,000ft amsl or at or below 1,000ft above terrain whichever is higher?
1500m and 1000ft from cloud with a flight visibility of 5km and with the surface in sight
slides say that it is 5km COCSIS in Class G airspace but MATS 1 makes no reference to this!!
What are the conditions for a SVFR refusal?
ATC shall not issue any further VFR clearances to a/c wishing to operate under VFR,
- to or from an aerodrome
- or enter the ATZ
- or traffic circuit
In Class D airspace when the reported MET conditions are below the following minima;
- Cloud ceiling less than 600ft, and/or
- Ground vis less than 1,500m (800m for helis)
Under what met conditions do ATC advise pilots that SVFR no longer possible?
In Class D airspace when the reported met conditions are below
a Cloud ceiling of less than 600ft and/or a G.V of less than 1500m in day or night ATC shall;
- Advise pilots of a/c intending to operate under VFR to or from such aerodromes, and
- Request the pilot to specify the type of clearance required.
When must a pilot fly IFR?
When airspace is notified as class A
Met condition conditions preclude VFR
What are the VMC in class A airspace and when would you need this?
Above FL100 8km flight vis, 1500m and 1,000ft from cloud
Below FL100 5km flight vis, 1500m and 1,000ft from cloud (same as all other CAS)
VMC climb and descents
Powered a/c making an airways crossing
Can A/C cross airways without an ATC clearance? If so how?
Yes
Must fly at right angles across the base of an en-route section of an airway where the lower limit is defined as a FL.
What is the definition of an SVFR flight?
a VFR flight cleared by ATC to operate within a control zone in met conditions below VMC.
To what are SVFR flights seperated?
Standard separation applied between;
- IFR and SVFR flights
- SVFR flights and SVFR flights
- No sep can be provided between SVFR flights on notifed SVFR routes or areas.*
What conditions is SVFR flight subject to?
- COCSIS with the surface in sight
- Flight vis must be at least 1,500m (800m for helis)
- Speed of 140kt IAS or less
When the reported ground visibility at the aerodrome is less than 1500 m, ATC may issue a Special VFR clearance for a flight crossing the control zone and not intending to take off or land at an aerodrome within a control zone, or enter the aerodrome traffic zone or aerodrome traffic circuit when the flight visibility reported by the pilot is not less than 1500 m, or for helicopters, not less than 800 m
Do you normally assign a level to fly to an SVFR a/c?
no, vertical sep. achieved by requiring one to fly not above a level and the other not below a level
What form is used to complete Full FPL’s in the UK?
CA48
When is a pilot advised to file a flight plan in the UK?
- Flying over the sea more than 10nm from the UK coast
- Over sparsely populated areas where SAR may be difficult
- Into an area where SAR ops are in progress
When must a DLA message be sent?
For IFR a/c when delayed more than 15 mins from their planned EOBT
What is the maximum time beforehand a FPL can be filed?
120 hours
Are VFR flight plans covered by the IFPS?
No, they must be addressed to aerodromes and appropriate FIRS on the route.
When is a Full FPL required for an SVFR flight?
Not normally required but pilot may give an abbreviated one
however a FPL will be required if destination needs to be informed with “I” written in flight rules
What are AIC’s?
Aeronautical information circulars
Information that doesn’t qualify for inclusion in the AIP or a NOTAM. NOT A NOTIFIED DOCUMENT.
What are the AIC colours?
White- Admin
Yellow- Operations/ATS
Pink- Safety
Mauve- UK restriction charts
Green- Maps/Charts
When may a pilot file a flight plan?
For any flight
When is a pilot required to file a flight plan?
- For any flight or portion thereof to be provided with an Air traffic control service
- Any flight within advisory airspace
- Any flight within or into areas or along routes designated by the authority to facilitate the provision of flight information, alerting and search and rescue services
- Any flight within or into areas or along routes designated by the authority to facilitate co-ordination with the appropriate military units or air traffic service units of an adjacent state to prevent the possible need for interception for the purposes of identification as prescribed by the state concerned.
- Any flight across international boundaries
- Any flight planned to leave the vicinity of the aerodrome at night
What are your actions for when a captive balloon breaks free?
- The type of balloon and whether carrying any person
- Position of balloon site
- Direction and speed of drift
- Last observed height
- Length of cable attached to the balloon
- Balloon operators name and tel. No.
What is a TMZ
A Transponder Mandatory Zone is an Airspace of defined dimensions within which aircraft are required to carry and operate a MODE S SSR transponder, unless in compliance with alternative provisions prescribed for that particular airspace by the ANSP.
- TMZ’s designed to create a ‘known traffic’ environment in areas of airspace where CAS is not warranted but overriding safety reasons require the traffic to be known.
- Pilots unable to comply with transponder requirements may be granted access to TMZ’s by the ANSP, such approval is subject to the conditions prevailing at the time of the request which include but is not limited to; the types and density of Air-Traffic operating or planned to operate within the TMZ, and the actual/forecast met conditions
What is an RMZ?
RMZ def
airspace of defined dimensions wherein the carriage and operation of suitable/appropriate radio equipment is mandatory. RMZ airspace is to be operated in accordance with the regulations pertaining to the background airspace classification
- Flight rules is added to list of info a pilot must give before Two way comms has been established.
- Aircraft operating to or from sites within an RMZ and radio comms are not possible either prior to or getting airborne than the pilot is directed to ;
1) Seek to agree letters of agreement with the ANSP describing alternative provisions for compliance
2) Establish two-way comms at the earliest opportunity after take-off
Between whom is standard separation applied?
- All flights in Class A airspace
- IFR flights in Class C, D and E
- IFR and VFR flights in Class C
- IFR and SVFR flights
- SVFR except where reductions is authorised by the CAA
What conditions may a controller impart on a level change instruction?
Aircraft may be instructed to change level at a specified time, place or rate.
What are the conditions for climb or descent in VMC?
When climbing/descending in VMC when;
- Essential Traffic Information is passed
- the pilot agrees to maintain his own separation from other a/c and the maneuver is agreed by the pilot of the other a/c;
- it is during the hours of daylight;
- the aircraft is flying in VMC;
- In Class D, E, F* and G* (*UK difference) airspace at or below FL100
What does essential Traffic information contain?
- Direction of flight
- Type of conflicting aircraft.
- Cruising level of conflicting ACFT & ETA for Reporting Point. Or for aircraft passing through levels, ETA Reporting Point nearest where aircraft will cross levels.
- Any alternative clearance.
“Essential traffic information, a (direction of flight) (a/c type), maintaining/climbing to/descending to (level) estimating (position) at (time), (any alternative clearance)”
Under what conditions may an a/c be instructed to climb/descend to a level previously occupied by another a/c?
An aircraft may be instructed to climb or descend to a level previously occupied by another aircraft provided that:
- Vertical separation already exists. or;
- Vacating aircraft is proceeding to a level which will maintain vertical separation, & either:
- Controller observes vacating aircraft has left the level, or
- Pilot has reported vacating the level.
What is radar separation?
Horizontal Separation based on radar exists when the distance between the centres of the radar returns does not represent less than the prescribed minimum, provided that the returns do not touch or overlap.
When may standard separtation be reduced in the vicinity of an aerodrome?
Also in the vicinity of an aerodrome as per ICAO, when:
- ADC continuously sees all the aircraft, and can provide adequate separation
- Aircraft see each other and agree to maintain separation (– good in circuit at night if IFR.)
- Following aircraft sees the one in front and agrees to maintain separation.
When may standard separation be reduced?
- May be reduced when authorised by the CAA and published in MATS Pt2.
- Reduced separation in the vicinity of the aerodrome
- Search and Rescue escorts- Standard Separation maybe reduced when escorting in an emergency
- When climbing/descending in VMC
What shall you do in the event of a loss of separation?
- Use every means to obtain the required minimum with the least possible delay
- When considered practicable pass traffic info (when using RADAR) otherwise pass Essential Traffic Info.
Separate then inform!!!
How are levels assessed using Mode C?
- An aircraft may be considered to be at an assigned level provided that the Mode C readout indicates 200 feet or less from that level;
- An aircraft which is known to have been instructed to climb or descend may be considered to have left a level when the Mode C readout indicates a change of 400 feet or more from that level and is continuing in the anticipated direction;
- An aircraft climbing or descending may be considered to have passed through a level when the Mode C readout indicates that the level has been passed by 400 feet or more and continuing in the required direction;
- An aircraft may be considered to have reached an assigned level when three successive Mode C readouts indicate 200 feet or less from that level.
Why do we apply longitudinal separation?
Longitudinal separation shall be applied so that the spacing between the estimated positions of the aircraft being separated is never less than the prescribed minima
How can Longitudinal Separation be applied?
Distance or time;
- Depart at a specified time
- To lose time to arrive over a geographical point at a specified time
- To hold over a geographical location until a specified time
What are the times for longitudinal separation of departing a/c and what are the conditions? (MATS 1)
1 min- If the a/c are flying on different tracks separated by at least 45°. Minima may be reduced if using lateral runways which do not cross, procedure must be approved and lateral separation must be effected immediately after take off.
2 min- For tracks not separated by 45° provided that the preceding a/c is 40kts or more faster and neither aircraft is cleared to execute a manoeuvre that would decrease the 2 min separation between them.
5 min- Provided that the preceding aircraft has filed a true airspeed of 20kts or more faster than the following aircraft.
5 min- Provided that 5 minutes separation is maintained up to a reporting point, within or adjacent to a control zone or terminal control area and the a/c will be subesequently separated either;
1) Vertically
2) by Tracks which diverte by 30° or more; or
3) by radar
* Only to be used at locations approved by CAA*
10 min
What are the distance based longitudinal separations for a/c on recipricol tracks in the UK?
Recipricol Tracks
40nm unless both a/c have been established as having crossed each other and are at least 10nm apart, if within 100nm of a DME/TACAN this may be further reduced to 5nm
Why do we apply Lateral Separation?
so that the distance between those portions of the intended routes for which aircraft are to be laterally separated is never less than an established distance to account for navigational inaccuracies plus a specified buffer.
• This buffer shall be determined by the appropriate authority and included in the lateral separation minima as an integral part thereof
If Nav equipment fails or capability detoriates then Pilot must inform ATC
How is Lateral Separation established?
By requiring aircraft to operate;
– On different routes, or
– In different geographical locations as determined by:
- Visual observation, or
- By use of navigation aids, or
- By use of area navigation (RNAV) equipment
Whom do we separate in Class A airspace and who is allowed in it?
IFR only
All flights separated
Whom do we allow in Class C airspace and what are the separations?
IFR and VFR
IFR separated from IFR and VFR
VFR separated from IFR, TI given on other VFR
Whom do we allow in Class D airspace and what are the separations?
IFR/SVFR and VFR
IFR separated from IFR, TI on VFR
VFR given TI on IFR and other VFR
SVFR treated as IFR for all intents and purposes
Whom do we allow in Class E airspace and what are the separations?
IFR and VFR
IFR separated from other IFR, given TI on participating and non participating VFR traffic
Participating VFR traffic given TI on IFR and other participating and non partcipating VFR flights, BS
What are the UK definitions of same, recipricol and crossing tracks?
- ‘Same track’ when the track of one aircraft is separated from the track of the other by less than 45°;
- ‘Reciprocal track’ when the track of one aircraft is separated from the reciprocal of the other by less than 45°;
- ‘Crossing track’ intersecting tracks which are not classed as ‘same’ or ‘reciprocal’
What is geographical separation in the UK?
• Positive position reports over different geographical locations - specified as being separated (MATS Pt2).