MATS 1 Section 3

Question 1

What services are provided to A/C within Class A, C & D airspace?

Answer 1

Air Traffic Control Service (with/without surveillance)
Alerting Service

A/C are required to comply with ATC instructions

Question 2

What services are provided to A/C within Class E airspace?

Answer 2

Air Traffic Control Service (with/without surveillance) and alerting service to IFR A/C.

Traffic/Basic Service and Alerting Service to VFR flights

Question 3

What services are provided to A/C in Class G airspace?

Answer 3

Procedural/Deconfliction or Traffic Service or Basic Service and Alerting Service

Question 4

From when until when do Approach Control provide ATC services to A/C within CAS?

Answer 4

1) Arriving A/C are released by Area Control until transferred to Aerodrome Control

2) A/C approaching from outside CAS place themselves under the control of Approach Control until transferred to Aerodrome Control

3) Departing A/C are taken over from Aerodrome Control until;
a) they are transferred to Area Control; or
b) they are clear of CAS

4) Overflying A/C are within the relevant CAS

Question 5

Between whom does Approach Control provide standard separation?

Answer 5

between SVFR and IFR flights and between SVFR flights unless the CAA has approved a reduced sep.

Question 6

Outside CAS from when and until when shall Approach Control provide services to A/C?

Answer 6

1) Arriving A/C place themselves under the contol of Approach Control until control is transferred to Aerodrome Control

2) Departing A/C are taken over from Aerodrome Control until they no longer wish a service or are 10 minutes flying time away from the Aerodrome whichever is sooner.

3) Overflying A/C 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

What information shall Approach Control provide to A/C under their control?

Answer 7

Flight info in particular any failure or irregular functioning of the Aerodrome Lighting System or Approach Aid.

Question 8

What information shall Approach Control provide to Aerodrome Control?

Answer 8

1) Pertinent data on all relevant flights including the type of flight, ie IFR or VFR, level of arriving A/C and ETA;

2) The anticipated order in which control of A/C is to be transferred;

3) The anticipated delay to departing IFR flights together with the reason for the delay.

Question 9

What information does Approach Control provide to the Approach Surveillance Control?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

What information shall Approach Control provide to Area Control?

Answer 10

1) Lowest level at the holding facility available for use by Area Control

2) The average time interval between successive approaches

3) Revision of EATs issued by Area Control when Approach Control calculations show a variation of 5 mins 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-routing is entailed, in order that the subsequent action may be co-ordinated;

6) Departure times of A/C

7) All available information pertaining to overdue A/C

Question 11

What shall Approach Control co-ordinate with Aerodrome Control?

Answer 11

1) A/C approaching to land, if necessary requesting clearance to land.

2) Arriving A/C which are to be cleared to Visual Holding Points

3) A/C routing through the traffic cct

Question 12

What shall Aerodrome Control co-ordinate with Approach Control?

Answer 12

1) Departing IFR flights

2) Arriving A/C which make their first call on the tower frequency (unless they are transferred to Approach Control)

Question 13

What shall Area Control co-ordinate with Approach Control?

Answer 13

Arriving A/C which is to be cleared to an aerodrome holding facility or a Visual Holding point, instead of the normal holding facility

Question 14

When may transfer of A/C to Aerodrome Control take place?

Answer 14

IFR flights operating with visual ref to the surface may be transferred in the following circumstances;

1) When an A/C carrying out an Instrument Approach has become no. 1 and for following A/C when they are established on final apprach and have been provided with the appropriate separation from preceding A/C;

2) A/C operating in the Tx Cct

3) A/C approaching visually below all cloud when the reported aerodrome visibility is 10KM or more. When the reported visibility of two values, the lower of the two values shall be used when determining whether transfer of control may take place.

nb; in the case of 2 and 3 the volume of tx and Aerodrome workload must be such as to allow the use of one of the reduced in the vicinity of the aerodrome. In order to clear other A/C to descend through the cloud formation it will be necessary for the A/C approaching underneath to be kept more than 1,000ft below all clod, or for horizontal separation to be provided.

Question 15

When may Approach Control delegate its functions to Approach Surveillance Control?

Answer 15

Before an A/C is controlled/monitored, following info must be supplied;

1) C/S, type, level, route, ETA (or position) and frequency

2) EAT, if appropriate

3) Service required

4) Release and contact instructions issued by Area Control

5) Information on conflicting tx

6) ADT of outbound A/C

Question 16

When may Approach Control delegate its functions to Aerodrome Control?

Answer 16

For certain categories of IFR flights, operating in the vicinity of the Aerodrome, providing the aerodrome controller holds and Approach Control rating valid for that aerodrome. Details of the extent permitted will be published in MATS pt 2.

Question 17

When may transfer of communication from Approach Control to Aerodrome Control take place?

Answer 17

IFR flights when the A/C has become no.1 to approach, and for following A/C, when they are established on final approach and have been provided with appropriate separation. Until such A/C are visual with the surface the responsibility for separation remains with Approach Control.

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

Question 18

Until when shall Approach Control retain contol of arriving VFR flights?

Answer 18

Until appropriate tx info on IFR and other VFR flights has been issued and co-ordination effected with Aerodrome Control.

Should keep a particular eye on VFR flights arriving from directions in which other A/C will be letting down on an Instrument Approach, e.g joining straight in under the final approach when an Instrument Approach is active.

Question 19

What consideration must be made for the transfer of VFR A/C to Aerodrome Control?

Answer 19

Must be transferred in sufficient time for Aerodrome Control to pass additional information in respect of local tx.

Question 20

Can A/C be held over VRP’s?

Answer 20

Outside CAS- Should not be done

Inside CAS- Yes

Question 21

When shall Approach Controllers refuse VFR clearances for VFR A/C operating to/from an Aerodrome in Class D Airspace?

Answer 21

When the ground vis is below 5000m and/or the C.C. below 1500ft. Pilot should be asked to specify type of clearance required.

Question 22

What type of A/C can continue VFR when other A/C would be required to continue SVFR?

Answer 22

Police
Helimed
Rescue
Electricity
Grid
Powerline
Pipeline
SAR training flights (in accordance with MATS 2)
Rail track inspection flights

Question 23

What is the minimum level to be assigned to arriving A/C?

Answer 23

Should not be below 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 a reminder of the highest sector altitude should be issued.

Question 24

When does the minimum sector altitude not apply to an arriving A/C?

Answer 24

When on particular routes that have been specifically approved by the CAA.

Question 25

Within what time shall Area Control issue estimates to Approach Control?

Answer 25

At least 15 mins prior to the arrival of the A/C at the designated approach fix

Question 26

What shall release messages from Area Control for arriving A/C contain?

Answer 26

1) A/C identity, type and SSR code

2) Point of dep

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) EAT

6) Contact point

Question 27

What must an Approach Controller not do to A/C released to them by Area Control?

Answer 27

Climb them above, or stop its descent to, the level at the hold agreed with Area Control without prior co-ordination.

Question 28

At what level shall Area Control not release A/C to Approach Control?

Answer 28

FL195 or above unless approved by the CAA

Question 29

When may Area Control clear an arriving A/C to an aerodrome facility, or Visual Holding Point, instead of the normal hold?

Answer 29

After co-ordination with the Approach Controller

Question 30

When can the Approach Controller control an arriving A/C subject to a ‘radar release’?

Answer 30

When the Approach Radar Controller reports that it is clear of confliciting tx

Question 31

What are the Aerodrome Operating Minima criteria for arriving A/C?

Answer 31

For approach and landings;

-Decision height or minimum descent height

-RVR and vis

-if necessary cloud conditions

as applicable for the type of approach

Question 32

What are the Aerodrome Operating Minima criteria for departing A/C?

Answer 32

For take-offs;

-RVR and vis

-if necessary cloud conditions

Question 33

What can cause the variations in Aerodrome Operating Minima for A/C operators?

Answer 33

1) Type of A/C

2) Flight crew composition, competence, experience and flight techniques being 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 met conditions

8) Special provision pertinent to LVPs

Question 34

Are ATCOs responsible for determining and enforcing a pilot’s Aerodrome Operating Minima?

Answer 34

No however they should report any occurence which they consider has endangered an A/C or person

Question 35

What information must an Approach Controller pass to A/C is there is no ATIS system?

Answer 35

1) Runway in use

2) Current Met info;
a) Surface wind direction
b) Vis
c) Present wx
d) Cloud
e) Pressure setting
f) Relevant info reported by other pilots
g) Significant met info eg thunderstorms, hail etc
h) Warnings of marked temp inversions
i) Any other relevant info
j) RVR

3) Current runway surface conditions

4) Any changes in the operational stataus of visual and non-visual aids essential for approach and landing

5) LVPs in operation

Question 36

What information updates must be passed to pilots?

Answer 36

1) Significatnt changes in the met conditions and runway conditions

2) Further reports from other pilots

3) Further changes in the operational status of approach and landing aids

4) Implementation and cancellation of LVPs

Question 37

What are pilots of arriving A/C required to do regarding the ATIS?

Answer 37

To acknowledge receipt of the ATIS with the current letter

Question 38

When may an A/C conduct a visual approach?

Answer 38

Pilot reports that they are visual with the surface and;

1) The reported C.C is at or above the level of the beginning of the initial approach segement; 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.

Controllers SHALL not clear an A/C for a visual approach when the RVR (TD) is less than 800m. If a pilot requests one in this circumstance than the pilot is to be informed that a visual approach is unavailable and what their intentions are.

Question 39

What separation must be applied between A/C making a visual approach and other IFR A/C?

Answer 39

The standard separations as A/C making a Visual Approach still count as IFR and as making an Instrument Approach

Question 40

May A/C be cleared to conduct a visual approach when outside CAS and what are the considerations if so?

Answer 40

Yes

Responsbility for the provision of deconfliction advice and tx info continues in accordance with the service being issued and is subject to the following;

1) Procedural Service- no requirement for controllers to change the level of service provided

2) DS- when flights carrying out visual approaches descen below the unit’s terrain safe level, controllers shall no provide a DS and should instead provide a TS

3) TS- subject to maintenance of surveillance identity, there is no requirement to change the level of service.

4) BS- no requirement to change the level of service provided.

Question 41

What information is to be passed to a pilot conducting an instrument approach when they report they are not familiar with the procedures?

Answer 41

1) on initial contact;
a) “This is the approach procedure for (aid) for Category (cat) A/C. 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 A/C commences final reversal;
a) Intermediate and final approach track
b) Intermediate and final approach fixes together with level instructions
c) stepdown fixes and OCH

3) Missed approach point and missed approach procedure (when required)

n.b. items 1 b and 1 c may be ommitted for straight in approaches

the whole procedure may be passed at once if the pilot is copying down the information

Question 42

Can a pilot request to change to a visual approach prior to the completion of an instrument approach?

Answer 42

Yes, standard sep against other IFR A/C is to be maintained unless the pilot cancels their IFR flight plan

Question 43

In what order will levels at the hold be provided to A/C?

Answer 43

In the same order as the sequence

Question 44

What are the controllers actions if a pilot advises that they cannot comply with Approach Control holding or comms procedures?

Answer 44

They shall be allowed to conduct alternative procedures if tx conditions permit

Question 45

When shall Approach Controllers explicitly instruct A/C to hold and what info must be passed?

Answer 45

When airborne holding is required, ifm the expected delay is to be less than that required to issue EATS then an estimate of the delay is to be passed.

Question 46

Within what time shall EATs be passed?

Answer 46

With sufficient time for the pilots to arrange their flight paths accordingly.

Question 47

When may an A/C in the hold be permitted to descend to the next level?

Answer 47

When the A/C below has reported vacating that level, however if severe turbulence exists than the instructions shall be withheld until the first A/C has reported at least 1000ft below the vacated level

Question 48

When may an A/C be instructed to leave the holding facility?

Answer 48

When the required separation has been established behind any preceding A/C and there is reasonable assurance that a safe landing can be accomplished.

Question 49

When shall Approach Controllers issue EATs?

Answer 49

When the A/C is likely to be delayed before commencing an intermediate approach.

Question 50

To which A/C do Approach Controllers issue EATs?

Answer 50

Unless otherwise instructed controllers shall pass EATs to aircraft with whom they
are in contact. EATs shall not normally be issued when 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 51

Under what other circumstances may an A/C wish to hold other than for tx reasons?

Answer 51

To await wx improvement

Question 52

What phrase will be passed to A/C in the hold when they are holding for wx improvement?

Answer 52

“no tx delay expected”

subesquent A/C will be advised that the “delay not determined (number) A/C holding for wx improvement”

Question 53

What happens if a pilot in the middle of the hold who isn’t no. 1 elects to make an Approach?

Answer 53

They are to be provided with routing instructions to enable the pilot to descend clear of other tx and return to the holding facility above other A/C which have elected to make an approach. They will then be given an EAT subject to others who are making the approach and then take their place in the landing sequence.

Question 54

If A/C are making approaches in poor wx conditions what is a prudent thing to do?

Answer 54

Leave the lowest level at the holding facility clear for A/C making a MAP.

Question 55

What actions shall be taken by the Controller when an A/C requires to divert into an alternative aerodrome?

Answer 55

1) Hold the A/C in the vicinity of the aerodrome?

2) Advise the ACC watch sup by tel of the aerodrome selected for diversion, or if none selected, seek the ACC watch supervisors advice as to the one most suitable

3) Obtain clearance instructions together with any other instructions to be passed to A/C

4) Pass diversion messages to A/C

5) If requred pass alternate aerodrome wx report

6) Advise the operating company or nominated addressee in accordance with the instructions in section 1.

Question 56

What actions shall the Approach Controller take in regards to A/C diverting into their aerodrome?

Answer 56

Pass full details to the aerodrome operator.

Send arrival signal to;
1) The aerodrome of dep

2) The point of first intended landing

3) The ACCs serving the original planned route

4) LTCC route charges section (EGTTYTYR)

Question 57

What shall ATC clearances from Approach Control to departing A/C contain?

Answer 57

Any or all of the following;

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

Where an outbound clearance is issued before an inbound A/C passes the release point the outbound clearance must take into account the need for separation. This does not apply where the separation is established by the use of fixed operating procedures e.g. SIDS, standing agreements or RSYD

Question 58

What is an RSYD?

Answer 58

Release Subject Your Discretion

Where an Approach Controller accepts responsibility for the provision of separation between an outbound A/C and the conflicting inbound or overflying A/C.

Used in situations where the Approach Control procedures offer a more expeditious resolution to the confliction.

Question 59

What must the Approach Controller ensure before clearing an outbound A/C for departure that is subject RSYD?

Answer 59

1) They have received the release message on the inbound A/C or full details of the overflying A/C

2) They can provide the required separation

3) Before the outbound A/C is transferred to Area Control the condlictions must have been resolved or co-ordination effected.

Question 60

What shall Approach Control say to an A/C inbound from outside CAS that cannot be cleared to join or enter CAS yet?

Answer 60

They will be instructed to Remain Outside Controlled Airspace, told when to expect clearance and a time check.