Most Common Questions

Question 1

The objectives of Air Traffic Services are

RAC 2-1

Answer 1

The objectives of air traffic services are to:

1. Prevent collisions between aircraft;
2. Prevent collisions between aircraft on the manoeuvring area and obstructions on that area;
3. Expedite and maintain an orderly flow of air traffic;
4. Provide advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights;
5. Notify appropriate organisations regarding aircraft in need of search and rescue aid, and assist such organisations as required.

Question 2

The elimination or reduction of delays is an important objective. What takes precedence?

RAC 2-1

Answer 2

The elimination or reduction of delays is an important objective, but expedition must not be permitted to compromise safety. Pressure to expedite is common but it is vital that this factor remains subject to the dominant requirement for safety.

Question 3

CAA Rules define priority guidelines to be applied by ATC within the FIR. Describe the fundamnetal traffic priorities

RAC 2-6 7

Answer 3

Provided safety is not jeopardised, traffic priorities shall be applied as follows:

1. Aircraft known or believed to be in a state of emergency or impaired operation has priority over all other aircraft; and
2. Aircraft landing, or in the final stages of an approach to land, has priority over a departing aircraft; and
3. Aircraft landing or taking off has priority over taxiing aircraft.

Question 4

Following Pilot Request what priorities shall be granted

RAC 2-6 7

Answer 4

• ambulance or mercy missions; and
• search and rescue; and
• civil defence or police emergencies; and
• carriage of heads-of-state, heads-of-government, or equivalent dignitaries.

Question 5

When are readbacks required for verbal coordination?

RAC 3-1 1.1

Answer 5

1. Clearances/instructions, as appropriate;
2. Estimate messages;
3. Information estimate messages;
4. Transfers of control;
5. Revisions to the significant point or level contained in an estimate message;
6. Approval requests;
7. Advice or information to be issued to aircraft.

Question 6

Describe when an “approval request” is required and the phraseology to be used

RAC 3-7 1.4.3

Answer 6

When a controlled flight’s elapsed time to a sector/unit boundary will not allow the required coordination, electronically or manually, within the time criteria specified for a CPL or estimate message, an approval for the flight shall be obtained from the accepting sector/unit.

Coordination shall be effected using the following phraseologies:

Transferring controller
“APPROVAL REQUEST (aircraft callsign, level) VIA (significant point) (any other relevant details)”

Accepting controller
“(aircraft callsign) (level) APPROVED [conditions/restrictions]”,
or
“(aircraft callsign) UNABLE TO APPROVE (alternative instructions/reasons)”

Question 7

Provide the elements of a verbal transfer of control message

RAC 3-8 1.5.2

Answer 7

• “(aircraft callsign)
• RELEASED [AT (transfer of control point)]
• CONTACT AT (RTF contact point) - if different from the transfer of control point
• [conditions/restrictions]”

Question 8

What are the accepting controllers responsibility?

RAC 3-9 1.5.4

Answer 8

If no objection is raised, be understood to have accepted the transfer of control in accordance with LOA/LUO or the terms offered;

Indicate any required amendments, including a change of cruising level or route if the level offered is below the MSA for the route sector or the minimum level above SUA within the accepting controller’s area of responsibility;

If necessary, specify any other information or clearance applicable at the transfer of control point.

Question 9

When shall transfer of control be effected?

RAC 3-9 1.5.6

Answer 9

Is within 10 NM of the aerodrome,

It is considered that approach and landing will be completed in visual reference to the ground,

Has reached uninterrupted visual meteorological conditions,

Is at a prescribed point or level,

Has landed,

As specified in LOA or LUO.

Question 10

Your separations and the phraseologies

RAC 3-10 1.5.7

Answer 10

During coordination, when it is necessary to specify or confirm who is providing separation, or where one controller may be able to offer a more expeditious resolution of a confliction than the other, the following phraseology shall be used:

“YOUR SEPARATION(callsign of traffic from which separation is required)”

Details of any information pertinent to the provision of separation shall be passed to the controller effecting the separation.

The phraseology “MY SEPARATION (callsign of conflicting traffic)” may be used in response to “YOUR SEPARATION”, or to further identify who is providing the separation.

Question 11

What is an ATC clearance

RAC 3-13 2.1.1

Answer 11

An ATC clearance is an authorisation for an aircraft to proceed under conditions specified by ATC.

Question 12

When is an ATC clearance required?

RAC 3-14 2.1.1

Answer 12

1. All aircraft, pedestrians and vehicles wishing to enter and operate on the manoeuvring area at a controlled aerodrome;
2. All flights wishing to enter and operate within the traffic circuit or to take-off or land at a controlled aerodrome;
3. All IFR flights to operate in class A, C and D airspace;
4. All VFR flights to operate in class C and D airspace;
5. All parachute descents in controlled airspace.

Question 13

When may an ATC clearance be withheld and what proviso’s apply?

RAC 3-14 2.1.1.1

Answer 13

An ATC clearance shall not be denied or withheld except:

for traffic reasons, when ATC cannot accommodate traffic additional to that already accepted due to traffic congestion, limitations of equipment, procedures, weather or environmental conditions, emergencies and other similar factors; or

when instructed by the General Manager Air Traffic Services provided that:

1. A clearance shall not be withheld unless the aircraft is on the ground and the clearance is for entry onto the manoeuvring area.
2. A normal ATC service shall be provided for any aircraft entering the manoeuvring area without an ATC clearance.

Question 14

What are the objectives of the instructions contained in an ATC clearance to an IFR Flight

RAC 3-17 2.1.4.2

Answer 14

Provide separation:
a.Where prescribed, between the aircraft concerned and other controlled flights; and
b. From SUA and GAA as required by RAC 5; and

A flight departing under radar control may be issued with initial track or level instructions which, while not providing separation for the entire route, will provide separation until it can be identified and instructed to climb under radar control.

Enable the flight to comply with the promulgated procedures for IFR flights published in the AIPNZ; and

Conform with the terms for acceptance of control by the next controlling authority; and

Conform, where possible, with the details requested in the flight plan and the Air Traffic Management route requirements as specified in the AIPNZ; and

Where the aircraft has flight planned for flight within controlled airspace, enable the aircraft to remain within controlled airspace, unless applying the criteria for direct routing on unevaluated routes.

If a clearance would involve a significant delay, a pilot may be offered an alternative which would take the aircraft out of controlled airspace, provided that:

1. The pilot is advised that the clearance will take the aircraft outside controlled airspace; and
2. The pilot confirms acceptance of the clearance.

Question 15

List the authoriszation words used in a clearance

RAC 3-23 2.2.3

Answer 15

“CLEARED [TO]”, “RECLEARED”,
“ENTER”, “LEAVE”,
“JOIN”, “MAKE”,
“REMAIN” “OPERATE”

Question 16

Describe Departure and Diversionary climb instructions issued to IFR departures from controlled aerodromes

RAC 3-31.2.2.8

Answer 16

Departure instructions shall be issued to all IFR flights from controlled aerodromes and take the form of one or more of the following:

1. Published instrument departure procedure i.e. Standard Instrument Departure (SID), including the SID transition where applicable, or other AIPNZ departure procedure
2. Radar SID
3. Visual departure (by day only)
4. Specified track or heading within an evaluated climb sector of an omnidirectional departure procedure
5. Climb above Enroute descent (Distance) steps or VORSEC chart steps
6. Specified local procedure as provided by ATS Policy and Standards.

Question 17

Describe the three conditions which must be achieved before the aircraft leaves the VORSEC chart sector on departure

RAC 3-33 2.2.8.5

Answer 17

Established on an evaluated route and at or above MSA or climbing above Enroute descent (Distance) steps for the route; or

Established under radar control and at or above the radar terrain map; or

Expected to be established under radar control en-route, and at or above 13,000ft or an approved area MSA.

Question 18

Describe when an aircraft may be issued with a VISUAL DEPARTURE

RAC 3-32 2.2.8.4

Answer 18

By day only, having due regard to prevailing MET conditions, an aircraft may be issued with a visual departure. The direction of turn shall be specified unless the aircraft is climbing straight ahead.

Question 19

An IFR aircraft may be cleared to join a DME ARC or the outbound track of the approach with a level restriction above conflicting traffic. What are the proviso’s

RAC 3-45 2.4.2

Answer 19

Reasonable assurance exists that the descent restriction can be cancelled and an approach clearance issued in sufficient time to allow the aircraft to fly an approach profile appropriate to the aircraft type; and

Approach clearance is issued before the aircraft intercepts the final approach track; and

Reason for the descent restriction is passed to the pilot.

Question 20

When an aircraft on an instrument approach is required to be integrated into the aerodrome circuit what are the proviso’s for issuing a descent restriction and what is the approved phraseology?

RAC 3-47 2.4.5

Answer 20

Reported or known cloud base is at least 1000 ft above the altitude specified in the descent restriction; and

Visibility is equal to or greater than 8 km;

Reason for the descent restriction is passed to the pilot.

“WHEN VISUAL, MAINTAIN (level). TRAFFIC IN THE CIRCUIT.
[REPORT SIGHTING (traffic to follow, etc)]”

Question 21

When may an IFR flight be cleared for a VISUAL APPROACH?

RAC 3-48 2.4.7.1

Answer 21

An IFR flight may be cleared for a visual approach by day or night, or a visual arrival procedure by day only, provided that:

1. Pilot requests a visual approach;
2. Reasonable assurance that the existing MET conditions will allow a visual approach to be carried out;
3. Traffic permits a visual approach, separation can be maintained and appropriate coordination has been carried out.

Question 22

Explain the Operation of Free Balloons near an Aerodrome

RAC 3-63 3.8

Answer 22

Authorisation is not required for the release of free (party) balloons under 1.5 m3 with a mass of 2 kg or less. CAA advise organisers that if such activity is planned near an aerodrome then they should advise the appropriate Tower. This information should be passed to aircraft where considered appropriate.

Question 23

What is the purpose of clearances, instructions and information issued by an Aerodrome Controller?

RAC 4-1 1.1.1

Answer 23

To achieve a safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic on and in the vicinity of an aerodrome with the object of preventing collision between:

1. Aircraft flying within the designated area of responsibility of the tower, including the circuit;
2. Aircraft landing and taking off;
3. Aircraft operating on the manoeuvring area;
4. Aircraft, vehicles and personnel operating on the manoeuvring area;
5. Aircraft on the manoeuvring area and obstructions on that area.

Question 24

What shall aerodrome controllers do in order to fulfill their responsibilities?

RAC 4-1 1.1

Answer 24

ATC shall issue clearances, instructions and information in a timely manner that can be acted upon by the pilot.

Question 25

When separation is not required, what shall clearances and instructions achieve?

RAC 4-1 1.1

Answer 25

When separation is not required in accordance with airspace classification, clearances and instructions shall achieve a safe and orderly flow of air traffic and provide the foundation for effective traffic information.

Question 26

Define the Vicinity of an Aerodrome

RAC 4-1 1.3

Answer 26

Vicinity of an aerodrome is defined as an area around an aerodrome where aircraft carry out manoeuvres associated with entering, leaving or operating within a circuit.

The actual dimensions of the vicinity of an aerodrome and the circuit depend on the characteristics of aircraft types using the airspace

Question 27

Describe how you would use the phrases Grass, Seal, Runway?

RAC 4-3.3.3

Answer 27

“GRASS (number)” is used to describe the unpaved or partially paved parallel runway; and either

“SEAL (number)” is used to describe the paved runway if the aircraft in question is capable of landing on either parallel runway; or

“RUNWAY (number)” is used to describe the paved runway if the aircraft in question is not capable of landing on the unpaved parallel runway.

Question 28

What is local traffic?

RAC 4-4 4.1.2

Answer 28

Any aircraft, vehicle or personnel on or near the manoeuvring area, or traffic operating in the vicinity of the aerodrome that may constitute a hazard to the aircraft concerned.

Question 29

Conditional line up clearnaces. When can they be used and what are the elements of the clearance?

RAC 4-12 7.1.1

Answer 29

1. Aerodrome controller and pilot have the conflicting traffic in sight; and
2. Aerodrome controller can monitor the situation; and
3. Conditional aircraft is identified by type and position and any other information necessary to ensure correct identification; and
4. Only one aircraft is to be lined up (no multiple line ups permitted); and
5. Aircraft or vehicle causing the condition in the clearance shall be the first aircraft/vehicle to pass in front of the aircraft receiving the conditional clearance; and
6. Preceding departing aircraft has been cleared to take-off; or
7. Conditional arriving aircraft is number one to land.

The clearance shall be given as follows:
* Callsign
* The condition
* The clearance
* A brief reiteration of the condition.

Question 30

When can an aircraft be cleared to line-up on a crossing runway?

RAC 4-13 7.1.3

Answer 30

An aircraft may be cleared to line up when another aircraft on a crossing runway is landing or taking-off, provided a specific instruction to wait, along with appropriate traffic information, is issued and acknowledged.

Question 31

When may a departing aircraft be issued with a qualified takeoff clearance before a preceding landing or departing aircraft has cleared the runway?

RAC 4-15 7.2.1

Answer 31

During daylight hours; and

Visibility is 5 km or greater; and

There is a reasonable assurance that the appropriate runway separation will exist at the time the departing aircraft commences take-off; and

Pilot is advised of the preceding departing or landing aircraft (or personnel/vehicle crossing/vacating the runway), and will be able to keep it in sight until runway separation is in place.

Question 32

Explain what is meant by a patterned/sequenced traffic configuration?

RAC 4-17 9

Answer 32

Aircraft in an aerodrome circuit pattern shall be provided with clearances, instructions and information that create a patterned and sequenced flow.

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Question 33

How is sequencing of an aircraft in the Circuit achieved?

RAC 4-17 9.1

Answer 33

1. Enter the circuit at a specified position and/or level
2. Follow a specified circuit or part circuit
3. Hold over a specified position
4. Orbit (right or left) from a particular position
5. Extend or shorten legs of the circuit
6. Follow any other specified manoeuvre, or combinations of the above, compatible with safety

Question 34

When may an arriving aircraft be issued with a qualified landing clearnace before a preceding landing or departing aircraft or vehicle has cleared the runway?

RAC 4-19 9.6.1

Answer 34

During daylight hours; and

Visibility is 5 km or greater; and

Preceding landing aircraft has crossed the threshold; and

Reasonable assurance that the appropriate runway separation will exist at the time the approaching aircraft crosses the threshold; and

Pilot is advised of the preceding departing or landing vehicle crossing/vacating the runway), and will be able to keep it in sight until aircraft (or personnel/ runway separation is in place

Question 35

Quote the phraseology for the approving of, or denying of a simulated engine failure after take-off

RAC 4-24 13

Answer 35

Simulated engine failure after take-off:
“EXERCISE APPROVED REPORT COMPLETE [take-off clearance]”, or
“NOT AVAILABLE [reason] [take-off clearance]”.

Question 36

Who gets separated from who?

RAC 5-2 201.1

Answer 36

Separation shall be provided:
1. Between all flights in class A airspace;
2. Between IFR flights in class C and D airspaces, except that separation is not provided during the hours of daylight in class D airspace when flights have been cleared to climb or descend subject to maintaining own separation and remaining in VMC;
3. Between IFR and VFR flights in class C airspace;
4. Between IFR flights and Special VFR flights;
5. Between Special VFR flights when the flight visibility is reported to be less than 5 km;
6. Between all flights taking-off and/or land
7. Between an aircraft without an operable transponder and all other flights (IFR or VFR) known or believed to be ACAS equipped, in addition to any separation required by airspace classification. Separation can be achieved by:
A. a minimum of 1000 ft vertical separation; or
B. keeping the aircraft without an operable transponder on routes or in portions of airspace that are separated from the ACAS aircraft (horizontal separation); or
C. visual separation provided that pilot of the ACAS equipped aircraft is advised that the other aircraft is without an operable transponder.

Question 37

When shall separation be increased?

RAC 5-3 201.3

Answer 37

1. Requested by a pilot or considered necessary by the controller; or
2. Pilot reports severe turbulence or mountain wave activity or the aircraft is known to be entering an area of severe turbulence or mountain wave activity; or
3. Navigational accuracy of an aircraft may be impaired; or
4. Failure of a navigational aid reduces the capacity for frequent determination of position and speed; or
5. Aircraft is experiencing communications failure; or
6. Aircraft’s performance is abnormal; or
7. Aircraft is being subjected to unlawful interference

Question 38

Define “adequate separation”

RAC 5-5 202.1

Answer 38

Spacing required to maintain the safe operation of aircraft, or to achieve runway and wake turbulence separation, without the need for sudden or violent manoeuvres

Question 39

Describe fully, visual separation in the vicinity of aerodromes

RAC 5-6 202.2/4

Answer 39

Adequate separation can be provided by the aerodrome controller when each aircraft is continuously visible to this controller. The range at which this separation can be applied will be determined by the ambient weather and aircraft size. It shall not be applied beyond 10 NM from the aerodrome; or

Each aircraft is continuously visible to the pilot of the other aircraft concerned and both pilots report that they can maintain visual separation; or

In the case of one aircraft following another, the pilot of the succeeding aircraft reports having the preceding aircraft in sight, and can maintain visual separation.

Before horizontal or vertical separation is reduced, the succeeding aircraft shall be:
a. abeam of or behind the other aircraft; or
b. following a track or circuit pattern that will assure sequencing.

Question 40

What is composite visual separation and how may aerodrome control use it?

RAC 5-7 202.5

Answer 40

Composite visual separation is the application of a combination of visual and geographical separation, in circumstances where only one aircraft is visible to the aerodrome controller, but both the position and the track of a conflicting aircraft are known, and the standard application of either separation is not practicable.

Question 41

Explain Crossing/Same/Reciprocal Tracks

RAC 5-16 205.2

Answer 41

Same/Reciprocal - Any track which intersects another at less than 45° from a particular direction of flight and from its reciprocal or, parallel same direction or reciprocal tracks not otherwise separated.

Crossing - Any track which intersects another at 45° or morefrom a particular direction of flight and from its reciprocal.

Question 42

Geographical separation maybe applied in the CTR and terminal area between which aircraft?

RAC 5-21 207.1

Answer 42

1. VFR and IFR aircraft;
2. IFR aircraft provided at least one of the aircraft is operating by visual reference;
3. SVFR aircraft operating in a CTR and IFR aircraft;
4. SVFR aircraft within a CTR

Question 43

How is Geographical separation applied between an aircraft operating by visual reference; wishing to cross the final approach path of an arriving IFR aircraft?

RAC 5-21 207.1

Answer 43

It has been confirmed by tower radar or a report from the IFR aircraft that the IFR aircraft in the instrument sector has passed abeam the position of the aircraft operating by visual reference or the position via which the aircraft will be routing;
The aircraft proceeding by visual reference shall be instructed to pass behind the IFR aircraft.

Question 44

Describe the limitations due to slant range for using D20 and D10

RAC 5-30 211.1

Answer 44

D20 separations are valid for any altitude/flight level;
D10 separations are valid up to and including FL290, provided that both aircraft are on the same side of a DME station;
D10 separations are valid up to and including FL150 when aircraft are on opposite sides of a DME station.

Question 45

State all parts of the separation standard used to separate successive IFR departures when the leading aircraft is slower than the following aircraft

RAC 5-38 302.2

Answer 45

Initial departure tracks diverge by 30° or more, and

Visual or radar observation confirms that:

The leading aircraft has turned and is clear of and moving away from the proposed departure track of the following aircraft and adequate separation will exist; or

The leading aircraft is climbing straight ahead and has reached a point where adequate separation will exist with the following aircraft, and assurance exists that the controller will be able to visually observe the following aircraft turning away from this track. Confirmation shall be obtained that adequate separation will exist (DME reports, tower radar observation, reports from the leading aircraft); and

The aircraft tracks will continue to diverge by 30° or more until some other form of separation exists, and

Aircraft performance, including the radius of turn of the following aircraft, is taken into account; and

Met conditions, including wind direction and strength, are taken into account; and
Where necessary, traffic information is passed to the following aircraft.

Question 46

When may a succeeding aircraft be cleared for instrument approach; with a preceding aircraft on initial, intermediate or final approach?
What precaution must be considered?

RAC 5-42 304.2

Answer 46

The leading aircraft:

Is in communication with and sighted by the aerodrome controller; and

Reasonable assurance exists that a normal landing can be accomplished; and

The vertical spacing between aircraft shall never be less than the applicable vertical separation minima until visual separation can be applied; and

Separation can be maintained in the event of a missed approach; or

Is on a visual approach and reasonable assurance exists that a normal landing can be accomplished, provided the vertical spacing between aircraft shall never be less than the applicable vertical separation minima or radar separation is maintained until visual separation can be applied;

Question 47

Wake Turbulence Separation minima (Non-radar) which departing flights shall be provided with Wake Turbulence Separation?

(Plus examiner’s choice from the table in MATS)
RAC 5-49 307.6

Answer 47

From the same runway; or

From parallel runways separated by less than 760 m where there is the possibility of the leading aircraft wake turbulence affecting the following aircraft; or

If the projected flight paths are expected to cross at the same altitude or less than 1000 ft below.

Heavy/Medium vs Light:
2 mins - same position
3 mins - intermediate position

Question 48

What are the Wake Turbulence Separation minima (Non-radar), for opposite direction runway operations and when shall it be applied

RAC 5-51 307.9

Answer 48

The separations shall be applied if the projected flight paths are expected to cross or if there is a possibility of wake turbulence affecting the second aircraft and the aircraft are operating:

From an opposite direction on the same runway; or

From opposite direction parallel runways separated by less than 760 m.

Time -
S v H/M/L = 3mins
S v S = 2mins
H v M/L = 2mins
M v L = 2mins

Question 49

Using aircraft A and aircraft B; describe the single runway separation standards for aircraft on TAKE-OFF?

RAC 5-54 401.3.1

Answer 49

A preceding departing aircraft A has started a turn or crossed the end of the runway-in-use.

Day or night and the runway is longer than 1800 m, lead aircraft A is airborne and 1800 m ahead of Aircraft B.

Both aircraft have MCTOW of 7000 kg or less: Airborne and at least 1000 m ahead.

Both aircraft have MCTOW of 2300 kg or less: airborne and at least 600 m ahead.

Question 50

To use reduced runway seps what are the criteria?

RAC 5-53 401.2

Answer 50

Daylight operations only; and

Visibility is 5 km or greater, and conditions do not prevent the pilot from making an early assessment of conditions on the runway; and

Braking action is unlikely to be adversely affected by runway contaminants; and

Specified longitudinal distances are able to be readily determined by the aerodrome controller by reference to prominent markers or features; and

Pertinent traffic information that will enable the following aircraft to sight the preceding aircraft is issued; and

it is considered by the aerodrome controller that there is no risk of collision.

Question 51

Using aircraft A and aircraft B; describe the single runway separation standards for aircraft for LANDING ?

RAC 5-56 401.3.3

Answer 51

Standard Runway Separation

An aircraft B may be permitted to cross the runway threshold to land when the following conditions exist:

A preceding landing aircraft A is clear of the runway.

Question 52

With aircraft in the circuit; when may an aircraft be cleared for TAKE OFF on a CROSSING RUNWAY?

RAC 5-59 401.5.1

Answer 52

An aircraft A may cleared for take-off when:

A preceding aircraft B taking off on a crossing runway has crossed and is clear of the intersection; or
A preceding aircraft C landing on a crossing runway has crossed and is clear of the intersection; or
A preceding aircraft D that has landed on a crossing runway has stopped short of and is clear of the intersection.

Question 53

What aircraft are being provided with an alerting service?

RAC 7-1 1

Answer 53

for all aerodrome traffic when ATS is in attendance; and

for all aircraft:
1. Operating under a VFR (CAR 91.307)/IFR (CAR 91.407) flight plan; or
2. Otherwise known by ATS to be in need of assistance; or
3. Known or believed to be the subject of unlawful interference.

Question 54

What shall an ATS unit do when it is known that an aircraft is in a state of emergency or is in need of assistance?

RAC 7-1 1

Answer 54

Give priority to and render all possible assistance to the aircraft;
Declare the appropriate emergency phase; and

Take actions in accordance with guidance and instructions in:
1. RAC 7;
2. the IFERC - for airborne emergencies beyond the area of jurisdiction of;
3. the AEP - for aircraft emergencies at or in the vicinity of an aerodrome as described in the plan.

Question 55

In response to an in-flight emergency ATS personnel shall do what?

RAC 7-1 1.1

Answer 55

Provide reasonable assistance and/or advice to the pilot of an aircraft operating under abnormal circumstances or declaring an emergency, in an endeavour to have the pilot:

Maintain or regain control of the aircraft; and/or

Resume normal operation in appropriate airspace; and/or

Land the aircraft safely; and

Provide reasonable advice to any other pilot assisting such a pilot.

Question 56

Describe the Local standby phase?

RAC 7-2 3

Answer 56

When an aircraft is known or is suspected to have developed some defect but the trouble is not such as would normally involve any serious difficulty in effecting a safe landing.

Declaration of the local standby phase will bring all aerodrome-based emergency services to a state of readiness but, in general, although off-aerodrome components may be notified, they will remain at their posts.

Question 57

Describe the Full emergency phase?
RAC 7-2 3

Answer 57

When an aircraft is, or is suspected to be, in such trouble that there is a possibility of an accident.

Declaration of the full emergency phase will bring all facilities, both on the aerodrome and in the community - such as medical and ambulance services, police and fire services - to a rendezvous point on the aerodrome.

It will also alert the hospital to prepare for possible reception of injured, and for road traffic control between the town and the aerodrome to clear the way for emergency
vehicles

Question 58

Describe the Crash phase?

RAC 7-2 3

Answer 58

When an aircraft accident has occurred, or is considered imminent, on or in the vicinity of the aerodrome.

Declaration of the crash phase will bring all facilities to immediate action

Question 59

Describe the differences between INCERFA, ALERFA, DETRESFA

RAC 7-4 4

Answer 59

Uncertainty Phase (INCERFA): When uncertainty exists as to the safety of an aircraft and its occupants.

Alert Phase (ALERFA): When apprehension exists as to the safety of an aircraft and its occupants.

Distress Phase (DETRESFA): When there is reasonable certainty that an aircraft and its occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger and require immediate assistance.

Question 60

When shall an INCERFA be declared because uncertainty exists as to the safety of the aircraft and its occupants?
(list of bullet points)

RAC 7-5 4.1

Answer 60

Because the aircraft is:

Not on its proper track or at the correct level; or

Not in normal communications; or

Experiencing navigation difficulties; or

Experiencing hazardous meteorological conditions; or

Operating at night when the pilot or aircraft is limited to daylight operations; or

Declared emergency flight; or

Aircraft for which no flight plan has been lodged and notification is received that it is missing.