Oral board questions Flashcards
Explain the meaning of “SHALL”
RAC 1-1 1.1
“SHALL” is used when application of the procedure is mandatory.
Explain the meaning of “SHOULD”
RAC 1-1 1.1
“SHOULD” is used when application of the procedure is recommended.
Explain the meaning of “MAY”
RAC 1-1 1.1
“MAY” or “NEED NOT” are used when the application of the procedure is optional.
Explain the meaning of “WILL”
RAC 1-1 1.1
“WILL” is used to indicate futurity, never to indicate any degree of requirement for application of a procedure.
The objectives of Air Traffic Services are
RAC 2-1
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.
The elimination or reduction of delays is an important objective. What takes precedence?
RAC 2-1
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.
What particular information shall be passed to aircraft operator representatives?
RAC 2-5 6
- Any significant meteorological development or aerodrome unserviceability which may affect the company’s operation.
- Anticipated delays to arriving or departing aircraft that are likely to be significant to operations.
- Whenever a company’s aircraft enters the uncertainty, alert or distress phase.
CAA Rules define priority guidelines to be applied by ATC within the FIR. Describe the fundamnetal traffic priorities
RAC 2-6 7
Provided safety is not jeopardised, traffic priorities shall be applied as follows:
- an aircraft known or believed to be in a state of emergency or impaired operation has priority over all other aircraft; and
- an aircraft landing, or in the final stages of an approach to land, has priority over a departing aircraft; and
- an aircraft landing or taking off has priority over taxiing aircraft.
Following Pilot Request what priorities shall be granted
RAC 2-6 7
- 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.
Priority shall be given to the first able to use the airspace or manoeuvring area except?
RAC 2-7 7.2
- where a more orderly flow or a significant economic benefit for a number of other aircraft would result by deferring this priority;
- RVSM approved aircraft shall have priority for level allocation over non-RVSM approved aircraft within the RVSM stratum. A non-RVSM State aircraft (military, customs or police service) shall be afforded the same priority within the RVSM stratum as an RVSM approved aircraft.
- Where a significantly greater economic penalty to another aircraft would result, eg. by permitting a light aircraft to operate ahead of a jet aircraft;
- Aircraft operating in the normal pattern shall be given priority over aircraft desiring to operate in conflicting patterns;
- As a general principle, aircraft in the climb should be given preference for routing against arriving aircraft of similar type;
- Flights requiring to operate in other than the normal pattern for operational rather than training reasons should be given the same priority as other flights, unless this introduces a complex traffic situation;
- Where a training instrument approach has been approved, normal priority shall be given to the aircraft from the time it commences final approach;
- Where prior arrangement has been made for flight inspection checks and a priority has been predetermined;
- An aircraft may be given priority for a cruising level within the Auckland Oceanic FIR in accordance with procedures published in ICAO Doc 7030, or an ATS letter of agreement;
- Where other agreed priorities have been established within airspace designated as RNP airspace under Part 71;
- Where PBN has been implemented, priority may be given to PBN operations over non-PBN operations.
When are readbacks required for verbal coordination?
RAC 3-1 1.1
- clearances/instructions, as appropriate;
- estimate messages;
- information estimate messages;
- transfers of control;
- revisions to the significant point or level contained in an estimate message;
- approval requests;
- advice or information to be issued to aircraft.
What are the contents of a non-radar estimate message from aerodrome/approach to area control?
RAC 3-4 1.4.1
- “DEPARTURE (aircraft callsign)
- (departure/set heading time . . . (minutes only))”
and, irrespective of whether the coordination (ESTIMATE) is electronic or verbal,
* advice of any other traffic which could cause a misidentification, and
* advice of any other traffic relevant to the departing flight at the time of release, and
* advice of any ATS special handling priority request.
Describe when an “approval request” is required and the phraseology to be used
RAC 3-7 1.4.3
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)”
Provide the elements of a verbal transfer of control message
RAC 3-8 1.5.2
“(aircraft callsign)
RELEASED [AT (transfer of control point)]
CONTACT AT (RTF contact point) - if different from the transfer of control point
[conditions/restrictions]”
What are the accepting controllers responsibility?
RAC 3-9 1.5.4
- if no objection is raised, be understood to have accepted the transfer of control in accordance with LOA/LUO or the terms offered; or
- 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; and
- if necessary, specify any other information or clearance applicable at the transfer of control point.
When shall transfer of control be effected?
RAC 3-9 1.5.6
- is within 10 NM of the aerodrome, and
- it is considered that approach and landing will be completed in visual reference to the ground, or
- has reached uninterrupted visual meteorological conditions, or
- is at a prescribed point or level, or
- has landed, or
- as specified in LOA or LUO.
Describe the conditions and phraseology for obtaining an early release in a non-radar environment?
RAC 3-10 1.5.8
Verbal coordination is required prior to an accepting controller climbing an arriving aircraft, descending a departing aircraft or instructing an aircraft to hold while the aircraft is still in the transferring controller’s airspace.
An early release may be requested using the following phraseology:
“MAY I ASSUME CONTROL OF (callsign)”; or
“REQUEST RELEASE OF (callsign)”
Your separations and the phraseologies
RAC 3-10 1.5.7
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.
What is an ATC clearance
RAC 3-13 2.1.1
An ATC clearance is an authorisation for an aircraft to proceed under conditions specified by ATC.
When is an ATC clearance required?
RAC 3-14 2.1.1
- all aircraft, pedestrians and vehicles wishing to enter and operate on the manoeuvring area at a controlled aerodrome;
- all flights wishing to enter and operate within the traffic circuit or to take-off or land at a controlled aerodrome;
- all IFR flights to operate in class A, C and D airspace;
- all VFR flights to operate in class C and D airspace;
- all parachute descents in controlled airspace.
When may an ATC clearance be withheld and what proviso’s apply?
RAC 3-14 2.1.1.1
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:
- A clearance shall not be withheld unless the aircraft is on the ground and the clearance is for entry onto the manoeuvring area.
- A normal ATC service shall be provided for any aircraft entering the manoeuvring area without an ATC clearance.
Describe the instructions and info that must be readback in full by a pilot and what are the two exceptions to a full readback in domestic airspace?
RAC 3-16 2.1.3
Where the following are transmitted by voice, pilots are required to make a full readback followed by their aircraft callsign:
- ATC route clearances
- clearances and instructions (including conditional clearances) to operate on the manoeuvring area at a controlled aerodrome including:
1. clearances to land on or take off from any runway;
2. clearances to enter, cross, taxi on, or backtrack on any runway;
3. instructions to remain on or hold clear of any runway;
4. taxi instructions including a taxi route and holding position where specified
5. runway-in-use
6. altimeter settings
7. SSR codes
8. level instructions
9. heading and speed instructions
10. frequency, after frequency change instructions
except that:
* pilots waiting to cross a runway may acknowledge a clearance to cross with the phrase “CROSSING (callsign)”
* pilots of VFR aircraft cleared to route via a published arrival or departure procedure requested by them may acknowledge the clearance with their callsign
What are the objectives of the instructions contained in an ATC clearance to an IFR Flight
RAC 3-17 2.1.4.2
- 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.
List the authoriszation words used in a clearance
RAC 3-23 2.2.3
“CLEARED [TO]”,
“RECLEARED”,
“ENTER”,
“LEAVE”,
“JOIN”,
“MAKE”,
“REMAIN”
“OPERATE”
The term “Flight Planned Route” should be avoided. to which flights should it be limited to?
RAC 3-24 2.2.5.2
????
What is a non-standard level and what procedures are to be followed when using one?
RAC 3-28 2.2.7.3
A non-standard level is one that is not appropriate to track, in accordance with the applicable Table of Cruising Levels.
Prior to the aircraft reaching the boundary of an ATS sector, verbal approval shall be obtained from the subsequent sector/unit for the flight to continue at the non-standard level.
Aircraft at standard flight levels should be afforded priority over aircraft using non-standard flight levels.
When clearing a controlled flight at a non-standard level, the words “NON-STANDARD” shall prefix the level except for departing oceanic flights that are cleared at a correct level for oceanic flight in accordance with the Level Instructions above.
What is the correct phraseology for authorising a DISTANCE or VORSEC chart step descent?
RAC 3-29 22.7.6
When authorising an Enroute descent (Distance) step or VORSEC/VORTAC chart step climb or descent procedure:
“CLIMB ABOVE/DESCEND DISTANCE STEPS TO (level)”
“CLIMB ABOVE/DESCEND VORSEC/VORTAC CHART STEPS TO (level)”
Describe Departure and Diversionary climb instructions issued to IFR departures from controlled aerodromes
RAC 3-31.2.2.8
Departure instructions shall be issued to all IFR flights from controlled aerodromes and take the form of one or more of the following:
- Published instrument departure procedure i.e. Standard Instrument Departure (SID), including the SID transition where applicable, or other AIPNZ departure procedure
- Radar SID
- Visual departure (by day only)
- Specified track or heading within an evaluated climb sector of an omnidirectional departure procedure
- Climb above Enroute descent (Distance) steps or VORSEC chart steps
- Specified local procedure as provided by ATS Policy and Standards.
What is the correct phraseology for “specifying a rate of climb or descent” ?
RAC 3-35 2.2.10.2
“CLIMB AT 1000 FEET PER MINUTE MAXIMUM (or MINIMUM)”
“DESCEND AT 800 FEET PER MINUTE MINIMUM (or MAXIMUM)”
What is the correct phraseology for “Authorising DME or VORSEC chart step descent” ?
RAC 3-34 2.2.8.6
“CLIMB ABOVE DISTANCE STEPS”
“CLIMB ABOVE VORSEC CHART STEPS”
What is the correct phraseology for “arresting a climb or descent” ?
RAC 3-35 2.2.10.2
????
What is the correct phraseology for “requiring level to be reached by a reporting point”?
RAC 3-35 2.2.10.2
“CROSS (reporting point) (level/altitude) OR ABOVE/BELOW”
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
- 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.
Describe when an aircraft may be issued with a VISUAL DEPARTURE
RAC 3-32 2.2.8.4
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.
What is the purpose of passing an expected approach time?
RAC 3-42 2.3.4
- Expected approach times enable the pilot to determine whether to divert or hold,
- Assist the pilot to position the aircraft to take advantage of an approach clearance,
- Form the basis on which action will be taken following communications failure.
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
- a 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
- the approach clearance is issued before the aircraft intercepts the final approach track; and
- the reason for the descent restriction is passed to the pilot.
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. Detail the proviso’s and give examples of the phraseologies to be used
RAC 3-45 2.4.2
??????
Phraseologies:
“JOIN 10 DME ARC FOR VOR/DME APPROACH RWY 16, MAINTAIN …. FEET, TRAFFIC … …”
or
“TRACK OUTBOUND ON 102 DEGREES FOR TWIN NDB APPROACH RWY 25, MAINTAIN …. FEET, TRAFFIC … …”
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
- the 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; and
- the reason for the descent restriction is passed to the pilot.
“WHEN VISUAL, MAINTAIN (level). TRAFFIC IN THE CIRCUIT.
[REPORT SIGHTING (traffic to follow, etc)]”
When may an IFR flight be cleared for a VISUAL APPROACH?
RAC 3-48 2.4.7.1
An IFR flight may be cleared for a visual approach by day or night, or a visual arrival procedure by day only, provided that:
- the pilot requests a visual approach; and
- there is reasonable assurance that the existing MET conditions will allow a visual approach to be carried out; and
- traffic permits a visual approach, separation can be maintained and appropriate coordination has been carried out.
Explain the Operation of Free Balloons near an Aerodrome
RAC 3-63 3.8
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.
What is the purpose of clearances, instructions and information issued by an Aerodrome Controller?
RAC 4-1 1.1.1
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:
- Aircraft flying within the designated area of responsibility of the tower, including the circuit;
- Aircraft landing and taking off;
- Aircraft operating on the manoeuvring area;
- Aircraft, vehicles and personnel operating on the manoeuvring area;
- Aircraft on the manoeuvring area and obstructions on that area.
What shall aerodrome controllers do in order to fulfill their responsibilities?
RAC 4-1 1.1
ATC shall issue clearances, instructions and information in a timely manner that can be acted upon by the pilot.
When separation is not required, what shall clearances and instructions achieve?
RAC 4-1 1.1
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.
Aerodrome controllers shall, as early as practicable, establish and maintain visual identify of aircraft entering the traffic circuit. how is this identification established?
RAC 4-1 1.1.2
Identification shall be established by correlation of observation with:
1. Aircraft type and distinctive markings
2. Position reports, direction of flight or reported manoeuvres
3. At night, requesting an aircraft to show a distinctive light, e.g. “SHOW A LANDING LIGHT”.
Define the Vicinity of an Aerodrome
RAC 4-1 1.3
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
What are the provisos that apply in requiring or permitting aircraft to carry out non-standard circuits?
RAC 4-2 2
- Such non-standard manoeuvres are not specifically precluded; and
- Adequate control can be maintained.
What must a controller bear in mind when clearing an aircraft to land or take off from a runway or grass strip other than the one in use?
RAC 4-3 3.2
Aircraft may be cleared to take-off or land on a runway other than the one in use provided a safe and orderly flow is maintained. Consideration shall be given to potential go-arounds.
In choosing a runway in use, other than wind, what other factors should be taken into account?
RAC 4-2 3.1
- The aerodrome traffic circuits,
- Available runway length,
- The position of the sun,
- The approach and landing aids available,
- Potential noise nuisance and noise abatement procedures.
Describe how you would use the phrases Grass, Seal, Runway?
RAC 4-3.3.3
“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.
What is local traffic?
RAC 4-4 4.1.2
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.
