PSR Identification

Question 1

What are PSR Identification methods?

Answer 1

The Turn Method
Departing Aircraft Method
Position Report Method

Question 2

Describe the Turn Method

Answer 2

Ascertain the aircrafts heading.

Issue one or more changes of heading at least 30 degrees.

Correlate the observed movement with the Position Indication.

Question 3

What must be considered before instructing an aircraft to turn for identification?

Answer 3

Terrain
PSR Coverage
Other PSR Returns
Rules of the Air
Proximity of Controlled airspace boundary

Question 4

Describe the Departing Aircraft Method

Answer 4

Correlating the Position Indication of a departing aircraft to a known airborne time.

Identification is to be achieved within 1nm of the runway.

Question 5

What must be considered before using the departing aircraft method for identification?

Answer 5

Take care to avoid confusion with

Aircraft overflying the airfield
Aircraft making a Missed Approach
Aircraft departing from an adjacent runway
Aircraft holding overhead the airfield

Question 6

Describe the Position Report Method

Answer 6

Aircraft over, or a bearing/distance from a reporting point, VRP or other geographical location under PSR coverage.

Correlated to the Position Indication that is consistent with the report.

Question 7

What must ATCOs be aware of when using the Position Report Method?

Answer 7

Use an alternative method if there is any doubt concerning the identification.

The appropriate ATS authority may prescribe conditions for the application of these methods.

Question 8

How can misidentification happen?

Answer 8

Incorrect assumptions concerning identity
Identification procedures not correctly applied
Turn Method - two aircraft make co-incident turns
Pilot makes inaccurate position report which coincides with position of another aircraft

Question 9

What are the ATCO actions in a misidentification event?

Answer 9

Tell the Pilot, and instruct to resume own navigation
Climb aircraft to safe level if necessary
Provide vertical separation from other aircraft and pass essential traffic information
Continue to search for aircraft. Make use of Direction finding (DF) facilities (triangulation)
Cancel any descent clearance and advise pilot to climb back to original level

Question 10

Should a pilot be advised whenever identity is lost?

Answer 10

A pilot shall be advised whenever identification is lost.