Section 1, Chapter 1 - Air Traffic Services Flashcards
Q: How are Air Traffic Services within the UK regulated and aligned with international standards?
A: Air Traffic Services within the UK are provided in accordance with the Air Navigation Order, Rules of the Air Regulations, and Standardised European Rules of the Air. These regulations generally align with the Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
What does the Manual of Air Traffic Services allow controllers to do in response to unusual circumstances not covered by the procedures?
The Manual of Air Traffic Services allows controllers to use their own discretion and initiative in response to unusual circumstances not covered by the procedures.
What language is mandated by ICAO for all operational communications at ATSUs within the UK?
The English language is mandated for all operational communications at ATSUs within the UK, in accordance with ICAO requirements.
What are the different types of services included under the generic term “Air Traffic Service”?
The term “Air Traffic Service” includes:
- Air Traffic Control Service
- Air Traffic Advisory Service
- Flight Information Service
- Alerting Service
In units providing both Flight Information Service and Air Traffic Control Service, which service takes precedence?
Air Traffic Control Service takes precedence over Flight Information Service whenever required.
What are the objectives of air traffic services?
The objectives of air traffic services are to:
- Prevent collisions between aircraft.
- Prevent collisions between aircraft and obstructions on the manoeuvring area.
- Expedite and maintain an orderly flow of air traffic.
- Provide advice and information for the safe and efficient conduct of flights.
- Notify and assist appropriate organizations regarding aircraft in need of search and rescue aid.
(Note: ATS personnel are not solely responsible for collision prevention; pilots and vehicle drivers also have responsibilities. Compliance with procedures in the Manual and MATS Part 2 meets these objectives.
What are the provisions of an Air Traffic Control (ATC) Service?
An Air Traffic Control (ATC) Service includes the provision of pertinent flight information and is provided as follows (SERA.8001):
To all IFR flights in airspace Classes A, B, C, D, and E.
To all VFR flights in airspace Classes B, C, and D.
To all special VFR flights.
To all aerodrome traffic at controlled aerodromes.
What is an Air Traffic Advisory Service and where is it provided?
An Air Traffic Advisory Service is provided within Class F airspace to ensure separation, as far as practical, between participating IFR flights.
Class F airspace is not currently established in the UK FIRs
What is a Flight Information Service (FIS) and what types of information does it provide?
A Flight Information Service (FIS) is a service provided to give advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights. It includes:
- SIGMET and AIRMET information.
- Information on pre-eruption volcanic activity, volcanic eruptions, and volcanic ash clouds.
- Information on the release of radioactive materials or toxic chemicals.
- Changes in the availability of radio navigation services.
- Changes in the condition of aerodromes and associated facilities, including the state of movement areas affected by snow, ice, or water.
- Information on unmanned free balloons.
- Information on space weather phenomena affecting high frequency radio communications, satellite communications, GNSS-based navigation, and surveillance systems, or posing a radiation risk to aircraft occupants.
- Any other information likely to affect safety (SERA.9005(a)).
How are ICAO requirements for Flight Information Service met in Class G airspace in the UK?
In Class G airspace, ICAO requirements for Flight Information Service are met through a suite of services known as the ‘UK Flight Information Services,’ as detailed in CAP 774 – UK Flight Information Services.
What is the purpose of an Alerting Service in air traffic?
An Alerting Service is provided to notify appropriate organizations regarding aircraft in need of search and rescue (SAR) aid and to assist such organizations as required.
What should be considered when deviating from basic air traffic procedures to expedite traffic?
Deviations from basic procedures to expedite traffic should be carefully considered against the extent of required coordination and the risk of error. Controllers should only deviate when sure that the coordination can be carried out without excessive workload and without compromising safety.
Additionally, controllers working together should monitor each other’s actions to safeguard against errors or omissions.
