Section 3, Chapter 3 - Aerodrome Operations Flashcards
What are the key procedures and regulations for VFR circuits at an aerodrome?
Notification and Heights:
- Circuit Activity: Aerodrome Control (ADC) notifies APC when circuits are active and when they cease.
- Normal Circuit Heights:
- 1000ft QFE
- 1500ft QNH for jets
- Low-Level Circuits: Approval at the discretion of the Aerodrome Controller.
Circuit Directions:
- Preferred Directions:
- 25/17 - Right Hand
- 07/35 - Left Hand
- Variation: May vary based on traffic situations.
Integration and Holding:
- Integration: ADC integrates circuit traffic with other arriving/departing traffic.
- Holding Points:
- Normal: Downwind leg
- Not on base leg or final approach
- Restrictions: ADC may limit the number of VFR aircraft in the circuit for traffic reasons.
- Inbound VFR Traffic: May hold to integrate into traffic pattern, coordinated with APR Control.
Circuit Squawks:
- ATZ Boundary: ‘Vicinity of the aerodrome traffic pattern’ interpreted as within the ATZ boundary.
- Squawk Assignments:
- Assign Squawk 7010 within the circuit.
- Consider Squawk 7010 Mode C unvalidated and unverified.
- Ensure aircraft leaving the circuit switch to a discrete code or Squawk 7000.
Safety Instructions:
* Controllers may instruct aircraft to use transponder STANDBY if necessary for safety.
* Such instructions are exceptional due to reduced ACAS protection.
What instructions are prohibited for solo student pilots during VFR circuits?
- Immediate take-off
- Tight circuits
- Orbit on final approach (unless specifically requested by the pilot)
- Excessively early turns on climb out
What should ATC do if they receive advance warning of practice engine failures after take-off?
Notify the Rescue and Firefighting Services (RFFS): ATC must advise the RFFS if they are given advance warning of practice engine failures on take-off.
What are the key procedures for VFR departures at an aerodrome?
Key Procedures for VFR Departures:
Pre-Taxi Instructions:
Advise aircraft of:
* Current ATIS letter
* QNH
* Runway in use
* ATC Zone Clearance (for fixed wing departures)
Departure Checks:
- Fixed wing VFR aircraft often perform departure checks at the appropriate holding point before ready for departure.
Coordination and Restrictions:
- Conflict Resolution: VFR departures may require coordination if conflicts with other traffic exist.
- APC Restrictions: APC may apply restrictions to the departure.
- Above 2000ft Coordination: Any VFR departure wishing to fly above 2000ft must be coordinated with APC.
- Inform APR: ADC shall inform APR of all VFR departures.
What are the procedures for helicopter departure clearances at an aerodrome?
Procedures for Helicopter Departure Clearances:
Start-Up Procedure:
Request Start:
* Pilot: “[Callsign], request start.”
* ATC: “[Callsign], start approved, information [letter] current, [QNH], report ready for departure.”
When Ready for Departure:
- Pilot: “[Callsign], ready for departure.”
CTR Clearance and Take-Off:
CTR Clearance:
* ATC: “[Callsign], hold position, after departure, leave the CTR via the [sector/area], not above altitude 2000ft VFR/SVFR.”
* Ensure Correct Readback:
* ATC: “[Callsign], [include any restrictions], take-off at your discretion [runway crossing clearance if applicable] [surface wind].”
What are the key procedures for VFR arrivals at an aerodrome?
Initial Contact and Clearance:
- Zone Entry Clearance: VFR arrivals must first contact APC for zone entry clearance.
- Routing: If able, aircraft will be routed to a geographical clearance limit (e.g., Antrim or Nutts Corner). Otherwise, they will be instructed by APC to remain outside the CTR.
Coordination Between APC and ADC:
- Coordination is required for the aircraft to join the circuit or hold as necessary before reaching the initial clearance limit.
Information Provided by APC to Arriving Aircraft:
- Current ATIS letter
- QNH/QFE
- Runway in use
What are the key procedures for VFR operations at night within Controlled Airspace (CAS)?
Transponder Equipped Aircraft:
- Assign a discrete code.
- Identify and closely monitor while inside CAS.
Non-Transponder Equipped Aircraft:
- Exercise caution when clearing the aircraft to enter/leave/overfly CAS.
- Controllers may limit to one VFR aircraft inside CAS at a time for safety.
Routing and Holding:
- No specific VFR routes for civil and military fixed wing VFR flights in/out of the CTR.
- Recommended geographical locations for holding or routing VFR traffic:
- Antrim
- Glenavy
- Randalstown
Controller Authority:
- ADC/APC controllers may hold or delay VFR flights to manage workload effectively.
What is the procedure for authorizing aerobatic maneuvers at an aerodrome?
Request Handling: All requests for aerobatic maneuvers must be referred to the Watch Manager for authorization.
What types of approaches are expected for inbound aircraft unless otherwise notified?
Types of Approaches for Inbound Aircraft:
- Runway 25: ILS
- Runway 17: ILS
- Runway 35: VOR
- Runway 07: RNP
Under what circumstances will APC provide range checks to ADC?
- Alternate Approach: An aircraft is using an alternate approach to the notified runway in use.
- Instrument Approach: An aircraft is making an instrument approach to a runway other than the declared runway in use.
- Visual or Surveillance Radar Approach: An aircraft is carrying out a visual approach or surveillance radar approach.
- SSR Unserviceable: When SSR is unserviceable.
- Code/CCDS Issues: The discrete code is not code callsign converted and/or CCDS is unserviceable.
- ATM Unserviceable: When the ATM is unserviceable.
- Work in Progress (WIP): There is WIP on the declared runway in use or the runway is obstructed with vehicles that cannot vacate immediately. ADC will advise APR of the type of check required (e.g., 20NM checks).
- Non-Standard Flight: The aircraft is a non-standard flight (e.g., training, calibrator, etc.).
- Upon Request: When requested.
What are the procedures for missed approaches and managing go-arounds at an aerodrome?
Missed Approach Procedures:
- Runway Treatment: When an aircraft is executing a missed approach, the runway must be treated as if the aircraft was intending to land.
- Restriction: Missed approach restrictions (not below 400ft) as detailed in MATS Pt 1 are not to be used under any circumstances.
Managing Go-Arounds:
- ATC Watch Log: Brief details concerning go-arounds must be entered in the ATC Watch Log.
- ATC/FORM/118: Full details must be noted on ATC/FORM/118 and forwarded to the Watch Manager or Deputy, who will then forward to Admin.
- Exemptions: Intentional go-arounds such as training flights, calibration/lighting checks, etc., should not be noted.
What are the key procedures for ATC clearance of departures at an aerodrome?
Timing:
- Aircraft may call ADC up to 20 minutes prior to Estimated Off-Block Time (EOBT) to obtain ATC clearance.
- Clearance should be passed prior to start.
Initial Waypoint:
- ADC must ensure the initial waypoint in box 855a (e.g., NUMPI) is consistent with the Flight Plan (FPL) route and used as the “route” portion of the ATC clearance.
- Address any routing anomalies before giving clearance.
Standard Clearance Phraseology:
- Example: “[Callsign] cleared to [destination] via [DEP RTE], climb to altitude 5000ft, [squawk]. [CTOT (if applicable)]”
Leaving Controlled Airspace (CAS):
- For aircraft filed to leave CAS, use a descriptor in lieu of the initial waypoint.
- Example: “[Callsign] is cleared to leave CAS [descriptor] for [destination], climb to altitude 5000ft, [squawk], [CTOT (if applicable)]”
Domestic Clearances for Oceanic Departures:
- Must follow the flight plan request to ensure the planned estimated elapsed time to the oceanic entry points is maintained.
Military Aircraft:
- Military aircraft wishing to depart Operational Air Traffic (OAT) shall be treated as IFR departures.
What are the procedures for obtaining Oceanic Clearance (OCA) for flights at an aerodrome?
Responsibility:
- Initiation: Flight crew is responsible for initiating an Oceanic Clearance request.
- Assistance: In exceptional circumstances, ATC may provide assistance.
Request for Clearance (RCL):
- Time Constraint: Flights with an elapsed time from departure to the Shanwick OEP of 30 minutes or less must submit an RCL before departure via OCL, VHF, or HF.
- Affected Routes at Belfast: Jets routing via GOMUP or ETILO.
- ATC Check: Ensure such flights have Oceanic Clearance prior to departure. Advise the flight crew of their responsibility if clearance has not been received and provide assistance as necessary.
Flights with Greater than 30 Minutes
Elapsed Time:
- Can secure Oceanic Clearance once airborne and do not require a check from ATC.
Shanwick Request (if needed):
- Contact: Shanwick via telephone on 01294 655 100 (AIP ENR 2.2).
- Relay Method: Shanwick issues clearance via AFTN or telephone for relay to the crew. Use EGAA TWR AFTN address, EGAAZTZX, due to known AFTN technical issues at Shanwick.
Information Required for Shanwick Request:
- Callsign
- ETD from EGAA
- OCA entry point and ETA
- Requested MACH number
- Requested flight level
- Highest acceptable flight level at OCA entry point
- Any change to flight plan affecting OCA
Clearance Relay:
- ADI controller relays clearance to the pilot verbatim and ensures a correct readback.
- Incorrect Readback: Requires a full re-issue of the clearance.
What are the procedures for issuing start-up and push-back instructions to aircraft?
Issuance:
- On Request: ADC will issue start-up and push-back instructions when requested by aircraft.
- CTOT Compliance: Instructions will be in accordance with any applicable Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT).
Local Start-Up Restrictions:
- When in Force: Start-up will be agreed with APR on an individual aircraft basis if local start-up restrictions are in place (e.g., free-flow cancelled).
What are the procedures for issuing ready for departure instructions during taxi?
Taxi Instructions:
- ATC should instruct the aircraft to report “Ready for departure” when issuing taxi instructions.
Minimize Additional Instructions:
- ATC should avoid passing any further instructions until the aircraft responds with “Ready for departure” to maintain a sterile cockpit environment during the taxi phase.
Departure Instructions:
- Once the aircraft reports “Ready for departure,” ATC can then issue the appropriate departure instructions.
