Section 5, Chapter 3 - RTF

Question 1

What is the Voice Communications Distribution Equipment (VCDE) and where are its user interface displays located at Belfast International Airport?

Answer 1

Voice Communications Distribution Equipment (VCDE):

• Used for RTF equipment and telephone systems.

User Interface:

• Voice Communications Control System (VCCS).

Touch Screen Displays (iPOS) Locations:

Radar Room:

• INT
• FIN
• APC
• OSS
• Supervisor

VCR:

• ADC
• GMC
• OSS

Operating Instructions:

• Found in the ‘Operator Position User Manual’ located in the VCR.

Question 2

What are the key components and operations of the VCDE and EVCS systems?

Answer 2

VCDE System Overview:

• Each iPOS is connected to the VCCS.
• VCCS connects to separate Main and Standby Tx and Rx.
• No difference in operating parameters between Main and Standby Tx/Rx.
• Aerial Locations:
• Tx aerials on the mast beside the CTB.
• Rx aerials on the top of the CTB cab.

Emergency Voice Communication System (EVCS):

• Independent from VCCS.
• EVCS Positions:
• 3 in the Radar Room.
• 2 in the VCR.
• Capabilities:
• Tx/Rx on 118.3, 133.125, 120.905, 121.5, and 121.755.
• Connect via telephone to SCOT RAD and EGAC.

EVCS Operation:

• Lift the handset from the cradle to activate.
• Select the required frequency or telephone.
• Selecting the frequency once changes the button color to white (Rx Mode).
• Selecting the frequency a second time illuminates bright green (Tx Mode).

Note:
No cross-coupling facility on EVCS.
Vehicles on UHF 1 cannot receive transmissions from 118.3; use Motorola handset for Emergency UHF Comms.

Question 3

What are the ICOM and Motorola fall-back emergency transceivers provided by BIAL, and their uses?

Answer 3

ICOM and Motorola Fall-Back Emergency Transceivers:

ICOM - VHF Comms:

• Locations: VCR and Radar Room.
• Used for emergency VHF communications.

Motorola - UHF Comms:

• Location: VCR only.
• No cross-coupling facility available.
• Used for emergency UHF communications.

Usage:

• These transceivers serve as an emergency system if the EVCS is Out Of Service (OOS) or under maintenance.

Question 3

What are the available RTF frequencies on the VCCS, and their respective transmit/receive capabilities?

Answer 3

RTF Frequencies on VCCS:

• 118.3: Tower (Tx/Rx)
• 121.755: Ground (Tx/Rx)
• 133.125: Radar (Tx/Rx)
• 120.905: Director (Tx/Rx)
• 121.5: D&D (Tx/Rx)
• 126.130: ATIS (Rx only)
• 121.6: FIRE (Rx only)
• UHF 1: Ground (Tx/Rx)
• UHF 8: Tower (Tx/Rx)

Question 4

How should ATC handle 8.33kHz non-compliant aircraft and frequency failures?

Answer 4

Handling 8.33kHz Non-Compliant Aircraft:

• Aircraft: Gazelles and Defenders are fully 8.33kHz compliant.
• Director Open: Non-compliant aircraft should stay on Radar 1 frequency.
• Coordination: Robust coordination between Radar1 and Director regarding the sequence and order of the aircraft.

Failure of 25kHz Frequency:

• 120.905 Usage: If 25kHz frequency is OOS and ADI or APS need to use 120.905, close coordination is required to manage non-8.33 compliant aircraft.

Certificate of Airworthiness Radio Test:

• Tests of VHF communication equipment can be carried out at Belfast International in accordance with UK AIP GEN.

Use of Backup Frequency & EFPS:

Normal Operations: Backup frequency, 120.905, is used as:
* ADC frequency if 118.3 fails.
* INT frequency if 133.125 fails.

Assigning Backup Frequency:
* If 118.3 fails, select ADC for the backup frequency.
* “ADC” will populate in the Backup Freq field.
* Strips transferred to 120.905 will appear on the ADC EFPS screen.
* If 133.125 fails, select INT for the backup frequency.
* “INT” will populate in the Backup Freq field.
* Strips transferred to 120.905 will appear on the INT EFPS screen.

Question 5

What indicates a fault in the iPOS operating method for Tx or Rx?

Answer 5

If the iPOS is selected to Tx (transmit) or Rx (receive) and does not turn yellow when Tx or Rx occurs, it indicates a fault with that Tx or Rx function.

Question 6

How is cross coupling of VHF and UHF frequencies handled, and what are the limitations?

Answer 6

Cross Coupling Requirements:

• Vehicles on an active runway must be on an RTF frequency to hear transmissions to/from aircraft.
• Required Cross Couplings:
• 118.3/UHF8
• 121.755/UHF1
• Achieved through the cross coupling facility on the VCCS touch screen.
• Guidance available in the Aide Memoire in the VCR.

Limitations:

• No cross coupling facility on EVCS, ICOM, or Motorola Emergency Communication systems.

Question 7

What should ATCOs remember about the recording of RTF transmissions?

Answer 7

All RTF transmissions, intercom communications, and operational telephone lines are recorded.

Question 8

How are telephone lines indicated on the system and what happens in the event of a line failure?

Answer 8

Telephone System Indicators:

• Blue Button: Direct line.
• Grey Background: Line routes via the PBX system.
• Line Failure: Button will flash red once selected.

Question 9

What is the approved method for cleaning the iPOS, and who is authorized to clean it?

Answer 9

Approved Cleaning Method for iPOS:

• Open the SETTINGS window.
• Press the button marked “CLEAN” to open the cleaning page.
• Clean the screen.
• Press 1, 2, 3 to exit the cleaning page.

Authorized Personnel:

• Only ATC or ENG staff are permitted to clean the iPOS.

Question 10

What systems must ATC test daily during the N shift?

Answer 10

During the N shift, ATC shall test all:

• VCCS Tx and Rx systems (both Main and Standby)
• EVCS
• Motorola System
• ICOM System

Question 11

What is the best practice for using Main and Standby VCCS systems, and what must ATC ensure during the changeover?

Answer 11

Best Practice:

• Use both Main and Standby VCCS systems.

Midnight Changeover:

• ATC shall change Tx and Rx mode from Main to Standby, or vice versa, at midnight (if serviceable).

Important Note:
ATC must ensure that cross coupling is correctly selected following the change from Main to Standby (or vice versa).

Question 12

What is the correct method for selecting items on the iPOS touch screen to avoid damage?

Answer 12

• Staff shall only use their fingers to select items on the iPOS.
• Using any other device can damage the screen.

Question 13

What is the procedure for role selection when a controller needs to move position?

Answer 13

• Role Selection Button: Utilized to amend the role when moving due to position maintenance or equipment failure.
• Position Role: Should be correctly selected at all other times to avoid confusing other system operators.

Question 14

How is one-way coupling enabled on IPOS to ensure telephone callers are aware of simultaneous VHF/UHF radio transmissions?

Answer 14

Enabling One-Way Coupling:

• From the function keys:
• Press to couple a radio call to a telephone call (one-way coupling).
• When active, radio audio is transmitted to the telephone.

Monitoring:

• ATC should monitor IPOS to ensure the function is always active (indicated by a darker blue highlight).
• Deactivation: Toggling the Radio > Phone button again will deactivate the functionality.

Question 15

What are the procedures for operating without the Main Voice System (MVS) during planned and unplanned outages?

Answer 15

Operating Without MVS:

Documentation:

• All outages must be documented in the ATC & Engineering Watch Logs.
• Record any operational assessments as required.

Use of Emergency Voice System (EVS):

• Not designed for prolonged periods of normal ATC operation on its own.
• Belfast International is equipped with a third independent voice communication system (desk-mounted VHF transceivers in the VCR and ACR).

Operational Continuation:

• ATC operation may continue for up to 6 hours with approval from the GM or GEM at the time of implementation.

Question 16

What actions should be taken in the event of a total loss of the VCCS and what are the limitations of the EVCS?

Answer 16

Total Loss of VCCS:

Decision on Recovery:

• ATC, in conjunction with Engineering, will decide if the main system can be recovered.
• ATC may continue for up to 6 hours with GM or GEM approval.
• After 6 hours, GM or GEM decides whether operations can continue with mitigations (e.g., flow control).
• On-call engineer will be called out to investigate the failure.

Providing ATC Service:

• Use Emergency handset system (EVCS) and Motorola base stations as contingency (as per MATS 2).
• Expect total loss of iPos functionality (RT and telephones).

Limitations of EVCS:

UHF Communications:

• Not available on the EVCS.

Phone Calls:

• Exercise caution as EVCS does not allow hearing RT and phone calls simultaneously.

Emergency Response Communication:

• Emergency phone lines to RFFS and Control Centre will not be available.

Use the grab bag mobile for emergency responses:
* RFFS Watchroom: 02894 484182
* BIAL Control Centre: 02894 484444
* Pass details of the emergency as per the Emergency Action Folder or grab boards above the desk in the VCR.
* Both numbers are stored on the grab bag mobile.

Question 17

What are the steps ATC must take during a planned outage of the VCCS?

Answer 17

Advise BIAL and RFFS:

• Inform in advance that UHF comms will not be available.
• Ensure essential vehicles are equipped with VHF handsets.

Coordinate with DEO:

• Arrange a suitable time to release the VCCS from service.

Instruct BIAL and RFFS:

• Switch to VHF handsets in their vehicles.
• Inform them of the frequency in use.

Provide Contact Information:

• Inform BIAL and RFFS that ATC can be contacted on:
• 07866008752 (grab bag mobile)
• 02894 422152 (phone behind the OSS position) if the mobile is unavailable.

Select VHF Frequency:

• Ensure the correct VHF frequency is selected on the EVCS.
• Continue operations using the EVCS.

Release VCCS:

• Release the VCCS to the DEO.

Reselect Cross Coupling:

• When VCCS is operational again, reselect cross coupling on the correct frequency.
• Inform BIAL and RFFS that vehicles may resume UHF comms.

Test Emergency Phone Lines:

• Test with BIAL and RFFS.
• Advise that they may contact ATC by normal means.

Question 18

What are the steps ATC must take during an unplanned and complete VCCS failure?

Answer 18

ADC/RiT Actions:

• Immediately use the EVCS, ensuring the correct frequency is selected.
• Inform the Control Centre (to notify third parties) and RFFS to instruct all vehicles on the maneuvering area to vacate and cease further movements until issued with VHF handsets. Use the UHF base station to instruct vehicles if needed.
• Inform the DEO.
• Inform the ADM and RFFS that ATC can be contacted on:
• 07866008752 (grab bag mobile)
• 02894 422152 (grey BT phone behind the OSS position) if the mobile is unavailable.
• Broadcast an ATIS message reporting the failure.
• Send a NOTAM.
• Items 4, 5, and 6 may be delegated to OSS.

INT/FIN Actions:

• Immediately use the EVCS, ensuring the correct frequency is selected.
• In consultation with ADC, hold arrivals and/or apply ADI/MDI to both TMA airfields.

Duty WM/SCOD Actions:

• Inform PC GS.
• Inform EGAC.
• Liaise with PC Flow and instigate flow control measures if appropriate.
• Cancel training requests if appropriate.

When VCCS is Returned to Service:

• Reselect cross coupling on the correct frequency and inform BIAL and RFFS that vehicles may resume UHF comms.
• Test the emergency phone lines with BIAL and RFFS.

Question 19

How should ATC handle partial loss of the Main Voice System (MVS), and what are the notification requirements for planned and unplanned outages?

Answer 19

Handling Partial Loss of MVS:

• Use alternative frequencies or operating positions on the MVS.
• May require the use of the EVS to maintain communications with aircraft while implementing the mitigation.

Notification to Management:

• Planned Outage: Must be agreed with the GM & GEM before work begins.
• Unplanned Loss: Inform the GM & GEM as soon as practicable.

Question 20

What are the procedures for operating without the Emergency Voice System (EVS) during planned and unplanned outages?

Answer 20

Operating Without EVS:

Planned Outages:

• Before releasing the EVS for maintenance lasting more than 30 minutes, assess the serviceability of the MVS against the Continued Operations Phase criteria.

Unplanned Outages:

• For unplanned loss of EVS lasting more than 30 minutes, assess the MVS serviceability against the Continued Operations Phase criteria.
• Call out the on-call engineer to attend the site and investigate the failure.

Question 21

What are the criteria for continued operations without the Emergency Voice System (EVS) at Belfast International Airport, and what actions should be taken if these criteria cannot be met?

Answer 21

Criteria for Continued Operations without EVS (up to 12 hours):

• Main and Standby Radios: Both ‘A’ and ‘B’ radios and the complete VCS must remain serviceable.
• If a frequency is single channel (A or B) due to Tx/Rx failure, suspend use within 30 minutes or select an alternative (back-up) frequency.
• Spare Working Position: Must be available nearby and confirmed serviceable.
• Spare Headset: Must be readily available close to the operational positions.
• No Disruptive Activities: No expected activities or events likely to disrupt the system (e.g., power outages, work in progress, or maintenance).
• Reduced confidence in the MVS (e.g., new deployment, recent software update, known issues) means extended use during emergency equipment outages should not be permitted.

Actions if Criteria Cannot Be Met:

• Terminate ATC Service: If criteria cannot be met during the Continued Operations phase.
• End of 12 Hour Period: If EVS failure cannot be resolved, terminate ATC service unless an Extended Operation Phase is agreed.

Notifications and Reporting:

• Notify GM & CAA: Any continued operation of the MVS beyond 30 minutes during an EVS outage.
• Occurrence Reporting: Report any unplanned failure or event as per normal procedures.

Question 22

What is required for an Extended Operations Phase without EVS beyond 12 hours at Belfast International Airport?

Answer 22

Extended Operations Phase Requirements:

• Agreement Needed: Justified for a defined period beyond 12 hours with agreement from:
• GM (General Manager)
• GCAM (General Manager Airfield Management)
• GM Safety (Airports)
• Local SARG (Safety and Airspace Regulation Group) Inspector

Considerations:
* Impact of ATS (Air Traffic Services) communication failure on all or part of the ATS operation.

Question 23

What are the notification requirements to management for outages of the Emergency Voice System (EVS)?

Answer 23

Notification to Management:

Planned Outage of EVS:
* Must be agreed with the GM (General Manager) & GEM (General Engineering Manager) before work begins.

Unplanned Loss of MVS:
* GM & GEM must be informed as soon as practicable.

Question 24

What are the responsibilities of ATC regarding the daily testing of the Emergency Voice System (EVS)?

Answer 24

Daily Testing of EVS:

• Responsibility: ATC is responsible for testing and recording the daily serviceability of the EVS, which includes:
• Emergency Handset System
• Desk mounted VHF transceivers

Reporting Unserviceability:
* Notify Engineering immediately of any unserviceability, as it may impact ATS operations.

Question 25

What should be done in the event of a headset failure when both Main and Emergency Access are available but headset access fails on the main system?

Answer 25

Headset Failure Procedure:

Use Emergency Access or Alternative Desk Position:
* Utilize these while a quick change of headset is managed.

Revert to Main System:
* At an appropriate time, switch back to new headset operation on the main system.

Question 26

What are the actions for ATC and Engineering in response to various VCCS failures and alarm statuses?

Answer 26

VHF MAIN TX FAIL:

• Action: Switch to alternative Tx.
• No callout required.

VHF STBY TX FAIL:

• Action: Use EVCS and shut down service. Call out ENG.

VHF MAIN RX FAIL:

• Action: Switch to alternative Rx.
• No callout required.

VHF ST/BY RX FAIL:

• Action: Use EVCS and shut down service. Call out ENG.

VCS UPS 1 FAIL:

• Action: If one UPS fails, carry on as normal. If both UPS fail, use EVCS and shut down service. Call out ENG.

VHF MAIN TX AC FAIL:

• Action: Switch all frequencies to Standby Tx. If combined with Standby Tx AC fail, use EVCS and shut down service. Call out ENG.

VHF MAIN TX DC FAIL:

• Action: Switch all frequencies to Standby Tx. No callout required.

VHF STBY TX AC FAIL:

• Action: Switch all frequencies to Main Tx. If combined with Main Tx AC fail, use EVCS and shut down service. Call out ENG.

VHF STBY TX DC FAIL:

• Action: Switch all frequencies to Main Tx. No callout required.

VHF MAIN RX AC FAIL:

• Action: Switch all frequencies to Standby Rx. If combined with Standby Rx AC fail, use EVCS and shut down service. Call out ENG.

VHF MAIN RX DC FAIL:

• Action: Switch all frequencies to Standby Rx. No callout required.

VHF ST/BY RX POWER FAIL:

• Action: Switch all frequencies to Main Rx. No callout required.

RECORDER FAILURE:

• Action: Call out TELS immediately. Manually record RTF as per MATS 1 if able.

UHF 1 M FAIL / UHF 1 S FAIL / UHF 8 M FAIL / UHF 8 S FAIL:

• Action: Switch to alternative UHF. If both fail, use desk Motorola Transceiver. Call out ENG.

UHF RSA FAIL:

• Action: Switch all vehicles to VHF in a controlled manner. Only essential BIAL vehicles are permitted on the airfield. No callout required.

UHF AC FAIL:

• Action: Switch all vehicles to VHF in a controlled manner within 60 minutes. No callout required.

UHF REC RXs FAIL / UHF REC RXs AC FAIL:

• Action: Manually record UHF Rx. Switch all vehicles to VHF in a controlled manner. Only essential BIAL vehicles are permitted on the airfield. No callout required.

VHF EMERG TX FAIL / VHF EMERG RX FAIL / VHF EMERG AC FAIL / VHF EMERG DC FAIL / EVCS SUM FAIL:

• Action: Use the ICOM handsets as EVCS system. No callout required.

EUROCAT UPS 1 FAIL / EUROCAT UPS 2 FAIL:

• Action: If one UPS fails, call out ENG. If both fail, EUROCAT will be OOS, call out ENG.

IRVR UPS FAIL:

• Action: IRVR OOS. Callout ENG if service is required.

17 ILS UPS FAIL / 25 ILS UPS FAIL:

• Action: Do not use respective ILS. Callout ENG if service is required.

Note: There is no requirement to pass on recorder unserviceabilities to pilots.

Question 27

What is the procedure for requesting the impounding/replay of RTF, telephone, or radar data?

Answer 27

• Process requests in accordance with Unit Instruction AA/UI/05/07.
• Use ATC/FORM/161.
• Present the form to a WM (Watch Manager), DWM (Deputy Watch Manager), or UCE (Unit Chief Engineer) for action.

Question 28

What is the procedure for handling unserviceable and repaired ATC headsets?

Answer 28

Handling Unserviceable Headsets:

• Attach a red label indicating the nature of the unserviceability.
• Leave the headset in the Engineering Section in a hygienic condition.

Handling Repaired Headsets:

• Place the repaired headset in the ‘green box’ in the Change Coordinator’s Office for security reasons.

Hygiene:

• Antiseptic wipes are available adjacent to the ATIS input position.