Section 6, Chapter 1 - Thales Radar & Eurocat Data Processing System Flashcards
What is the function of the Approach Path Monitor (APM) window in the Thales Radar and Eurocat Data Processing System?
- The APM window provides a section side view of the glide-slope for the selected arrival runway in use.
- It allows aircraft to be monitored against a representation of the ILS glide-slope.
- The y-axis level values represent height above Touch-Down point (QFE reference), and the track label displays altitude (QNH reference).
- The APM must be displayed at all times and selected to the Runway-in-use, changing as necessary for the next instrument approach.
- The window can be moved or closed temporarily but must be restored as soon as possible.
- It should not obscure the final approach or climb-out path, especially during runway 07 operations due to the proximity of Langford Lodge.
What must the ADC ATCO ensure when changing the Arrival Runway (ARW) and Departure Runway (DRW) in the Thales Radar and Eurocat Data Processing System?
- The ADC ATCO must ensure a manual change of the ARW and DRW at the supervisor position.
- This change aligns the Approach Path Monitor (APM) displayed on the ATM and the Approach Funnel Deviation Alert (AFDA).
What should be done during opposite end or multiple runway operations when workload permits in the Thales Radar and Eurocat Data Processing System?
- The Arrival Runway (ARW) and Departure Runway (DRW) should be changed at the supervisor’s position.
- This ensures the protection of the Approach Path Monitor (APM) and Approach Funnel Deviation Alert (AFDA).
What actions should be taken in the event of a failure or anomalous behavior of the ATM display in the VCR?
- Withdraw the ATM.
- No requirement to Callout ENG.
- Update the Watch Log and Handover Sheet.
Follow ATM failure procedures as specified in MATS 2, found in:
* Section 1 Chapter 20 RiT
* Section 3 (3.2.2) Approach Range Checks
* Section 3 (2.3.9.1) Landing Traffic - Runway 07 in Use
* Section 4 (2.7.1) Runway 07 in Use
What actions should be taken in the event of a failure of METCOM and/or Met Displays in the Thales Radar and Eurocat Data Processing System?
- Pass weather verbally on request.
- Verify the QNH setting from the DD50.
- Keep APR updated with the latest met information.
- Note: Pressures are always rounded down (e.g., 1029.9hPa becomes 1029hPa).
- Inform the DEO as the QNH link must be detached before manual entries from the Thales Supervisor Position (the ATM) can be made.
- If Engineering is unmanned, the on-call engineer must attend to correct radar height readouts.
- Exercise caution when applying vertical separation, especially when pressure is low or close to a Min Stack Level change.
- Advise the MET Office and pass the first observation verbally using the numbers on the iPOS.
- Aldergrove MET Office: Open 0700 – 2359.
- Exeter MET Office: Contact outside these times.
- Email subsequent observations to: nimbusbmo@metoffice.gov.uk
What are the acceptable operational configurations available to Belfast ATC for radar data selection, and what should be noted about window positions in the Eurocat RDP?
Operational Configurations:
* Belfast PSR and SSR
* Belfast PSR only and ORRD SSR
* Belfast PSR only
* Belfast SSR only (only when PSR is unavailable)
* ORRD SSR only (only when PSR is unavailable)
* Crow Hill Radar data labels will be blue.
Window Positions:
* Windows can be opened, resized, moved, and closed.
* The situation display freezes while the left mouse button is depressed to move a window, resuming when the button is released.
What are the services available to UKFIS according to the status of radar equipment as per CAP 774?
Basic Service:
- PSR: Yes
- SSR Only: Yes
- Non-Radar: Yes
Traffic Service:
- PSR: Yes
- SSR Only: Limited
- Non-Radar: No
Deconfliction Service:
- PSR: Yes
- SSR Only: No
- Non-Radar: No
Procedural Service:
- PSR: No
- SSR Only: No
- Non-Radar: No
What procedures and considerations are required for Belfast Radar during PSR-only operations in the event of SSR failure?
- SSR Failure Indication: Loss of SSR target symbols (square) and labels, leaving only Primary targets (cross).
- Radar Handovers: Full radar handovers to Aldergrove for all Belfast TMA arrivals and overflights; silent handover procedures for departures continue.
- Workload Management: APC may request PC to retain traffic routed to the appropriate hold until they can accept further handovers.
- Crowhill SSR Data: May be selected and used to overlay Belfast PSR.
ATCO Awareness:
* Different rotation rates between Belfast PSR and Crowhill SSR, leading to different update rates.
* Potential difference in target positions between Belfast PSR and Crowhill SSR.
* Surveillance separation only provided between Belfast PSR targets when using ORRD SSR; ORRD SSR data used for label information only.
- Service Provision: If Crowhill is unavailable, a PSR-only service shall be provided.
How is alignment checking performed for Belfast Radar and what are the key considerations?
- Alignment Checking: Uses permanent echoes (PE) for alignment verification, based on range and bearing from Belfast Radar Location Site.
- Primary Detection: Poor near PEs; location of PEs outside CAS.
- Service Limitation: UKFIS service limited within 5NM of PEs due to potential display issues of primary-only aircraft.
- Example communication: “Reduced traffic information due to the limits of surveillance coverage.”
Permanent Echoes for PSR:
* PE1: 14.1NM +/-0.5nm at 019 degrees +/-1 degree (545253N/0060553W)
* PE2: 28.1NM +/-0.5nm at 292 degrees +/-1 degree (544823N/0065815W)
* PE3: 31.1NM +/-0.5nm at 203 degrees +/-1 degree (541006N/0063032W)
Site Monitors for SSR:
* SMS1 (7777): 20.7NM at 259 degrees (543406N/0064647W)
* SMS2 (7776): 30.7NM at 259 degrees (543124N/0070322W)
* Tolerance: Measurement tools tolerance of 1 degree and 0.5NM.
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* PSR Operations: Restricted to within 40NM in case of two power module failure as per RCMS procedures.
What indicates a total failure of both PSR and SSR in Belfast Radar, and what immediate actions should be taken?
Indications of Failure:
* DP and/or SNMAP warnings in the GIW
* Red background to the ‘Belfast’ sensor in the GIW
* Freezing of target positions and labels
* Track history plots decay and PSR/SSR target symbol replaced with an ‘aged track’ (egg-timer symbol)
Immediate Actions:
* APR must select Crowhill as the radar source on all positions.
* Follow actions as per paragraph 1.2.6.
* Note: Crowhill is selected via ASD Tools > Setup > Sensor and selecting ‘CROWSSR’.
What are the procedures and considerations for SSR Site Monitor checks during Crowhill-only operations in Belfast Radar?
SSR Site Monitor Requirements:
* Must be displayed at all times during SSR-only operations.
* Must be visible to the ATCO during SSR-only operations by displaying the Site Monitors on the CWP in use.
* Continued checks at HOW/TOW are required.
Actions if SSR Site Monitor Fails:
* Withdraw Radar Services if the SSR Site Monitor fails or is out of tolerance.
SSR Site Monitor Locations:
* First monitor: 63.4 NM at 251 degrees (541508N/0075239W)
* Second monitor: 73.4 NM at 251 degrees (541111N/0080821W)
* Tolerance: Measurement tools tolerance is 1 degree and 0.5NM.
Alignment Checks:
* Absence of any alignment checks requires withdrawal of the system from service.
* For Crowhill, end-to-end monitoring of the SSR’s performance is achieved using an SSR Site Monitor, monitored internally 24/7 by FMC Swanwick, and used by ATC to monitor radar alignment.
What information is displayed on a full SSR label in the Belfast Radar system?
Line 1: Alerts
* Automatically opens/closes based on alert presence.
* Alert Text Strings:
* ACAS: RA
* EUROCAT: STCA, MSAW, AFDA, DAIW, AIW (priority order)
* SSR Emergency: HIJ (Hijack), RCF (Radio Communication Failure), EMG (Emergency)
* Alert Indicators: Unacknowledged alert indicator “ * “ and color-coded (yellow for ‘Normal’, red for ‘Highlight’).
* Alert Types:
* STCA: Short Term Conflict Alert
* MSAW: Minimum Safe Altitude Warning
* AFDA: Approach Funnel Deviation Alert
* DAIW: Danger Area Infringement Warning
* AIW: Airspace Intrusion Warning
* Highlight Warning Color: None
* Target label shows EMG, RCF, etc., in yellow, with the target and label blinking.
Line 2: SSR code or paired callsign.
Line 3: Mode C level information
* ‘A’: Altitude; ‘F’: Flight Level; ‘?’: Garbled; ‘-‘ Blank if no Mode C
* Rate of Climb (+)/Descent (-) in hundreds of feet/min
* Exit code/destination and Mode S Selected Flight Level (SFL)
Line 4: Mode S DAPs (Downloaded Aircraft Parameters)
* Not normally shown and is user selectable.
What Mode S DAPs (Downloaded Aircraft Parameters) are displayed on the SSR label and under what conditions?
Data Available (depending on aircraft equipage):
* Downloaded Selected Altitude (DSA) - always displayed when available, at the end of line 3.
* Ground Speed (GS) - calculated aircraft ground speed in knots, for secondary radar tracks.
* Indicated Air Speed (IAS).
* Magnetic Heading (HDG).
Display Conditions:
* IAS, GS, and HDG shown on line 4, user selectable.
* Non-received Mode S DAPs replaced with ‘-‘.
* When Mode S data is deselected, all info except DSA is removed; DSA remains in orange font.
Notes:
Not all aircraft are Mode S equipped; some older transponders may not permit correct interrogation.
Only font sizes 2 & 3 are to be used at operational positions.
Mode S data is not available from Crow Hill.
What are the key points to remember about the Downloaded Selected Altitude (DSA) in the Belfast Radar system?
- DSA Display: Shows FCU/MCP or FMS Selected Altitude up to 655 (hundreds of feet), does not differentiate between FL or ALT.
- ATCO Responsibilities:
- Confirm DSA matches assigned level.
- Use phraseology: “(Callsign), check selected level. Cleared level is (correct cleared level)” if DSA varies from ATC clearance.
- Do not state the incorrect DSA observed on the radar display.
- Priority in Conflict: Resolve conflicts first, issue avoiding action if necessary before confirming cleared level.
- RT Read-back: DSA display does not substitute for correct RT read-back.
- Intent-based Information: DSA shows intent-based info; aircraft may not fly to the selected level due to manual control or incorrect barometric setting.
- Delay in DSA Change: There may be a delay between clearance issuance and DSA data change.
- Blanks in DSA Field: Display ‘blanks’ if the selected altitude source is neither MCP/FCU nor FMS.
How is Downloaded Ground Speed (DGS) displayed in the Belfast Radar system?
- Format: Displayed as “G” + 3 decimal digits (e.g., G120) up to 999 knots (kts).
- Source: Downloaded from the aircraft via Mode-S DAPs.
What information is provided by Exit Codes or UK Destination in the target label of the Belfast Radar system?
- Exit Code Letter: Indicates the final LAC sector through which an outbound flight will exit LAC airspace.
- Inbound Flights: The last two letters of the location indicator for the destination are shown for flights inbound to a UK airfield, including Scotland, the Channel Islands, and Northern Ireland.
What are the default RB Centre settings for radar use in the Belfast Radar system?
- Scale (NM): 70
- Offset X (NM): 12
- Offset Y (NM): -8
- Other Values: Can be changed as required.
