Section 6, Chapter 5 - Miscellaneous Reports

Question 1

What are the reporting requirements for bird strikes and other wildlife-related events in UK airspace?

Answer 1

Reporting Bird Strikes:

• Pilots are required to report all bird strikes and other wildlife-related events in UK airspace, regardless of whether damage is caused.
• Controllers receiving such reports should:
  1. Obtain as much information as possible.
  2. Complete a Mandatory Occurrence Report (MOR), clearly stating the nature of the report.

Question 2

What should pilots do if they witness a disaster at sea?

Answer 2

Reporting Maritime Incidents:

• Pilots witnessing a disaster at sea, or seeing a disaster not previously notified, should report the incident to any ATC unit as quickly as possible.

Question 3

What is the procedure for pilots and controllers when reporting maritime pollution?

Answer 3

Reporting Maritime Pollution:

Pilots:

• Report sightings of substantial patches of oil or possible harmful substances to the ATC unit in communication or FIS personnel at an ACC.
• Preface reports with “Oil Pollution Report” for oil or “… Pollution Report” for other harmful substances.

Controllers:

• Obtain as much information as possible to complete the report, including:
• A: Date and time pollution observed and identity of the reporting aircraft.
• B: Position and extent of pollution.
• C: Tide, windspeed, and direction.
• D: Weather conditions and sea state.
• E: Characteristics of pollution.
• F: Name, nationality, or description (including distinctive markings) of any vessel seen discharging substances, course and speed of the vessel, pollution observed ahead of the vessel, and estimated length of pollution in its wake.
• G: Identity of any other vessels in the vicinity.
• H: Whether photographs have been taken.

Question 4

What are the ATC actions required upon receiving a report of maritime pollution?

Answer 4

ATC Action for Maritime Pollution Reports:

Immediate Action:

• Any ATC unit receiving reports of maritime pollution should pass them without delay to an ACC.

ACC Watch Manager’s Responsibility:

• The ACC Watch Manager should promptly forward the report to the appropriate Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) or Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC).
• A list of contact addresses, telephone, and telex numbers is available at each ACC.

Reporting by Telephone After Landing:

• Follow the same procedure if a pilot reports by telephone after landing.
• Reference: List of telephone numbers and locations is in the directory at Appendix H.

Question 5

What should an ATSU do upon receiving a report of a sonic boom allegedly caused by an aircraft in supersonic flight?

Answer 5

Procedure for Sonic Boom Reports:

Information Collection:

• Obtain as much information as possible, including:
• Name and address of the informant.
• Time the boom was heard.
• Description of the sound (e.g., single or double crack, dull boom, or rumble).
• Details of any alleged effects on persons, property, or livestock.

Reporting:

• Pass the report immediately to the parent ACC.

Processing:

• Follow procedures outlined in MATS Part 2 or local unit instructions for processing such reports.

Question 6

What steps should be taken when malicious interference to VHF communications is suspected?

Answer 6

Identification of Malicious Interference:

• Signs of Malicious Transmissions:
• Change in voice characteristics from the usual controller.
• Messages are out of context, obviously in error, or use incorrect phraseology.
• Messages are short and not repeated when queried.
• Signal may be received only by the pilot or the controller, not both.

Actions to Take:

• Immediate Reporting:
• Ensure DEO or ATC contacts Ofcom’s Spectrum Management Centre (SMC) immediately.
• Provide the following information:
• Radio interference category (malicious interference is category 1).
• Frequency or channel of interference or affected navigational aid.
• Description of interference (details of speech, noise, etc.).
• Location of aircraft and/or ATSU transceiver receiving the interference.
• Station receiving the interference (aircraft and/or ATSU callsign).
• Any other relevant details.

Contact Information:

• Telephone (H24): 01462 428528
• Email: SMC@ofcom.org.uk
• Fax (H24): 01462 438510

Evidence Preservation:

• Preserve original records of communications received.
• Seek advice from CAA Investigation and Enforcement Team (IET) if unclear on actions or what to preserve.

Mandatory Reporting:

• Complete an MOR form and a CA939 for all cases of interference.

Additional Procedures:

• Refer to MATS Pt 2 for further procedures.