Section 7, Chapter 2 - Telecommunications Services Flashcards
What does the aeronautical mobile service provide, and where is standard radiotelephony phraseology found?
The aeronautical mobile service provides the radiotelephony facilities necessary for the provision of air traffic services. Standard radiotelephony phraseology is found in CAP 413.
What are the key points regarding the automatic recording of transmissions on ATC frequencies?
- Transmissions on ATC frequencies are recorded according to the Air Navigation Order, including the intercommunication facility.
- Access to original records is limited to protect evidence, as described in Section 6.
- In case of equipment breakdown, controllers must assist by keeping a temporary log of the affected frequency, prioritizing their normal duties.
Who can request copies of tapes, communication logs, and transcriptions of communication records?
The AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch) and the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority).
How are routine checks of air-ground communications and surveillance systems conducted?
Procedures for checking equipment vary by unit. At some units, telecommunications staff check the equipment, while at others, controllers are required to perform the checks themselves.
What are the procedures for routine maintenance of radio facilities?
- Routine weekly and daily maintenance is carried out at specified times. Periods over one hour are published in the UK AIP and strictly adhered to.
- Daily maintenance periods (usually less than one hour) are not necessarily published. Maintenance staff will communicate with the ATC unit before switching off a facility.
- Controllers should contact the DEO early to reschedule maintenance if weather or traffic conditions indicate the facility is needed.
- For aircraft arriving during a maintenance period, controllers should consider weather and alternate facilities before requesting the DEO to defer maintenance.
What should controllers do if the DEO requests an aircraft to test a facility?
Controllers should arrange for the test to be carried out, considering weather and traffic conditions. New installations and existing ones requiring calibration after unserviceability may only be flight tested by aircraft approved by the CAA.
Where can the procedures for flight checking be found?
Flight checking procedures are described in Appendix C.
What actions should be taken if the wind exceeds the maximum permissible for operating particular equipment?
- The senior controller must inform the DEO if the wind exceeds the maximum permissible speed.
- If the equipment is needed for urgent operational requirements, the senior controller decides to continue its use, informs the DEO, and records this in the Watch Log.
- Note: Some equipment will automatically switch off when the wind speed limit is reached. Wind limiting speeds are specified in MATS Part 2.
What are the requirements for teleprinter messages originated by ATC to be accepted by the Aeronautical Fixed Service?
Teleprinter messages originated by ATC will only be accepted by the Aeronautical Fixed Service if they conform to the requirements specified in the UK AIP (GEN) section.
What are the procedures for reporting and managing defects in the serviceability of telecommunications equipment?
- Controllers shall report defects to the DEO, and detailed reporting procedures should be in MATS Part 2.
- Ground fault reports from aircrew should be passed to the DEO immediately, without discussing the issue.
- If successive reports confirm a fault but ground indications suggest serviceability, the DEO and senior controller decide the facility’s status.
- Control room equipment should not be tampered with to investigate or remedy a fault.
- Unserviceable telephone equipment should be reported to the DEO unless MATS Part 2 states otherwise.
- Standby RTF equipment and emergency telephone shall be tested at least daily, as agreed with the DEO.
How should aircraft radio equipment faults be reported?
Aircraft radio equipment faults, as described in Section 6, shall be reported to the DEO for action according to local reporting procedures.
What should be done if a reportable accident occurs to an aircraft during final approach and landing involving the use of an aid?
No further approaches using that aid should be permitted unless it is clear that the aid did not contribute to the accident. Telecommunications staff should be advised immediately to initiate ground checks and other essential actions.
Who is responsible for restoring approach aids after an accident, and what steps are involved?
The duty telecommunications officer, in consultation with ATC, or the Aerodrome Operator, is responsible for deciding that ground checks are satisfactory and that the aid may be returned to service. Post-accident flight inspections will be arranged by the DEO or the Aerodrome Operator if necessary.
