Section 7, Chapter 3 - Reporting Action

Question 1

What is the purpose of the Air Traffic Co-ordination and Communications (ATICCC) cell and how can it be contacted during major incidents?

Answer 1

During major incidents, the ATICCC cell will be established at LACC. It can be contacted using the following telephone numbers:

• 7 144 6925
• 01489 612915

Additional Information:

• These numbers are programmed into the Watch Manager’s telephone (Ext. 4254), which should be used to dial out as a first preference to alert ATICCC to an incoming Aldergrove call.
• Inbound calls from ATICCC will normally also be received on Ext. 4254.
• Reporting action procedures, including Airprox/MORs, are detailed in AA/MANUAL/039 in the APR Room.

Question 2

What steps should be taken in a Post Accident Investigation where controller actions, inadequate procedures, or faulty equipment may have contributed?

Answer 2

Steps for Post Accident Investigation:

• Withdraw the controller(s) concerned from operational duty, if practicable, and informally interview them to establish basic facts, help them regain composure, and write reports.
• Inform the Unit Diffuser and offer their services to the ATCO concerned. If controller(s), ATC procedures, or equipment are likely implicated, telephone RMATSSR (Regional Manager of ATS Safety Regulation) with available details. Controllers withdrawn from duty must not return to operational duties until agreement with RMATSSR is reached.
• Inform the Duty Engineering Officer.

Refer to AA/MAN/39 (Blue Book) for detailed reporting actions.

Signal Action: Refers to MATS 1, Section 6, Chapter 3.

Question 3

Where can the procedures for telephone and signal actions for accident reports be found?

Answer 3

The procedures for telephone and signal actions for accident reports can be found in MATS 1, Section 6, Chapter 3.

Question 4

What steps should be taken in a Post Airprox Investigation where controller actions, inadequate procedures, or faulty equipment may have contributed?

Answer 4

Steps for Post Airprox Investigation:

• Withdraw the controller(s) concerned from operational duty, if practicable, and informally interview them to establish basic facts, help them regain composure, and write reports.
• Inform the Unit Diffuser and offer their services to the ATCO concerned. Controllers withdrawn from duty must not return to operational duties until Unit Management has discussed the details of the incident with an authorized representative of RMATSSR (Regional Manager of ATS Safety Regulation).

Collect the following:

• WARP files from TELS
• Flight plans
• Relevant AFTN signals
• Any other relevant ATS records
• Controllers’ reports
• Weather report for the time of the incident

Refer to MATS Part 1, Section 6 for additional details.

Question 5

What are the reporting requirements for Serious Incidents, including Mayday/Pan Messages?

Answer 5

Reporting requirements for Serious Incidents, including Mayday/Pan Messages, are detailed in MATS 1, Section 6, Chapter 3 and AA/MAN/39-01 STAR, which includes information on the completion of CA 4114, Watch Investigation, and Unit Investigations. Controllers must be familiar with the Mandatory Occurrence Reports (MORs) that must be filed to comply with UK Reg. (EU) 376/2014 (article 4 (5)).

Types of Aircraft-Related Occurrences:

• Collision or near collision on the ground or in the air.
• Separation minima infringement.
• Inadequate separation.
• ACAS RAs.
• Taxiway or runway excursion.
• Actual or potential taxiway or runway incursion.
• FATO incursion.
• Aircraft deviation from ATC clearance.
• Aircraft deviation from applicable ATM regulation:
• Deviation from published ATM procedures.
• Airspace infringement.
• Deviation from ATM-related equipment operations.
• Call sign confusion.

Degradation or Total Loss of Services or
Functions:

• Inability to provide ATM services or execute ATM functions.
• Missing or significantly incorrect information from support services.
• Failure of communication service.
• Failure of surveillance service.
• Failure of data processing and distribution function or service.
• Failure of navigation service.
• Failure of ATM system security impacting safe service provision.
• Significant ATS sector/position overload.
• Incorrect receipt or interpretation of communications.
• Prolonged loss of communication with an aircraft or other ATS unit.

Other Occurrences:

• Declaration of an emergency (‘Mayday’ or ‘PAN’ call).
• Significant external interference with Air Navigation Services.
• Interference with aircraft, ATS unit, or radio communication transmission.
• Fuel dumping.
• Bomb threat or hijack.
• Fatigue impacting safe performance of air navigation or air traffic duties.
• Occurrences where human performance has directly contributed to or could have contributed to an accident or serious incident.

Note: If aircrew are involved in a reportable occurrence, they should be advised by landline after the flight and asked to contact the WM/DWM upon landing. They should not be informed of reporting actions while airborne.

Question 6

What actions should be taken in response to laser attacks on aircraft or ATS facilities?

Answer 6

Actions in response to laser attacks, as per CAP 493 Section 2, Chapter 3, section 5B, and NATS guidelines:

Warn pilots of other aircraft in the vicinity about the reported laser activity:

• Duration of warnings: 30 minutes.
• Transmission of the warning should be made on the RTF to aircraft in the vicinity.
• Where practicable, place the time and location of the attack on the appropriate ATIS for this period.
• Pass all relevant information relating to the attack to the police using the PSNI BRC number on the iPOS or by dialing 999.

NATS-specific actions for ATC Personnel:

• Report all laser-related incidents affecting NATS personnel to NATS H&S via NATS incident reporting either as a near miss or as assault.
• Follow the CAA self-assessment tool if subjected to a laser attack to assess vision and determine the need for specialist consultation or NATS OHS:
• Outcome 1: Very low risk of eye damage. Staff do not need specialist or OHS advice and can resume controlling.
• Outcome 2: Staff must seek a specialist review and contact NATS OHS to confirm fitness to return to work.
• Complete an ATC Occurrence report.