Air Traffic Control Lecture Notes

Flashcards about Air Traffic Control topics such as Diverse Vector Areas, Minimum Vectoring Altitude, Secondary Radar use and capabilities, Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) operations, communication failures, Emergency Aircraft Operations, Hijack procedures, minimum fuel and emergency fuel operations, Search and Rescue operations and reporting weather.

What is a Diverse Vector Area (DVA)?

Area in which ATC may provide random radar vectors during an uninterrupted climb from the departure runway until above the MVA/MIA.

Before aircraft may be vectored below the MVA while executing departure/climb-out instructions, what must CCTLRs do?

CCTLRs must specifically establish a DVA which provides separation from obstacles before aircraft may be vectored below the MVA while executing departure/climb-out instructions.

What are the three exceptions to vectoring below MVA?

Authorized for Radar Approaches (PAR/ASR), Departures, and Missed Approaches

What are Minimum IFR Altitudes (MIA)?

Minimum altitudes for IFR operations as prescribed in 14 CFR Part 91 that are published on aeronautical charts and prescribed in 14 CFR Part 95 for airways and routes, and in 14 CFR Part 97 for standard instrument approach procedures.

What is the IFR Obstacle clearance criteria for Mountainous Areas and Other than Mountainous Areas?

Mountainous Areas - 2,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4NM from course to be flown; Other than Mountainous Areas - 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4NM from course to be flown.

What is Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA)?

Altitudes depicted on approach charts which provide at least 1,000 feet of obstacle clearance within a 25-mile radius of the navigation facility, waypoint, or airport reference point upon which the MSA is predicated. MSAs are for emergency use only and do not necessarily assure acceptable navigational signal coverage.

What is Minimum Vectoring Altitude (MVA)?

The lowest MSL altitude at which an IFR aircraft will be vectored by a radar controller, except as otherwise authorized for radar approaches, departures, and missed approaches.

When may Secondary Radar be used as the sole display source?

In Class A airspace. Outside Class A airspace, or where a mix of Class A airspace/non-Class A airspace exists, only when: additional coverage is provided by secondary radar beyond that of primary radar, the primary target is temporarily unusable or out of service or a secondary radar system is the only source of radar data for the area of service

What phraseology should Controllers use to advise aircraft when primary radar is unavailable?

Controllers will advise aircraft when primary radar is unavailable by stating: "PRIMARY RADAR UNAVAILABLE (describe location). RADAR SERVICES AVAILABLE ON TRANSPONDER EQUIPPED AIRCRAFT ONLY". Note: Advisory may be omitted when provided on the ATIS and pilot indicates having the ATIS information.

What is STARS (Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System)?

The combination of all available surveillance sources (airport surveillance radar [ASR], air route surveillance radar [ARSR], ADS-B, etc.) into the display of a single tracked target for air traffic control separation services.

What is Secondary Radar/Radar Beacon (ATCRBS)?

A radar system in which the object to be detected is fitted with cooperative equipment in the form of a radio receiver/transmitter (transponder). Secondary radar works on what is known as the transmit/reply principle.

What is a transponder?

The airborne radar beacon receiver/transmitter portion of the Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS) which automatically receives radio signals from interrogators on the ground, and selectively replies with a specific reply pulse or pulse group only to those interrogations being received on the mode to which it is set to respond.

What is an interrogator?

The ground-based surveillance radar beacon transmitter-receiver, which normally scans in synchronism with a primary radar, transmitting discrete radio signals which repetitiously request all transponders on the mode being used to reply.

What is a Secondary Radar Target?

A target derived from a transponder return presented on a radar; also called a beacon target.

What is a Digitized Target?

A computer generated indication shown on an analog radar display resulting from a primary radar return or a radar beacon reply.

What is the range of airport surveillance radar (ASR) coverage?

Range of airport surveillance radar (ASR) coverage can extend up to 60 NM.

When does a controller provide radar service?

A controller provides radar service when they have a usable target and determine that presentation and equipment performance are satisfactory. The radar performance check must be accomplished at least once each shift. Radar quality and performance are determined by comparing identified targets against data obtained during the commissioning flight check or by using minimum performance criteria determined jointly by maintenance (RAWS) and the CCTLR.

What should you do when you observe abnormalities?

inform an aircraft of any observed abnormal aircraft condition, when requested by the pilot or when you deem it necessary using the phraseology: (Item) APPEAR/S (observed condition).

What is Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)?

A system of proximity warnings and resolution advisories to pilots using audible and display notifications assist the pilot in avoiding conflicting traffic. There are two types: TCAS I and TCAS II.

What is TCAS I?

Provides visual and audible proximity warning only to assist the pilot in the visual acquisition of intruder aircraft. It is intended for use by smaller commuter aircraft holding 10 to 30 passenger seats, and general aviation aircraft.

What is TCAS II?

Provides traffic advisories (TA) and resolution advisories (RA). Transport category aircraft, and larger commuter and business aircraft holding 31 passenger seats or more, are required to be TCAS II equipped.

What are Resolution Advisory (RA)?

Provide recommended maneuvers in a vertical direction (climb or descend only) to avoid conflicting traffic.

What must each pilot do who deviates from an ATC clearance in response to an RA?

Each pilot who deviates from an ATC clearance in response to an RA must notify ATC of that deviation as soon as practicable and notify ATC when clear of conflict and returning to their previously assigned clearance.

What are ATC responsibilities when an aircraft is responding to a TCAS RA?

When an aircraft under your control jurisdiction informs you that it is responding to a TCAS RA, do not issue control instructions that are contrary to the RA procedure. Provide safety alerts regarding terrain or obstructions and traffic advisories for the aircraft responding to the RA and all other aircraft under your control jurisdiction, as appropriate.

What is Adjacent Airspace?

Airspace outside a controller's area of operation/jurisdiction.

What are the Adjacent Airspace controller responsibilities?

Ensure that the necessary coordination has been accomplished before you allow an aircraft under your control to enter another controller's area of jurisdiction. A controller must resolve any potential violations of adjacent airspace or conflicts with other aircraft prior to transferring communications.

What are Non-RADAR Principles?

ATC Operations conducted without the use of radar for separation of aircraft using time or altitude.

What are In-Flight Equipment Malfunctions?

Partial or complete failure of equipment, which may affect either safety, separation standards, and/or the ability of the flight to proceed under IFR in the ATC System. Controllers may expect reports from pilots regarding VOR, TACAN, GPS, impairment of air-ground communications capability or other equipment deemed appropriate by the pilot.

What information should be relayed in case of In-Flight Equipment Malfunctions?

Relay to other controllers or facilities that will subsequently handle the aircraft, all pertinent details concerning the aircraft, and any special handling required or being provided.

What is "No-Gyro"?

A radar approach/vector provided in case of a malfunctioning gyro-compass or directional gyro. Instead of providing the pilot with headings to be flown, the controller observes the radar track and issues control instructions "turn right/left" or "stop turn" as appropriate.

What are the Transponder actions for Receiver Only Procedures?

Transponder actions include "IDENT", "SQUAWK STANDBY", or a beacon code change to 7600 (functional beacon code for "NORDO").

What is IDENT?

feature that allows pilots to transmit, with the push of a button, a special pulse that is added to the transponder reply/secondary target on the radar display.

What is SQUAWK STANDBY?

secondary target information will temporarily be removed from target and then re-appear.

What is Lost Communication?

The loss of the ability to communicate by radio. Aircraft are sometimes referred to as NORDO (no radio).

What Code should the pilot flying an aircraft with a coded radar beacon transponder set the transponder to if they experience a loss of two-way radio capability?

If an aircraft with a coded radar beacon transponder experiences a loss of two-way radio capability, the pilot should adjust the transponder to Code 7600.

What are the two types of Emergency Determinations?

An emergency can be either a Distress or an Urgency condition.

What is Distress?

A condition of being threatened by serious and/or imminent danger and of requiring immediate assistance such as fire or mechanical failure.

What is Urgency?

A condition of being concerned about safety and of requiring timely but not immediate assistance; a potential distress condition e.g., the pilot becomes doubtful about position, fuel, endurance, or weather.

What Emergency Beacon Code should you assign to emergency aircraft when the pilot declares an emergency and the aircraft is not radar identified?

Assign codes to emergency aircraft as follows, code 7700 when the pilot declares an emergency and the aircraft is not radar identified.

What is the minimum required information for inflight emergencies?

Aircraft Identification/Call sign, Type of aircraft, Nature of Emergency and Pilot's desires.

What is required for Special Handling in In-flight emergencies?

Relay to other controllers or facilities that will subsequently handle the aircraft, all pertinent details concerning the aircraft, and any special handling required or being provided and provide maximum assistance possible consistent with equipment, workload, and any special handling required.

What Code should the pilot flying an aircraft set the transponder to if they are in a hijacking situation?

When a pilot notifies ATC verbally of a hijacking situation, assign code 7500 to the subject aircraft. Should the pilot acknowledge assignment of code 7500 without further communication, or fail to acknowledge or communicate further, assume that the flight is being subject to hijack. No reference to the hijacking must be made in subsequent communications unless initiated by the pilot, or unless directed by the Domestic Events Network (DEN) Air Traffic Security Coordinator.

What does the term "minimum fuel" indicate?

Indicates recognition by a pilot that his fuel supply has reached a state where, upon reaching destination, he cannot accept any undue delay. On initial contact, the term "minimum fuel" should be used after stating call sign.

When will pilots declare emergency fuel?

Pilots will declare emergency fuel to the appropriate controlling agency when in their judgement the aircraft may land at the intended destination with less than the emergency fuel reserve. Declaration of "emergency fuel" is an explicit statement that priority handling by ATC is both required and expected.

Which USAF Missions include UAS?

Global Hawk, Predator and Reaper

What is an Unmanned Aircraft?

device used or intended to be used for flight that has no onboard pilot. This device can be any type of airplane, helicopter, airship, or powered-lift aircraft.

What is an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)?

An unmanned aircraft and it associated elements related to safe operations, which may include control stations (ground, ship, or air based), control links, support equipment, payloads, flight termination systems, and launch/recovery equipment. It consists of three elements: Unmanned aircraft, Control station and Data link.

How do Hospital Operations (HOSP) get priority handling?

ATC will provide priority handling to HOSP when verbally requested by the pilot. Aircraft may file "HOSP" in the remarks of the flight plan. For aircraft identification in radio transmissions, civilian pilots will use their normal call sign.

What are Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations?

A service which seeks missing aircraft and assists those found to be in need of assistance. It is a cooperative effort using the facilities and services of available Federal, State and local agencies.

What is Rescue Coordination Center (RCC)?

A search and rescue facility equipped and manned to coordinate and control SAR operations in an area designated by the SAR plan. The U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Air Force have responsibility for the operation of RCCs.

What is a MEDEVAC Operation?

The MEDEVAC callsign prefix is only intended for those missions of an urgent medical nature and is to be utilized only for that portion of the flight requiring priority handling. To receive priority handling from ATC, the pilot must verbally identify the flight in radio transmissions by stating "MEDEVAC" followed by the aircraft identification.

How do AIR EVAC Operations get priority handling?

ATC will provide priority handling to AIR EVAC and HOSP flights when verbally requested by the pilot. Aircraft may file "AIR EVAC" in the remarks of the flight plan. For aircraft identification in radio transmissions, military pilots will use "EVAC" call sign.

How is Visibility reported when speaking?

denoted with reportable value followed by "SM" to indicate statute miles State the word "visibility" followed by the visibility value in miles and/or fractions of miles. Do not use group form, rather state the separate digits of whole numbers.

What is: 26012KT is spoken "WIND TWO SIX ZERO AT ONE TWO."

Information about wind direction and speed

What is: 26012G20KT is spoken, "WIND TWO SIX ZERO AT ONE TWO GUSTS TWO ZERO"

Information about wind direction and speed, gusts