Study Notes for CAE ATPL Book 15 - Communications

CAE ATPL Ground Training Series: Book 15 - Communications

Introduction

  • This book is provided for personal use and only for purposes of private study.
  • It is not permitted to reproduce in any form, copy, store, or adapt without prior written consent of CAE Inc.
  • The material is intended to assist students enrolled in an approved EASA Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) course to prepare for the theoretical knowledge examinations.
  • This book should not be viewed as a substitute for the official EASA ATPL syllabus as published in 'Part-FCL 1'.

Section A: How to Use This Book

  • The handbook is organized by EASA Learning Objectives, using a numbering system.
  • Learning objectives are indicated with a target icon. Additional information relevant to other subjects is marked with a light bulb icon.
  • Important equations are marked with a calculator icon. Examples and questions are marked with a gear icon, while glossary terms are highlighted in red.

Other Publications

  • CAE ATPL Ground Training Series includes:
    • Book 1: Air Law
    • Book 2: Aircraft General Knowledge: Airframes and Systems
    • Book 3: Aircraft General Knowledge: Electrics and Electronics
    • Book 4: Aircraft General Knowledge: Powerplant
    • Book 5: Aircraft General Knowledge: Instrumentation
    • Book 6: Mass and Balance
    • Book 7: Performance
    • Book 8: Flight Planning and Monitoring
    • Book 9: Human Performance and Limitations
    • Book 10: Meteorology
    • Book 11: General Navigation
    • Book 12: Radio Navigation
    • Book 13: Operational Procedures
    • Book 14: Principles of Flight
    • Book 15: Communications (this book)
    • Book 16: Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA)

Table of Contents

  • 090.01 Concepts
    • 01.01 Associated Terms
    • 01.02 Air Traffic Services (ATS) Abbreviations
    • 01.03 Q-Code Groups Commonly Used in Radiotelephony (RT)
    • 01.04 Categories of Messages
  • 090.02 General Operating Procedures
    • 02.01 Transmission Standards
    • 02.02 Transmission Techniques
  • 090.03 Relevant Weather Information
    • 03.01 Aerodrome Weather
  • 090.04 Voice Communication Failure
  • 090.05 Distress and Urgency Procedures
  • 090.06 VHF Propagation and Allocation of Frequencies
  • 090.07 Other Communications
    • 07.01 Weather Observations, Morse Code

Section 090.01: Concepts

01.01 Associated Terms
  • Define key ATS terms for stations and communication methods.
  • Utilizes terms from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
  • Professional radio language ensures pilots and ATS understand each other clearly.
ATS Terms for Stations
  • Aerodrome control radio station: Station providing radio-communication between an aerodrome control tower and aircraft.
  • Aircraft station: A mobile station in the aeronautical mobile service located on board an aircraft.
  • AFTN communication station: Station in the aeronautical fixed telecommunication network.
ATS Communication Methods
  • Air-ground communication: Two-way communication between aircraft and ground stations.
  • Importance of learning terms and abbreviations noted for efficient communication.
Holding and Approach Terms
  • Visual Flight Rules (VFR): Rules that apply in good weather; flight training often starts here.
  • Instrument Flight Rules (IFR): Used in poorer weather; requires additional ratings.
  • Understanding unique terms aids in safer flying operations.

090.02: General Operating Procedures

02.01 Transmission Standards
  • Key elements for effective transmission include clarity and understanding.
  • Radio alphabet required for accurate phonetic spelling of letters and numbers.
Transmission of Letters
  • Use phonetic alphabet: A = Alpha, B = Bravo, C = Charlie, etc.
  • Spell out names, service abbreviations, or ambiguous words.
Transmission of Numbers
  • Single digits and headings: Pronounce each digit separately (e.g., “heading one eight zero”).
  • Flight levels: Whole hundreds are pronounced as such (e.g., “flight level two hundred”).
Transmission of Time
  • Use Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) when transmitting times (e.g., “time zero eight two three”).

090.03: Relevant Weather Information

Aerodrome Weather
  • METARs: Routine reports on weather conditions released hourly.
  • Key elements: wind direction, visibility, present weather, cloud amount/type, temperature/dew point, pressure values.

090.04: Voice Communication Failure

Action Required
  • Steps following a communication failure must be precise to maintain safety.
  • First check radio settings; attempt to re-establish communication on other channels.
  • Use transponder code 7600 for indicating radio failure.

090.05: Distress and Urgency Procedures

Distress Signals
  • Defined as a condition requiring immediate assistance. Signals include the term