Chapter 2 Air Traffic Control - Services and Management
Whole bunch of definitions – TODO: groups and package
2.1 Services
Air traffic service is a generic terms meaning variously
- air traffic control service;
- air traffic advisory service;
- flight information service;
- alerting service
An air traffic control service is provided for the purpose of
- preventing collisions between aircraft in the air
- assisting in preventing collisions between aircraft moving on the apron and the manoeuvring area
- assisting in preventing collisions between aircraft and obstructions on the manoeuvring area
- expediting and maintaining an orderly flow of air traffic.
Air traffic control service is provided according to the particular circumstances and class of airspce. It may comprise one or more of the following
aerodrome control service
approach control service - with or without the aid of radar
area control service - with or without the aid of radar.
Air traffic advisory service is provided for the same purpose as air traffic control service for participating aircraft flying outside controlled airspace (:= uncontrolled airspace). The service is delivered in the same way and pilots are expected to comply unless they state otherwise.
Radar advisory service: where available, radar may be used to assist in providing services to aircraft flying in Class F and Class G airspace (:= uncontrolled airspace).
2.1.1 Flight Information Service
Flight information service (FIS) is a non-radar service provided, either separately or in conjunction with other services, for the purpose of supplying information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights.
Under FIS the following conditions apply:
provision of service includes information about weather, changes of serviceability of facilities, conditions at aerodromes, and any other information pertinent to safety.
controller may attempt to identify the flight for monitoring and coordination purposes only.
Such identification does not imply that a radar service is being provided or that the controller will continuously monitor the flight.
Pilot must be left in no doubt that they are not receiving a radar service.controllers are not responsible for separating or sequencing of aircraft.
In addition, controllers will - subject to wordload - provide pilots with information concerning collision hazards to aircraft operating in airspace Class C, D, E, F, or G when selfevident information from any source indicates that a risk of collision may exist. It is accepted that this information may be incomplete and the contoller cannot assume responsibility for its issuance at all times or for its accuracy.
2.2 Classification of Airspace
Classification of airspaces within a FIR determines the flight rules and minimum services.
| Cl ass | Flight Rules | Aircraft Requirements | Minimum Services by ATC Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | IFR only |
|
separate all aircraft from each other |
| B | IFR and VFR |
|
separate all aircraft from each other |
| C | IFR and VFR |
|
|
| D | IFR and VFR |
|
|
| E | IFR and VFR |
|
|
| F | IFR and VFR | participating IFR flights are expected to comply with ATC instructions | separate participating IFR lights from each other |
| G | IFR and VFR | non | none |
2.2.1 Visual Flight Rules
pilot responsible for determining whether or not the meteorological conditions permit flight in accordance with VFR.
TODO - add table with minima
2.2.2 Instrument Flight Rules
pilot must fly IFR:
airspace Class A;
meteorological conditions preclude VFR
IFR require a pilot to observe the minimum height rule and additional rules according to airspace
within controlled airspace (Class A, B, C, D, and E)
file flight plan and obtain clearance before proceeding with the flight
conduct flight in accordance with clearances and instructions from air traffic control
maintain listening watch on the appropriate radio frequencies;
report position of the aircraft according to published procedures.
outside controlled airspace (Class F and G)
- comply with quandrantal rule when in level flight above 3000ft MSL; altimeter set to 1013,2mb/hPA; cruising level selected according to magnetic track unless the aircraft is holding according to published procedures or is otherwise instructed by air traffic control
quandrantal rule: IFR flights outside controlled airspace below FL245
0 <= magnetic track < 90: FL30, 50, 70 … 230
90 <= mag. track < 180: FL35, 55, 75, … 235
180<= mag.track < 270: FL40, 60, 80, …. 240
270 <= mag.track < 360: FL45, FL64 … FL225
2.2.3 Aerodrome Traffic Zones
Aerodrome traffic zones are not allocated to a specific class of airspace - they adapt the class of airspace within which they are situated.
Aircraft within aerodrome traffic zone are subject to Rules of the Air in addition to the specific conditions of the airspace.
At aerodromes with ATC unit (:= controlled aerodrome), all movements are subject to the permission of that unit. Aircraft will comply with instructions given by RT and maintain listening watch. Non-radio aircraft which have been given prior permission to fly within the zone, will comply with visual signals.
Controllers are to provide air traffic control service to aircraft within an aerodrome traffic zone and to aircraft under their jurisdiction in the vicinity of the aerodrome.
2.2.4 Special VFR
Special VFR when requested by pilot or when it is notified in the AIP for a particular type of operatoin. Before issuing such a clearance a controller must consider the prevailing traffic conditions, the extent of the proposed flight, and the availability of air/ground communications.
Special VFR are not to hinder normal IFR flights\.
Pilot of SVFR flight
must comply with ATC instructions;
is responsible for ensuring that the flight conditions enable him to remain clear of clouds, determine his flight path with reference to surface, and keep clear of obstructions;
is responsible for ensuring that he flies within the limitations of his license;
is responsible for complying with the relevant flying restrictions;
is responsible for avoiding aerodrome traffic zones unless prior permission for penetration has been obtained from the relevant air traffic control unit.
2.2.5 Air Traffic Control Services
provided by Flight Information Centres (FICs) and Air Traffic Control Units(ATCUs).
FICs provide flight information service and alerting service within FIR unless this is assigned to ATC Unit (having adequate facilities to discharge the responsibility).
ATCU provide ATC service, FIS, and Alerting Service within CTAs and CTRs and at controlled aerodromes.
2.2.6 Flight Information Region
FIR is an airspace with specific dimensions in which Flight Information Servue and Alerting Service are provided.
FIR := largest regular division of airspace.
Any portion of globe/atmosphere assigned to a specific FIR. Larger countries / multiple FIRs. Oceanic airspace ~ Oceanic Information Regions ~ service provision delegated to controlling authority border that region. Division / delegation via international agreement through ICAO.
FIR ~ no standard size/dimension ~ administrative organisation.
Boundaries of FIR either agreed by common consent between states or by strict adherence to national borders (:= territory).
Horizontal division possible: lower portion FIR, upper airspace UIR Upper Information Region.
FL660 is the vertical limit of controlled airspace agreed internationally.
2.2.7 CTA - Control Area
Check and expand … lower limit not less than 200m/700ft. Upper limit typically FL245 or upper CTA.
2.2.8 UIR / Upper Control Areas
may expand over multiple FIRs … no interference from aircraft joining an airway climbing or descending to and from aerodromes.
2.2.9 CTRs
CTRs encompass thoses parts of the airspace of a FIR which are not within Control Areas CTAs and which contain flight paths of IFR flights arriving and departing from aerodromes which can used in IMS.
ATC authority for a CTR can be APP at an aerodrome or a dedicated office within an ACC with responsibility solely for the CTR.
CTR must have defined upper limit, extends from ground to a defined altitude or Flight Level. CTR completely under CTA, upper limit of CTR == lower limit of CTA.
Lateral limits of CTR must extend at least 9.3km/5NM from the centre of the aerodrome, or aerodromes concerned in the directions from which the approaches may be made.
CTR may include several aerodromes situated close together.
2.2.10 Identification
An area controll center is identified by the name of a nearby town or another geographic feature. An aerodrome control tower or approach center is known by the name of the aerodrome. A CTR, CTA, or FIR is identified by the name of the unit having jurisdiction over the airspace.
2.3 Air Traffic Route Structure
TO BE CONTINUED - FILLED IN