Section 1 EO M260.01 – EXPLAIN ASPECTS OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL (ATC)

Aerodrome. Any area of land or water designed for the arrival, departure, movement and servicing of aircraft. It includes buildings, installations, and equipment situated therein. Airport. Any aerodrome with an airport certificate. Some airports are designated “international airports” to support international commercial air transport. An airport certificate testifies that the aerodrome meets airport certification safety standards.

The Role of the Air Traffic Controller

The ATC system is a vast network of people and equipment that ensures the safe operation of commercial and private aircraft.

The air traffic controller’s’ immediate concern is safety, but controllers must also direct planes efficiently to minimize delays. Their main responsibility is to organize the flow of aircraft into and out of the aerodrome.

Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of air traffic to make certain that planes stay a safe distance apart. They prevent collisions between:

In addition, air traffic controllers keep pilots informed about changes in weather conditions such as wind shear, a sudden change in the velocity or direction of the wind that can cause the pilot to lose control of the aircraft.

ATC Authorization

An ATC clearance is an authorization from an ATC unit for an aircraft to proceed within controlled airspace under specific conditions. Some air traffic controllers regulate traffic through designated airspaces; others regulate airport arrivals and departures.

The name “RADAR” is an abbreviation for “radio detection and ranging”. To operate, radar requires a highly directional radio transmitter/antenna and a scope, or screen, to display the information received by the antenna.

The principle uses of radar in aviation are:

The use of radar in ATC greatly increases the utilization of the airspace and permits expansion of flight information services such as traffic and weather information and navigational assistance.

Aircraft without radio (NORDO) are not permitted to operate at most large controlled airports served by the scheduled air carriers. Where they are permitted to operate (less busy controlled airports), they are directed by visual signals. A pilot must be alert to the light signals from the tower letting you know what to do.

Prior to initiating a NORDO flight, the pilot should contact the control tower to inform the controllers of their intentions and to secure a clearance for operation within the airspace. The tower will then be expecting the pilot and will be prepared to give the pilot light signals.

Flashing Green. Cleared to taxi.

Steady Green. Cleared for take-off.

Flashing Red. Taxi clear of runway in use.

Steady Red Light. Stop.

Flashing White. Return to starting point on airport.

Blinking Runway Lights. Vehicle and pedestrians are to vacate the runway immediately.

Steady Green Light. Clear to land.

Steady Red Light or Red Flare. Do not land. Continue in circuit. Avoid making sharp turns, climbing or diving after you receive the signal.

Flashing Green Light. Recall signal. Return for landing (usually to recall an airplane which has taken off or has been previously waved off with a red light). This will be followed by a steady green light when the approach path and landing area is clear.

Alternating Red and Green Light (U.S.). Danger. Be on alert. This signal may be used to warn you of such hazards as danger of collision, obstruction, soft field, ice on runways, mechanical failure of your undercarriage, etc. The danger signal is not a prohibitive signal and will be followed by a red or green light as circumstances warrant.

Flashing Red Light. Airport unsafe. Do not land.

Red Pyrotechnical Light. The firing of a red pyrotechnical light, whether by day or night and notwithstanding any previous instruction means “Do not land for the time being”.

The objective of this activity is to familiarize the cadets with light signals used in NORDO communication.

Flash cards located at Annex A.

N/A.

1.Request a volunteer to stand in front of the class and select a flash card.

2.Once the cadet has selected the flash card ask them to confirm the answer on the back and hold up the flash card to the front of the class.

3.The class must determine the correct command of the light signal.

4.Once the class determines the command of the light signal. Have another volunteer come to the front of the class and select a flash card and repeat the activity.

N/A.

The objective of this activity is to familiarize the cadets with light signals used in NORDO communication.

Handout located at Annex B.

N/A.

1.Distribute the NORDO Signals located at Annex B to each cadet.

2.Allow the cadets 4 min to match the light signals to the correct command.

3.Verify the correct answers with the cadets.

N/A.