AAI JE ATC cheat sheet

Separation minima: radar control requires 5 NM lateral or 1000 ft vertical between IFR aircraft below FL290; 2000 ft applies above FL290 unless RVSM airspace is in force (then 1000 ft).

Non-radar procedural separation uses 10 minutes longitudinal (15 minutes on intersecting or reciprocal tracks at the same level), or 1000 ft vertical, or specified lateral distances based on navigation aids.

Wake turbulence categories by MTOW: Light ≤ 7000 kg, Medium 7000–136000 kg, Heavy ≥ 136000 kg; Super/A380 applies to the A380-800 (560000 kg).

Wake separation on approach: Heavy behind Heavy = 4 NM; Medium behind Heavy = 5 NM; Light behind Heavy = 6 NM; Light behind Medium = 5 NM.

Position reporting elements (in order): aircraft identification, position, time, flight level/altitude, next position and ETA, and the succeeding significant point.

Clearance phraseology: a clearance limit is the point to which an aircraft is cleared before a further clearance is required; 'cleared for the approach' does not authorize descent below the MDA unless the runway is in sight.

Altimeter setting: QNH gives elevation above mean sea level; QFE gives height above the aerodrome reference point; QNE (1013.25 hPa) is used at the transition level.

Transition altitude/level: the transition altitude is where climbing aircraft change to standard pressure; the transition level is where descending aircraft change to QNH; the transition layer lies between them and must not contain a level.

Holding pattern: standard turns are right-hand; one-minute legs are used at or below 14000 ft, one-and-a-half minutes above 14000 ft; entry sectors are direct, parallel, and teardrop (offset).

Runway designators are magnetic headings rounded to the nearest 10 degrees, divided by 10; the reciprocal end differs by 18 (e.g., 09/27); parallel runways use L, C, R suffixes.

VASI/PAPI: a PAPI shows four units; two white and two red means on the correct glidepath (approximately 3 degrees); three red and one white means below the path.

Runway markings: threshold bars, TDZ markings, aiming point markings (a pair of broad rectangular stripes), centerline stripes, and touchdown zone distances in 500 ft increments.

Aerodrome reference code: the first element (1–4) is based on reference field length (e.g., code 4 = 1800 m or more); the second (A–F) is based on wingspan and outer main gear wheel span.

Declared distances: TORA (take-off run available), TODA (TORA plus clearway), ASDA (TORA plus stopway), LDA (landing distance available, usually less than TORA).

Airport lighting: approach lighting systems (e.g., ALSF-2, 2400 ft), threshold lights (green facing approach), runway edge lights (white, yellow on the last 2000 ft on precision approaches), and taxiway centerline lights (green).

Bird strike risk is highest during takeoff, initial climb, approach, and landing, i.e., below 3000 ft AGL; the aerodrome operator normally conducts wildlife hazard assessments.

An ILS glidepath of 3 degrees gives a descent rate of approximately 318 ft/NM; a 5% gradient equals about 300 ft/NM.