Aerodromes and Air Navigation Services
Aerodrome standards
Annex 14 and CAR Section 4 set aerodrome reference code (based on reference field length and wingspan/outer main gear wheel span), runway strip, RESA, clearway, stopway, declared distances (TORA, TODA, ASDA, LDA) and obstacle limitation surfaces. Know the difference between precision and non-precision approaches, and the standards for runway markings and lighting. Know the aerodrome emergency plan, the rescue and fire fighting category, and the requirement for a wildlife hazard management programme.
Air navigation services
Know the ATS units (tower, approach, area control), the flight information service, alerting service, and the AIS products (AIP, NOTAM, PIB). Know SSR codes, RVSM, semi-circular rule, transition altitude, and the procedures for controlled airspace. Know the role of AAI as the ANSP in India and the CNS/ATM concept.
Traps and worked example
Traps: confusing TORA (take-off run available) with TODA (take-off distance available, which includes clearway); mixing ASDA (accelerate-stop distance available) with LDA; and assuming a NOTAM can change an AIP permanently (it is temporary).
Rule of thumb: TORA = runway; TODA = TORA + clearway; ASDA = TORA + stopway; LDA = runway available for landing (may be less than TORA).
Worked example: "A runway is 2000 m with a 200 m clearway and 150 m stopway. State the declared distances." TORA 2000 m; TODA 2200 m; ASDA 2150 m; LDA 2000 m (absent a displaced threshold).