KCAA ATC cheat sheet

Controlled airspace is divided into classes A–G; ICAO classes A–E require an ATC clearance for IFR flights, and classes B, C and D additionally require a clearance for VFR flights.

Separation minima in radar or procedural control: 5 NM (or 3 NM where approved) laterally, 1,000 ft vertically below FL290, and 2,000 ft at or above FL290 (RVSM airspace reduces this to 1,000 ft).

The three ATC clearances categories are: air traffic control clearance (authorisation), ATC instruction (directive), and ATC advisory (suggestion); only the first two are mandatory.

Readback is mandatory for all clearances and instructions affecting safety, including runway-in-use, hold-short instructions, level assignments, and SSR codes.

A clearance limit is the point to which an aircraft is granted an ATC clearance; when no further clearance is received, the pilot must hold at the limit and request onward clearance.

Wake turbulence separation minima depend on the weight category of the leading and following aircraft (Super, Heavy, Medium, Light); typical radar minima are 3–8 NM.

The four phases of an emergency: uncertainty (no communication for 30 minutes), alert (no communication for 5 minutes after expected), distress (grave and imminent danger), and SAR action.

Position reporting points are compulsory when flying IFR in controlled airspace unless radar identification or ADS-B surveillance is used; the controller must then acknowledge each report.

Primary surveillance radar (PSR) uses skin reflection and provides range and azimuth but no altitude; secondary surveillance radar (SSR) interrogates a transponder and provides identity, pressure altitude, and Mode S data.

Mode A gives a 4-digit octal squawk (0001–7777, excluding 7500, 7600, 7700 reserved for unlawful interference, radio failure, and emergency); Mode C gives pressure altitude in 100 ft increments.

SSR code 7500 = unlawful interference, 7600 = radio failure, 7700 = general emergency; 2000 is the default when no discrete code is assigned.

Radar separation minima: 5 NM (or 3 NM where approved) between identified aircraft; 2.5 NM may be used in terminal areas with specific approval.

Radar identification must be established before providing radar separation; methods include transponder code, position report, turn confirmation, and identification manoeuvre.

ADS-B provides position, velocity, and identity from aircraft avionics; ADS-B Out broadcasts to ATC, ADS-B In receives traffic and weather information.

Mode S provides selective interrogation, unique 24-bit ICAO address, and data link capability (ELS, EHS); it reduces garbling on the 1030/1090 MHz channels.

Surveillance service includes conflict detection, traffic information, and safety alerts (STCA, MSAW, APW); controllers must issue safety alerts promptly and clearly.

SAR service is organised in accordance with ICAO Annex 12; each State establishes a SAR region (SRR) and a rescue coordination centre (RCC) with 24-hour watch.

Emergency phases: uncertainty (INCERFA), alert (ALERFA), and distress (DETRESFA); each triggers a defined escalation of SAR response.

INCERFA is declared when no communication is received within 30 minutes after the expected time, or when an aircraft is known to be overdue.

ALERFA is declared after INCERFA when no contact is made within the next 5 minutes, or when an aircraft is believed to be in difficulty.

DETRESFA is declared when grave and imminent danger is known or believed, or when an aircraft has crashed or is about to crash.

SAR communication frequencies include 121.5 MHz (civil emergency), 243.0 MHz (military), and 406 MHz (COSPAS-SARSAT distress beacons).

The RCC coordinates with ATS units, which must notify the RCC of any aircraft in emergency and provide last known position, heading, altitude, and fuel state.

On-scene coordination is provided by an on-scene commander (OSC) appointed by the RCC; the OSC coordinates all SAR assets and reports to the RCC.

AIS publishes the AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication), NOTAM, AIC (Aeronautical Information Circular), and PIB (Pre-flight Information Bulletin); the AIP is the primary source of permanent information.

NOTAM is issued for temporary changes of operational significance; each NOTAM has a serial number, validity period, and classification (e.g., NOTAMN = new, NOTAMR = replace, NOTAMC = cancel).

AIRAC (Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control) cycle: 28-day intervals with a common effective date; changes requiring chart updates must be issued at least 28 days before effect.

The AIP is structured in three parts: GEN (general), ENR (en-route), and AD (aerodromes); each part is subdivided into numbered sections.

A NOTAM checklist (NOTAM check) must be verified by the originator before dissemination; erroneous NOTAMs must be cancelled promptly.

AIC is issued for administrative or explanatory information that does not qualify as a NOTAM; AIC is not used for operational changes requiring chart amendment.

Aeronautical charts include the World Aeronautical Chart (1:1,000,000), the Aeronautical Chart 1:500,000, and the Terminal Area Chart; the AIP GEN 3.2 lists chart types.

The NOTAM office (NOF) is responsible for the international exchange of NOTAMs; each State designates a NOF and publishes its address in the AIP GEN 3.2.

AIP amendments are issued as either a permanent amendment (AIP AMDT) or a temporary amendment (AIP SUP); AIP SUP is used for temporary changes of long duration.