KCAA ATC flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Controlled airspace classes

ICAO classes A–E are controlled; classes B, C and D require a clearance for VFR flights, while class E does not require VFR clearance but does require IFR clearance.

Vertical separation minima

1,000 ft below FL290 and 2,000 ft at or above FL290; RVSM airspace reduces the upper limit to 1,000 ft between approved aircraft.

Clearance limit

The point to which an aircraft is granted an ATC clearance; the pilot must hold at that point and request further clearance if none is received.

Readback requirement

Pilots must read back all clearances and instructions affecting safety, including level assignments, hold-short instructions, runway-in-use, and SSR codes.

Wake turbulence separation

Radar separation minima based on weight categories (Super, Heavy, Medium, Light) of the leading and following aircraft, typically 3–8 NM.

Emergency phases

The four phases are uncertainty, alert, distress, and SAR action; each escalates the response and notification to the RCC.

Position reporting

Compulsory IFR reporting points require a report unless radar or ADS-B identification is used; the controller must acknowledge each report.

ATC instruction vs advisory

An ATC instruction is a directive that must be complied with; an ATC advisory is a suggestion for information only and is not mandatory.

Primary surveillance radar

PSR uses skin reflection to provide range and azimuth but no altitude; it is independent of aircraft equipage and works without a transponder.

Secondary surveillance radar

SSR interrogates a transponder to obtain identity, pressure altitude, and Mode S data; it requires the aircraft to have a serviceable transponder.

Emergency SSR codes

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 methods

Transponder code, position report, turn confirmation, and identification manoeuvre; identification must be established before radar separation is applied.

ADS-B Out

ADS-B Out broadcasts position, velocity, and identity from aircraft avionics to ATC and other receivers; it does not require interrogation.

Mode S capability

Mode S provides selective interrogation, a unique 24-bit ICAO address, and data link capability (ELS, EHS), reducing garbling on 1030/1090 MHz.

Safety alerts

STCA (short-term conflict alert), MSAW (minimum safe altitude warning), and APW (area proximity warning) are automated surveillance alerts controllers must act on promptly.

Surveillance service scope

Includes conflict detection, traffic information, and safety alerts; controllers must issue safety alerts promptly and clearly to affected aircraft.

SAR region and RCC

Each State establishes a search and rescue region (SRR) and a rescue coordination centre (RCC) with 24-hour watch, per ICAO Annex 12.

INCERFA phase

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

ALERFA phase

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

DETRESFA phase

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

SAR frequencies

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

On-scene commander

Appointed by the RCC to coordinate all SAR assets at the scene; the OSC reports to the RCC and directs search and rescue efforts.

ATS notification to RCC

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

AIP structure

The Aeronautical Information Publication is structured in three parts: GEN (general), ENR (en-route), and AD (aerodromes), each with numbered sections.

NOTAM classification

NOTAMN = new, NOTAMR = replace, NOTAMC = cancel; each NOTAM has a serial number, validity period, and operational significance.

AIRAC cycle

Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control cycle of 28-day intervals with a common effective date; chart-affecting changes must be issued at least 28 days before effect.

AIC purpose

Aeronautical Information Circular is issued for administrative or explanatory information that does not qualify as a NOTAM and does not require chart amendment.

AIP SUP vs AMDT

AIP AMDT is a permanent amendment; AIP SUP is a temporary supplement used for changes of long duration that affect the AIP.

NOTAM office

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

Aeronautical chart types

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

NOTAM checklist

A NOTAM check must be verified by the originator before dissemination; erroneous NOTAMs must be cancelled promptly to avoid operational confusion.