Table of Contents
What is ATC responsible for?
The primary purpose of ATC worldwide is to prevent collisions, organize and expedite the flow of air traffic, and provide information and other support for pilots. Air traffic controllers monitor the location of aircraft in their assigned airspace by radar and communicate with the pilots by radio.
What is the role of ATC when a flight is under VFR?
Its primary job is maintaining safe separation between aircraft flying under instrument flight rules (IFR); providing navigational assistance, weather information, severe weather avoidance vectoring (to the best of its ability using radar that is not specifically designed for the purpose), and traffic advisories; and …
When the traffic ATC has issued is not reported in sight by the pilot what will ATC inform the pilot?
Negative Contact – used by pilots to inform ATC that previously issued traffic is not in sight. It may be followed by the pilot’s request for the controller to provide assistance in avoiding the traffic. It can help the controller and other aircraft if you specify the type when reporting the traffic.
What is the role of ATC when a flight is under IFR?
In controlled airspace, air traffic control (ATC) separates IFR aircraft from obstacles and other aircraft using a flight clearance based on route, time, distance, speed, and altitude. ATC monitors IFR flights on radar, or through aircraft position reports in areas where radar coverage is not available.
When an ATC clearance has been obtained?
(a) When an ATC clearance has been obtained, no pilot in command may deviate from that clearance unless an amended clearance is obtained, an emergency exists, or the deviation is in response to a traffic alert and collision avoidance system resolution advisory.
What is the difference between an ATC clearance and an ATC instruction?
The difference between a clearance and an instruction is the word clear and that a clearance is effective when accepted, while an instruction is effective when received.
Does ATC tell you when to descend?
According to the FAA, when ATC issues a clearance to descend at pilot’s discretion (PD), pilots may begin the descent whenever they choose, and at any rate of their choosing. Pilots are also authorized to level off, temporarily, at any intermediate altitude during the descent.
How are planes tracked?
Currently, planes are largely tracked by radar on the ground, which doesn’t work over much of the world’s oceans. When these planes take off, they are tracked by radar and are equipped with a GPS transponder. All commercial flights operating in the U.S. and Europe have to have them by 2020.
When can ATC request a detailed report?
within 48 hours
(d) Each pilot in command who (though not deviating from a rule of this subpart) is given priority by ATC in an emergency, shall submit a detailed report of that emergency within 48 hours to the manager of that ATC facility, if requested by ATC.
Does ATC provide separation after an aircraft leaves Class B clearance?
ATC does not provide separation after an aircraft leaves the Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E surface area on a special VFR clearance. Special VFR operations by fixed-wing aircraft are prohibited in some Class B and Class C surface areas due to the volume of IFR traffic.
What should pilots read back from ATC clearances?
Pilots of airborne aircraft should read back those parts of ATC clearances and instructions containing altitude assignments, vectors, or runway assignments as a means of mutual verification.
What are the visibility requirements for Special VFR aircraft?
The visibility requirements for special VFR aircraft (other than helicopters) are: At least 1 statute mile flight visibility for operations within Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E surface areas. At least 1 statute mile ground visibility if taking off or landing.
What is the difference between IFR and VFR flights?
When weather conditions permit, during the time an IFR flight is operating, it is the direct responsibility of the pilot to avoid other aircraft since VFR flights may be operating in the same area without the knowledge of ATC. Traffic clearances provide standard separation only between IFR flights.