Air traffic services

Question 1

Define ATS

Answer 1

An air traffic service is a generic term meaning variously: flight information service, alerting service, air traffic advisory service or air traffic control service.

Question 2

What are the 4 main objectives of ATS?

Answer 2

• Prevent collisions between aircraft.
• Expedite and maintain an orderly flow of air traffic.
• Provide advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights.
• Notify appropriate organisations regarding aircraft in need of SAR aid.

Question 3

What 3 units does an air traffic control service comprise of?

Answer 3

• Aerodrome control service
• Approach control service
• Area control service

Question 4

Define FIS

Answer 4

A service provided for the purpose of giving advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights.

Question 5

Define alerting service

Answer 5

A service provided to notify appropriate organisations regarding aircraft in need of search and rescue aid, and assist such organisations as required.

Question 6

For what 3 reasons is an aircraft in the uncertainty phase?

Answer 6

• 30 minutes after a communication should have been received
• An unsuccessful attempt was made to contact the a/c
• The aircraft fails to arrive somewhere.
• Except when no doubt exists as to the safety of the a/c.

Question 7

What 4 reasons could an aircraft be in the alert phase?

Answer 7

• If attempts to establish communication fail.
• If the aircraft fails to land within 5 mins of its clearance and communication has not been re-established.
• Information is received that shows the operating efficiency of the a/c is impaired.
• An a/c is known or believed to be subject to unlawful interference.
• Except when no doubt exists as to the safety of the a/c.

Question 8

What 3 reasons will mean an a/c is in the distress phase?

Answer 8

• When many failed communication attempts show the a/c is probably in distress.
• The fuel on board is exhausted or insufficient.
• Info is received which indicates the a/c will need to do a force landing.
• Except when no doubt exists as to the safety of the a/c.

Question 9

Define air traffic advisory service

Answer 9

A service provided in advisory airspace to ensure separation, in so far as practical between a/c which are operating on IFR flight plans. This should be a temporary measure replaced by ATC.