NOTES FROM DOC 4444

RTR TEST ANSWERS

DOC 4444- Air Traffic Management (PANS-ATM), provides for a comprehensive update of
the procedures as well as a major re-organization of the contents. The provisions and
procedures relating to safety management of air traffic services and to air traffic flow
management are included.

Aerodrome taxi circuit. The specified path of aircraft on the manoeuvring area during specific
wind conditions.

Aerodrome traffic. All traffic on the manoeuvring area of an aerodrome and all aircraft flying
in the vicinity of an aerodrome.

Aeronautical fixed service (AFS). A telecommunication service between specified fixed

points provided primarily for the safety of air navigation and for the regular, efficient and
economical operation of air services.

Aircraft proximity. A situation in which, in the opinion of a pilot or air traffic services
personnel, the distance between aircraft as well as their relative positions and speed have
been such that the safety of the aircraft involved may have been compromised. An aircraft
proximity is classified as follows:

Risk of collision. The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which serious risk of
collision has existed.

Safety not assured. The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which the safety of the
aircraft may have been compromised.

No risk of collision. The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which no risk of collision
has existed.

Risk not determined. The risk classification of an aircraft proximity in which insufficient
information was available to determine the risk involved, or inconclusive or conflicting
evidence precluded such determination.

Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). A publication issued by or with the authority of a

State and containing aeronautical information of a lasting character essential to air
navigation.

Aeronautical mobile service (RR S1.32). A mobile service between aeronautical stations and
aircraft stations, or between aircraft stations, in which survival craft stations may participate;
emergency position-indicating radio beacon stations may also participate in this service on
designated distress and emergency frequencies.

Aeronautical station (RR S1.81). A land station in the aeronautical mobile service. In certain
instances, an aeronautical station may be located, for example, on board ship or on a
platform at sea.

AIRMET information. Information issued by a meteorological watch office concerning the

occurrence or expected occurrence of specified en-route weather phenomena which may
affect the safety of low-level aircraft operations and which was not already included in the
forecast issued for low-level flights in the flight information region concerned or sub-area
thereof.

AIRPROX. The code word used in an air traffic incident report to designate aircraft proximity.

Air traffic services unit. A generic term meaning variously, air traffic control unit, flight
information centre or air traffic services reporting office.

Airway. A control area or portion thereof established in the form of a corridor.

ALERFA. The code word used to designate an alert phase.

Alerting service. A service provided to notify appropriate organizations regarding aircraft in

need of search and rescue aid, and assist such organizations as required.

Alert phase. A situation wherein apprehension exists as to the safety of an aircraft and its
occupants.

Alternate aerodrome. An aerodrome to which an aircraft may proceed when it becomes

either impossible or inadvisable to proceed to or to land at the aerodrome of intended
landing.

Altitude. The vertical distance of a level, a point or an object considered as a point,

measured from mean sea level (MSL).

Approach control service. Air traffic control service for arriving or departing controlled flights.

Apron. A defined area, on a land aerodrome, intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes
of loading or unloading passengers, mail or cargo, fuelling, parking or maintenance.

Area control centre (ACC). A unit established to provide air traffic control service to
controlled flights in control areas under its jurisdiction.

Area control service. Air traffic control service for controlled flights in control areas

ATS route. A specified route designed for channelling the flow of traffic as necessary for the
provision of air traffic services.

Broadcast. A transmission of information relating to air navigation that is not addressed to a

specific station or stations.

Control area. A controlled airspace extending upwards from a specified limit above the earth.

Controlled aerodrome. An aerodrome at which air traffic control service is provided to

aerodrome traffic.

Note: The term “controlled aerodrome” indicates that air traffic control service is provided to
aerodrome traffic but does not necessarily imply that a control zone exists.

Controlled airspace. An airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control service
is provided in accordance with the airspace classification.

Controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC). A means of communication between

controller and pilot, using data link for ATC communications.
Control zone. A controlled airspace extending upwards from the surface of the earth to a
specified upper limit.

Current flight plan (CPL). The flight plan, including changes, if any, brought about by
subsequent clearances.

Decision altitude (DA) or decision height (DH). A specified altitude or height in the precision
approach or approach with vertical guidance at which a missed approach must be initiated if
the required visual reference to continue the approach has not been established.

Distress phase. A situation wherein there is reasonable certainty that an aircraft and its
occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger or require immediate assistance.

Estimated elapsed time. The estimated time required to proceed from one significant point to
another.

Estimated off-block time. The estimated time at which the aircraft will commence movement
associated with departure.

Estimated time of arrival. For IFR flights, the time at which it is estimated that the aircraft will
arrive over that designated point, defined by reference to navigation aids, from which it is
intended that an instrument approach procedure will be commenced, or, if no navigation aid
is associated with the aerodrome, the time at which the aircraft will arrive over the
aerodrome. For VFR flights, the time at which it is estimated that the aircraft will arrive over
the aerodrome.

Expected approach time. The time at which ATC expects that an arriving aircraft, following a
delay, will leave the holding point to complete its approach for a landing.

Note: The actual time of leaving the holding point will depend upon the approach clearance.

Filed flight plan (FPL). The flight plan as filed with an ATS unit by the pilot or a designated
representative, without any subsequent changes.

Final approach. That part of an instrument approach procedure which commences at the
specified final approach fix or point, or where such a fix or point is not specified,

a) at the end of the last procedure turn, base turn or inbound turn of a racetrack procedure,
if specified; or
b) at the point of interception of the last track specified in the approach procedure; and ends
at a point in the vicinity of an aerodrome from which:
1) a landing can be made; or
2) a missed approach procedure is initiated

Flight information centre. A unit established to provide flight information service and alerting
service.

Flight information region (FIR). An airspace of defined dimensions within which flight
information service and alerting service are provided.

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

SÉCURITÉ
Flight level. A surface of constant atmospheric pressure which is related to a specific
pressure datum, 1 013.2 hectopascals (hPa), and is separated from other such surfaces by
specific pressure intervals.

Flight plan. Specified information provided to air traffic services units, relative to an intended
flight or portion of a flight of an aircraft.

Ground effect. A condition of improved performance (lift) due to the interference of the
surface with the airflow pattern of the rotor system when a helicopter or other VTOL aircraft
is operating near the ground.

Note: Rotor efficiency is increased by ground effect to a height of about one rotor diameter
for most helicopters.

Ground visibility. The visibility at an aerodrome, as reported by an accredited observer.

IFR. The symbol used to designate the instrument flight rules.

IFR flight. A flight conducted in accordance with the instrument flight rules.

Minimum fuel. The term used to describe a situation in which an aircraft’s fuel supply has
reached a state where little or no delay can be accepted.

Note: This is not an emergency situation but merely indicates that an emergency situation is
possible, should any undue delay occur.

NOTAM. A notice distributed by means of telecommunication containing information

concerning the establishment, condition or change in any aeronautical facility, service,
procedure or hazard, the timely knowledge of which is essential to personnel concerned with
flight operations.

Obstacle clearance altitude (OCA) or obstacle clearance height (OCH). The lowest altitude
or the lowest height above the elevation of the relevant runway threshold or the aerodrome
elevation as applicable, used in establishing compliance with appropriate obstacle clearance
criteria.

Note 1: Obstacle clearance altitude is referenced to mean sea level and obstacle clearance
height is referenced to the threshold elevation or in the case of non-precision approaches to
the aerodrome elevation or the threshold elevation if that is more than 2 m (7 ft) below the
aerodrome elevation. An obstacle clearance height for a circling approach is referenced to
the aerodrome elevation.
Note 2: For convenience when both expressions are used they may be written in the form
“obstacle clearance altitude/height” and abbreviated “OCA/H”.

Procedure turn. A manoeuvre in which a turn is made away from a designated track followed
by a turn in the opposite direction to permit the aircraft to intercept and proceed along the
reciprocal of the designated track.

Note 1: Procedure turns are designated “left” or “right” according to the direction of the initial
turn.

Note 2: Procedure turns may be designated as being made either in level flight or while
descending, according to the circumstances of each individual procedure.
Operational control. The exercise of authority over the initiation, continuation, diversion or
termination of a flight in the interest of the safety of the aircraft and the regularity and
efficiency of the flight.

Pilot-in-command. The pilot designated by the operator, or in the case of general aviation,
the owner, as being in command and charged with the safe conduct of a flight.

Radar vectoring. Provision of navigational guidance to aircraft in the form of specific

headings, based on the use of radar.

Repetitive flight plan (RPL). A flight plan related to a series of frequently recurring, regularly
operated individual flights with identical basic features, submitted by an operator for retention
and repetitive use by ATS units.

Required navigation performance (RNP). A statement of the navigation performance

necessary for operation within a defined airspace.

Rescue coordination centre. A unit responsible for promoting efficient organization of search
and rescue services and for coordinating the conduct of search and rescue operations within
a search and rescue region.

RNP type. A containment value expressed as a distance in nautical miles from the intended
position within which flights would be for at least 95 per cent of the total flying time.

Example: RNP 4 represents a navigation accuracy of plus or minus 7.4 km (4 NM) on a 95

per cent containment basis.

Runway visual range (RVR). The range over which the pilot of an aircraft on the centre line
of a runway can see the runway surface markings or the lights delineating the runway or
identifying its centre line.

SIGMET information. Information issued by a meteorological watch office concerning the

occurrence or expected occurrence of specified en-route weather phenomena which may
affect the safety of aircraft operations.

Special VFR flight. A VFR flight cleared by air traffic control to operate within a control zone
in meteorological conditions below VMC.
Standard instrument departure (SID). A designated instrument flight rule (IFR) departure
route linking the aerodrome or a specified runway of the aerodrome with a specified
significant point, normally on a designated ATS route, at which the en-route phase of a flight
commences.

Stopway. A defined rectangular area on the ground at the end of take-off run available
prepared as a suitable area in which an aircraft can be stopped in the case of an abandoned
take-off.

Terminal control area (TMA). A control area normally established at the confluence of ATS
routes in the vicinity of one or more major aerodromes.

Threshold. The beginning of that portion of the runway usable for landing.

Track. The projection on the earth’s surface of the path of an aircraft, the direction of which
path at any point is usually expressed in degrees from North (true, magnetic or grid)
Transition altitude. The altitude at or below which the vertical position of an aircraft is
controlled by reference to altitudes.

Transition layer. The airspace between the transition altitude and the transition level.

Transition level. The lowest flight level available for use above the transition altitude.

Uncertainty phase. A situation wherein uncertainty exists as to the safety of an aircraft and
its occupants.

Visibility. Visibility for aeronautical purposes is the greater of:

a. the greatest distance at which a black object of suitable dimensions, situated near the
ground, can be seen and recognized when observed against a bright background.

b. the greatest distance at which lights in the vicinity of 1000 candelas can be seen and
identified against an unlit background.

Visual approach. An approach by an IFR flight when either part or all of an instrument
approach procedure is not completed and the approach is executed in visual reference to
terrain.

Waypoint. A specified geographical location used to define an area navigation route or the
flight path of an aircraft employing area navigation. Waypoints are identified as either:

Fly-by waypoint. A waypoint which requires turn anticipation to allow tangential interception
of the next segment of a route or procedure, or

Flyover waypoint. A waypoint at which a turn is initiated in order to join the next segment of a
route or procedure.

Responsibility for the Provision of ATC Service

Area control service shall be provided:

a. by an area control centre (ACC); or

b. by the unit providing approach control service in a control zone or in a control area of
limited extent which is designated primarily for the provision of approach control service
when no ACC is established.

Approach control service Approach control service shall be provided:

a. by an aerodrome control tower or an ACC, when it is necessary or desirable to combine
under the responsibility of one unit the functions of the approach control service and those of
the aerodrome control service or the area control service; or

b. by an approach control unit, when it is necessary or desirable to establish a separate unit.

Note: Approach control service may be provided by a unit co-located with an ACC, or by a
control sector within an ACC.

Aerodrome control service Aerodrome control service shall be provided by an aerodrome

control tower.
Responsibility for the provision of Flight Information Service and Alerting Service.

Flight information service and alerting service shall be provided as follows:

a. within a flight information region (FIR): by a flight information centre, unless the
responsibility for providing such services is assigned to an air traffic control unit having
adequate facilities for the exercise of such responsibilities.

b. within controlled airspace and at controlled aerodromes: by the relevant air traffic control
units.

FLIGHT PLAN

Submission Prior to Departure:

A flight plan submitted prior to departure should be submitted to the air traffic services
reporting office at the departure aerodrome.

In the event of a delay of 30 minutes in excess of the estimated off-block time for a
controlled flight or a delay of one hour for an uncontrolled flight for which a flight plan has
been submitted, the flight plan should be amended.

During flight
A flight plan to be submitted during flight should normally be transmitted to the ATS unit in
charge of the FIR, control area, advisory area or advisory route in or on which the aircraft is
flying, or in or through which the aircraft wishes to fly or to the aeronautical
telecommunication station serving the air traffic services unit concerned.
ATC clearance. If an air traffic control clearance is not suitable to the pilot-in-command of an
aircraft, the flight crew may request and, if practicable, obtain an amended clearance

Read-back of Clearances. The flight crew shall read back to the air traffic controller safety-
related parts of ATC clearances and instructions which are transmitted by voice.

The following items shall always be read back:

a. ATC route clearances.

b) clearances and instructions to enter, land on, take off on, hold short of, cross taxi and
backtrack on any runway; and

c. runway-in-use, altimeter settings, SSR codes, level instructions, heading and speed
instructions and, whether issued by the controller or contained in automatic terminal
information service (ATIS) broadcasts, transition levels.

Note: If the level of an aircraft is reported in relation to standard pressure 1013.2 hPa, the
words “FLIGHT LEVEL” precede the level figures. If the level of the aircraft is reported in
relation to QNH/QFE, the figures are followed by the word “METRES” or “FEET”, as
appropriate.

CHANGE FROM IFR TO VFR FLIGHT

Change from instrument flight rules (IFR) flight to visual flight rules (VFR) flight is only
acceptable when a message initiated by the pilot-in-command containing the specific
expression “CANCELLING MY IFR FLIGHT”, together with the changes, if any, to be made
to the current flight plan, is received by an air traffic services unit. No invitation to change
from IFR flight to VFR flight is to be made either directly or by inference.

No reply, other than the acknowledgment “IFR FLIGHT CANCELLED AT ... (time)”, should
normally be made by an air traffic services unit.

When an ATS unit is in possession of information that instrument meteorological conditions

are likely to be encountered along the route of flight, a pilot changing from IFR flight to VFR
flight should, if practicable, be so advised.

Wake turbulence categories of aircraft.

a. HEAVY (H) — all aircraft types of 136 000 kg or more.

b. MEDIUM (M) — aircraft types less than 136 000 kg but more than 7 000 kg; and

c. LIGHT (L) — aircraft types of 7 000 kg or less.

Indication of heavy wake turbulence category: For aircraft in the heavy wake turbulence
category the word “Heavy” shall be included immediately after the aircraft call sign in the
initial RT contact between such aircraft and ATS units.

Contents of routine air-reports

Routine air-reports transmitted by voice or data link, when ADS is not being applied, shall
give information relating to such of the following elements as are necessary for compliance
with:

Section 1. Position information:

1) aircraft identification
2) position
3) time
4) flight level or altitude
5) next position and time over
6) ensuing significant point

Section 2. Operational information:

7) estimated time of arrival

8) endurance

Section 3. Meteorological information:

9) air temperature
10) wind direction
11) wind speed
12) turbulence
13) aircraft icing
14) humidity (if available).

Section 1 of the air-report is obligatory, except that elements (5) and (6) thereof may be
omitted when so prescribed on the basis of regional air navigation agreements. Section 2 of
the air-report, or a portion thereof, shall only be transmitted when so requested by the
operator or a designated representative, or when deemed necessary by the pilot-in-
command. Section 3 of the air-report shall be transmitted in accordance with Annex 3, 5.4.2.
Note. While element (4), flight level or altitude, may be omitted from the contents of a
position report transmitted by radiotelephony when so prescribed on the basis of regional air
navigation agreements, that element may not be omitted from Section 1 of an air-report.

Contents of special air-reports

Special air-reports shall be made by all aircraft whenever the following conditions are
encountered or observed:
a) severe turbulence; or
b) severe icing; or
c) severe mountain wave; or
d) thunderstorms, without hail that are obscured, embedded, widespread or in squall-lines;
or e) thunderstorms, with hail that are obscured, embedded, widespread or in squall-lines; or
f) heavy dust storm or heavy sandstorm; or
g) volcanic ash cloud; or
h) pre-eruption volcanic activity or a volcanic eruption.

Note. Pre-eruption volcanic activity in this context means unusual and/or increasing volcanic
activity which could presage a volcanic eruption. In addition, in the case of transonic and
supersonic flight:
a. moderate turbulence; or
b. hail; or
k. cumulonimbus clouds.

AIRCRAFT RADIO TRANSMITTER FAILURE

If two-way communication is lost with an aircraft, the radar controller should determine
whether or not the aircraft’s receiver is functioning by instructing the aircraft on the frequency
so far used to acknowledge by making a specified manoeuvre and by observing the aircraft’s
track, or by instructing the aircraft to operate IDENT or to make code changes.

Note: Transponder-equipped aircraft experiencing RCF will set Code 7600. If the action
prescribed is unsuccessful, it shall be repeated on any other available frequency on which it
is believed that the aircraft might be listening. If the aircraft’s radio receiver is functioning,
continued control can be effected using code changes or IDENT transmissions to obtain
acknowledgement of clearances.

Vectoring for visual approach T

The radar controller may initiate radar vectoring of an aircraft for visual approach provided
the reported ceiling is above the minimum altitude applicable to radar vectoring and
meteorological conditions are such that, with reasonable assurance, a visual approach and
landing can be completed.

Clearance for visual approach shall be issued only after the pilot has reported the
aerodrome or the preceding aircraft in sight, at which time radar vectoring would
normally be terminated.

Air traffic advisory service.

The objective of the air traffic advisory service is to make information on collision hazards
more effective than it would be in the mere provision of flight information service. It may be
provided to aircraft conducting IFR flights in advisory airspace or on advisory routes (Class F
airspace). Such areas or routes will be specified by the State concerned.
IFR flights electing to use or required by the appropriate ATS authority to use the air traffic
advisory service when operating within Class F airspace are expected to comply with the
same procedures as those applying to controlled flights except that:

a. the flight plan and changes thereto are not subjected to a clearance, since the unit
furnishing air traffic advisory service will only provide advice on the presence of essential
traffic or suggestions as to a possible course of action.

b. it is for the aircraft to decide whether or not it will comply with the advice or suggestion
received and to inform the unit providing air traffic advisory service, without delay, of its
decision.
c. air-ground contacts shall be made with the air traffic services unit designated to provide air
traffic advisory service within the advisory airspace or portion thereof.

Aircraft wishing to conduct IFR flights within advisory airspace, but not electing to use the air
traffic advisory service, shall nevertheless submit a flight plan, and notify changes made
thereto to the unit providing that service.

IFR flights intending to cross an advisory route should do so as nearly as possible at an

angle of 90 degrees to the direction of the route and at a level, appropriate to its track, for
use by IFR flights operating outside controlled airspace.

ALERTING SERVICE

When so required by the appropriate ATS authority to facilitate the provision of alerting and
search and rescue services, an aircraft, prior to and when operating within or into designated
areas or along designated routes, shall comply with Annex 2, Chapter 3, concerning the
submission of a flight plan.

In addition, aircraft shall report, during the period twenty to forty minutes following the time of
last contact, identification of the aircraft and the words “Operations normal” or the signal
QRU.