R/T Training Course M & R Permit

1. R/T Training Course M & R Permit February 2015

2. Welcome to R/T training for East Midlands Airport Please work through the following slides in your own time. At the end of the slides, there is a brief summary of what you can expect in your R/T test. Please ensure you are prepared for this test prior to booking. February 2015

3. The Phonetic Alphabet The Phonetic Alphabet is used internationally to ensure that different letters of the alphabet are communicated clearly and without confusion. S - Sierra T - Tango U - Uniform V - Victor W - Whisky X - X-Ray Y - Yankee Z - Zulu A - Alpha B - Bravo C - Charlie D - Delta E - Echo F - Foxtrot G - Golf H - Hotel I - India J - Juliet K - Kilo L - Lima M - Mike N - November O - Oscar P - Papa Q - Quebec R - Romeo February 2015

4. It is important that R/T transmissions are readable, clear and loud enough to be understood. If an R/T transmission does not meet this criteria then the question “How do you read?” will be asked meaning ‘what is the readability of my transmission?’ The following scale is used to describe clarity of transmission:- • Unreadable • Readable – Now and Then • Readable – With Difficulty • Readable • Perfectly Readable February 2015

5. Here at EMA we operate two UHF vehicle frequencies Channel 1 – Callsign “East Midlands Ground” This Channel is used to control vehicles moving on all parts of the Manoeuvring Area except the Runway. It is also the primary channel used if Ground and Air(Tower) are being carried out by the same person (Bandboxed). Channel 2 – Callsign “East Midlands Tower” This Channel is only used when Tower is split into Ground and Air (Tower). In this case, Channel 2 is used by the Air Controller to control vehicles on the Runway. February 2015

6. If we are operating in Split Mode then you will be transferred to Channel 2 in time to obtain a clearance to enter the Runway and remain on Channel 2 whilst you are operating on the Runway or in the Runway Restricted Area Sometimes ATC link the two frequencies together and you may hear ATC call themselves “East Midlands Tower” when using Channel 1. You will always use “East Midlands Ground” when calling ATC on Channel 1 and “East Midlands Tower” when calling on Channel 2 irrespective of what ATC call themselves. February 2015

7. Before you transmit • Be aware of Radio Failure Procedure (covered later). • Make sure volume and squelch controls are set correctly. • Make sure you have the correct frequency selected (Channel 1). • Listen to other transmissions, wait for a suitable gap then transmit your message. February 2015

8. When you transmit • Use a normal conversation tone. Do not talk too fast, speak clearly and at a steady pace. Keep the rhythm, speed, volume and pitch normal. Keep the microphone close to your lips but not touching them and don’t turn your head away from the microphone while talking. • ‘Roger’ means ‘I have received all of your last transmission’. Do not say ‘roger’ if you have not received all of the transmission, but use ‘say again’ to ask for the message to be repeated. • Do not use ‘roger’ to acknowledge a message requiring a specific answer. • Be aware that aircraft can hear your transmissions as well as ATC. February 2015

9. Readbacks • Always read back in full instructions relating to movement on the manoeuvring area. Do not replace a read back of these instructions with ‘roger’ or ‘copied’ or ‘wilco’. • Read backs are important because they help to make sure that you have received and understood all of the instructions transmitted to you. If you are in a position to do so, it may help to write down important parts of the instruction, such as a holding point. • If you do not understand instructions, ask for clarification and do not guess what it is you are being told to do. (Use “Say Again” to ask ATC to repeat an instruction) February 2015

10. After you transmit • Do not release the transmit switch until after you have finished speaking. • If you are using a handheld radio or microphone, make sure that it is not left in such a position where the transmit button is pressed in, as this will jam the frequency and mean that no one else will be heard if they transmit. • A jammed frequency is not just irritating; it is potentially dangerous. February 2015

11. Listening • Be aware that people can fall into the trap of hearing what they expect to hear, rather than what is actually said to them. Listen carefully to make sure you hear what is said to you. • At all times listen for your callsign and any new instructions or information. As the traffic situation changes, you may be given different instructions or new information. • Transmissions from pilots or other vehicle drivers also contain valuable information about their intentions that can help you maintain awareness of the other traffic around you. This is particularly important when driving on an aerodrome at night, in adverse weather, or during low visibility conditions. February 2015

12. Establishing Communication • When first establishing communication, drivers should use the full callsigns of both stations, saying first whom they are calling (e.g. East Midlands Ground), and then who they are (e.g. Ranger 1). • The reply may include the phrase ‘pass your message’. In the UK the expression ‘pass your message’ is used instead of ‘go ahead’ for safety reasons. This is to avoid using an expression that could be confused with the instruction to proceed, i.e. move on the aerodrome. February 2015

13. Continuing Communication • Once satisfactory communication has been established, only the vehicle callsign is normally used. However, the placing of the vehicle callsign within the message is also important. When an exchange is initiated, the message is prefixed with the vehicle callsign, regardless of whether the vehicle driver or the Controller initiates the exchange. This includes messages where the driver wishes to transmit new information or a request. • However, when the driver needs to read back an instruction or important information, the instruction or information is repeated first followed by the vehicle callsign. This makes it easier for the Controller to be sure that the driver has received the instruction or information in full and correctly. February 2015

14. Common R/T Words or Phrases ACKNOWLEDGE Let me know that you have received and understood this message AFFIRM Yes APPROVED Permission for proposed action granted CANCEL Cancel the previously transmitted clearance CONFIRM I request verification of (clearance, instruction, action, information) CONTACT Establish communications with …. CORRECT True or accurate CORRECTION An error has been made in this transmission (or message indicated). The correct version is … February 2015

15. Common R/T Words or Phrases DISREGARD Ignore EXPEDITECarry out an action at best rate/speed HOLD POSITION Do not proceed until you have received permission NEGATIVE No or Permission not granted or That is not correct or Not capable PASS YOURMESSAGE Proceed with your message February 2015

16. Common R/T Words or Phrases READ BACK Repeat all, or the specified part, of this message back to me exactly as received REPORTPass requested information REQUEST I should like to know …. or I wish to obtain… ROGER I have received all your last transmission Note: Under no circumstances to be used in reply to a question requiring direct answer in the affirmative (AFFIRM) or negative (NEGATIVE) February 2015

17. Common R/T Words or Phrases STANDBY Wait and I will call you (No onward clearance is to be assumed, no acknowledgement is required) How long should I wait ? Just because the R/T doesn’t sound busy doesn’t mean the Controller Isn’t. The Controller may be busy or on the phone, Wait for a reasonable period of quiet on the R/T before calling again. Your next call should be “(callsign), Standing By” February 2015

18. Avoid use of the phrases that could be easily misheard for example, ‘cleared on’ or ‘clear of’ – these have totally opposite meanings. If you are looking for permission to drive on the manoeuvring area then you wish to “enter the manoeuvring area” “Ops 1’s holding at Tango, request permission to ‘enter’ the Alpha taxiway to disperse some birds” If you are reporting you have left a specific location in the manoeuvring area then you have “vacated that area” at that location. “Ops 1 has ‘vacated’ the Alpha taxiway at November” February 2015

19. There is no requirement to report vacating intermediate areas along your route unless you are specifically requested to do so. For example “Vacated the Alpha taxiway at Victor” is not required However, ATC need to know when you have vacated the manoeuvring area and where. “OPS 1 has vacated the manoeuvring area at stand 80” Or “Swissport Tug 1 has vacated the manoeuvring area at Mike 4” February 2015

20. The word ‘Clear’ should never be used on the R/T in relation to vehicle movements. Vehicles ‘Proceed’, aircraft are ‘Cleared’ If you wish to drive from point A to point B then you “Request permission to proceed from point A to point B” For example “Ranger 1, holding at A8, request permission to proceed to the Western Apron” February 2015

21. The word ‘Cross’ should never be used on the R/T except in relation to crossing a runway You do not cross the Western Link Road, you “proceed to Western Link Mike” or “Western Link November” For example “Ranger 1, holding at Western Link Mike, request permission to proceed to the Western Link November” February 2015

22. Acknowledging Instructions Vehicle drivers are required to read back in full all instructions relating to movement on the manoeuvring area. The manoeuvring area is the part of the aerodrome provided for the take-off and landing of aircraft and for the movement of aircraft on the surface, excluding the apron and any part of the aerodrome provided for the maintenance of aircraft. Examples of messages to be read back include movement or towing instructions, information on the runway in use and instructions to enter, cross or hold short of any runway. Because misunderstandings regarding these instructions could have serious safety consequences, drivers must read back in full the message they have received to confirm that there has been no misunderstanding. ‘Read back’ is an instruction to repeat all, or the specified part, of a message back to the speaker exactly as it has been received. February 2015

23. Initial Call and Permission to Proceed • In their first call drivers should say: • whom they are calling (e.g. East Midlands Ground), • who they are (e.g. Ranger 1), • where they are (e.g. stand 105), and • where they wish to go (e.g. taxiway Hotel). • how they wish to get there (if this is important) February 2015

24. Practical Example Ranger 1: “East Midlands Ground, Ranger 1” ATC : “Ranger 1, East Midlands Ground, pass your message” Ranger 1: “Ranger 1 is currently on Stand 105 and requesting permission to proceed to the Maintenance Area via the Alpha Taxiway” Remember, Once you have established satisfactory communication there is no need to prefix every message with Ground or East Midlands Ground unless you leave the frequency and then return. February 2015

25. It is important that drivers of vehicles on the aerodrome maintain a continuous listening watch on the correct frequency. This not only means that drivers can react to further instructions or information from the Controller, but also that they can be aware of the movements and intended movements of other traffic. February 2015

26. Working on the Airfield • If you plan to work outside your vehicle ensure you carry a handheld unit. Be aware that high background noise levels eg aircraft noise may drown out transmissions. • If you are working outside your vehicle close to the operational departure holding point and monitoring ‘ground’ frequency then remember departing traffic may well have been passed to the ‘tower’ controller (Channel 2) for access to the runway. February 2015

27. Stating Your Position Sometimes the Controller may ask a driver to ‘Report your position’. The driver should identify the vehicle’s location on the aerodrome as precisely as possible using stand numbers, taxiway letters, holding point designators or other aerodrome information as appropriate. Before entering the manoeuvring area drivers must ensure they have an up to date aerodrome map in the vehicle February 2015

28. Reporting Passing a point Sometimes the Controller may ask a driver to ‘Report passing a position’ or ‘vacating a specific area.’ For example… “Menzies Tug 1, Report passing Alpha Seven” When you pass Alpha Seven you would call “Menzies Tug 1 passing Alpha Seven” Alternatively you may be asked to “Report vacating the Alpha Taxiway” In which case, once you were clear of the Alpha Taxiway you would call vacating at the location you left at For example.. “Menzies Tug 1 has vacated the Alpha Taxiway at Victor February 2015

29. Permission to Enter a Runway (R Permit Holders only) Vehicles sometimes need to enter a runway in order to carry out specialised tasks such as surface or lighting inspections. Be especially careful whenever seeking approval to enter a runway. Check you are on the correct frequency and know what you wish to say. This will help to minimise confusion and reduce the risk of runway incursion. February 2015

30. Practical Example (R Permit Holders only) Ops 1: “Ops1, Holding at Alpha One, Request permission to enter Runway 27 for inspection”” ATC : “Ops 1, Enter Runway 27 via A1 and report vacated” Ops 1: “Enter Runway 27 via A1 and report vacated, Ops 1” February 2015

31. More Practical Examples You are at the Eastern Sub Station and wish to proceed to the Western Sub Station. What do you think you would say ? Remember it’s….. Who You Are Where you are What do you want to do How do you want to do it “Ops1, Holding at the Eastern Sub Station, Request permission to proceed to the Western Sub station via the Alpha Taxiway” February 2015

32. More Practical Examples You should read back any instruction by ATC in full. If ATC say “Proceed to the Eastern Sub Station via the Alpha Taxiway” You would read back ? “Proceed to the Eastern Sub Station via the Alpha Taxiway, Ops 1” February 2015

33. Remember, When you are responding to an instruction your callsign goes at the end of the sentence, When you are asking ATC for permission, your callsign goes at the start. Ops 1 (asking) “Ops 1, Holding at Western Link Mike, requesting permission to proceed to Western Link November” ATC (instructing) “Ops 1, proceed to Western Link November” Ops 1 (responding) “Proceed to Western Link November, Ops 1” February 2015

34. What Happens If I Break Down ? If your vehicle suffers a mechanical breakdown:- • Advise ATC (or ATC via Fire/Ops Control) immediately particularly if your vehicle is immobile and causing an obstruction, stating your exact location and the nature of the problem. • If your vehicle is driveable vacate the runway/taxiway on to the nearest safe area and again advise ATC (or ATC via Fire/Ops Control) stating your exact location and the nature of the problem. • In both situations the relevant steps can then be made to recover both you and your vehicle from the Manoeuvring Area. February 2015

35. What Happens If My Radio Fails ? Ideally to avoid the problems associated with the loss of radio communication while operating in the manoeuvring area a vehicle base set should be supplemented by carrying a second hand held radio which could be used as back up. If this is not possible the following must be adhered to:- • Continue in accordance with your ATC clearance up to the last point you were cleared to. Or if using ‘Own Lookout’… (This is only for vehicles that are authorised to operate under ‘Own Lookout’) • Vacate to a safe position causing no disruption to aircraft movements. • If you are in possession of a mobile phone contact ATC or Fire/Ops Control to inform them of your problem and current position. • Ensure that when you back in a safe position outside the manoeuvring area, ATC (or ATC via Fire/Ops Control) are aware. February 2015

36. What Happens If My Radio Fails during LVPs ? If radio failure occurs while driving on the Manoeuvring Area whilst Low Visibility Operations are in force and no back-up radio is available the following must be strictly adhered to:- • Continue to the last position for which you have ATC clearance. • If you are in possession of a mobile phone contact ATC (or ATC via Fire/Ops Control) immediately to inform them of current problem. If you do not have access to a mobile phone; • WAIT! Do not move any further than the last position for which you have ATC clearance. • When it is realised R/T contact is lost help will be sent out for you. • Ensure that when you and your vehicle are recovered to a safe position outside the Manoeuvring Area, ATC (or ATC via Fire/Ops Control) are aware. February 2015

37. What can I expect in the R/T test ? You can be asked questions on any part of this presentation You will be tested on the Phonetic Alphabet, Readability Scale, and R/T technique There will be 2-3 scenarios where you will be given two points to travel between. You will have to use the correct R/T to request permission to drive between those two points. The Scenarios will be adapted to fit specific requirements of your work so you may be asked about Push-Backs or Western Link Road Crossings Remember…. This is an ‘M’ permit test and you will be expected to know how to drive anywhere on the Manoeuvring Area or Runway (R Permit Holders Only) even if you only normally use the Western Link Road or other more localised areas of the airfield. February 2015

38. Are you ready for your R/T test ? Have you completed and understood all of this presentation ? Have you completed the M Permit Airfield Driving Course? Please contact Claire Woodman to book your test Claire.Woodman@eastmidlandsairport.com 01332 818436 February 2015