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Introduction to Air Traffic Control. Terminology Sectors Practice with Spacing. Air Traffic Control (ATC) Important Terms. Aircraft identification Change of frequencies Cleared Approach/Takeoff Course Flight Level/ Plan Heading Minimum Separation Radar Vector. Terms Explained.
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Introduction to Air Traffic Control Terminology Sectors Practice with Spacing
Air Traffic Control (ATC) Important Terms • Aircraft identification • Change of frequencies • Cleared Approach/Takeoff • Course • Flight Level/ Plan • Heading • Minimum Separation • Radar • Vector
Terms Explained • Aircraft identification – Aircraft have an FAA authorized call signs which is they sign followed by the flight number such as American 52 (A52) • Change of Frequencies – controllers instruct pilots to change radio frequencies in order to communicate when switching from one controller or sector to another
More Terms Explained • Cleared approach – ATC authorization for an aircraft to execute a specific approach procedure to an airport • Cleared takeoff – ATC authorization for an aircraft to depart; initiated based on known traffic • Course – intended direction of flight in the horizontal plane; measured in degrees from north
Terms Continued • Flight Level (FL) – level of constant atmospheric pressure; stated in 3 digits that represent hundreds of feet in altitude. • FL 250 is 25000ft • FL 365 is 36,500ft • Flight Plan – planes route of travel between intersections, including speed (knots) & altitude
More Terms • Heading – indication on the compass of the aircraft’s flight direction given in degrees (360°) • Radar – device measures time interval between transmission and reception of radio pulses; helps estimate distance from radar station • Vector – A turn for an aircraft to proved navigational guidance from ATC
ATC Numbers & Safety Rules • 1 nautical mile (nmi) = 1.15 statute miles • 1 knot (kn) = 1 nautical mile per hour • Minimum separation of aircraft (A/C) is 2 nmil • Ideal spacing of A/C is 3 nmil (safety & spacing) • A 60 knot difference in speed causes a 1 nmi difference in distance each minute (simple math used for spacing converging A/C) Courtesy of NASA Smart Skies
ATC Parameters • ATC is beginning to use 4 dimensions when spacing A/C: • Speed • Altitude • Distance Apart • Time • Any of the above can be changed in order for A/C to be safely clear of each ofther
Video Clip • The following link gives more information on the previous terms as well as a preview to the next activity and the computerized SIM: • http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/projects/smart_skies/mov/sector33.html
Route Example & Parts Courtesy of NASA Smart Skies
Routes with Intersections • Sector 33 • Weather can be an issue and can change routes. Courtesy of NASA Smart Skies • How far is it from MINAH to MOD directly? • How much shorter is it to go from MINAH to MOD rather than MINAH by way of OAL? • How much further is it to go from LIDAT to MOD by way of OAL rather than directly?
Aircraft with Routes Outlined What is the speed of the United Airlines Flight? Courtesy of NASA Smart Skies • What is the length of the route of DAL88 from it’s position to MOD? • What is the length of the route of UAL 23 from it’s position to MOD?
Aircraft Spacing Plane speeds are both 600 kn Where do plane routes 1st intersect? • Which plane is closer to OAL? How far ahead is this plane? • Will the spacing be at least 2 nmi? How much spacing is needed for ideal spacing? • What could the controller do to achieve at least ideal spacing? • If you change the route of AAL12 to go through MINAH directly to MOD would that correct the spacing? Courtesty of Nasa Smart Skies
Aircraft Speed Remember, 600 kn = 10 nmi/min • Sometimes routes can not be changed due to weather. • Reducing speed by 60 kn causes a 1 nmi difference ea minute of flight. Courtesy of NASA Smart Skies • What is spacing at MOD? How much additional spacing is needed for ideal? • At 600 kn how many min will it take to reach MOD? • Reduce one plane’s speed by 60 kn. At 540kn, how many nmi less will this plane travel each min? • After 3 min, how much additional spacing will you gain due to speed reduction?
Comprehension Check • What is 1 knot equal to? • What is the path that an aircraft flies? • What is the altitude of the aircraft called? • What causes route changes? • What is the Minimum Separation Requirement? • What is the IDEAL spacing? • What is the purpose of IDEAL spacing? • What speed reduction causes a 1 nmi difference in distance per minute?