AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CLEARANCES AND PROCEDURES

1. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLCLEARANCES AND PROCEDURES

2. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CLEARANCES You must • Exhibit adequate knowledge of the elements related to ATC clearances and pilot/controller responsibilities to include tower en route control and clearance void times • Be able to copy correctly, in a timely manner, the ATC clearance as issued • Determine that it is possible to comply with ATC clearance • Interpret correctly the ATC clearance received and, when necessary, requests clarification, verification, or change • Read back correctly, in a timely manner, the ATC clearance in the sequence received • Uses standard phraseology as contained in the Aeronautical Information Manual when reading back clearances and communicating with ATC • Sets the appropriate communication and navigation systems and transponder codes in compliance with the ATC clearance • Demonstrates an appropriate level of single-pilot resource management skills

3. ATC Clearance Elements and OrderIFR • Aircraft Identification • Clearance limit - where you are cleared to. • Generally, clearance limit is the destination airport; can be closer location for expediency • Departure procedure • Route of flight • Altitudes • Initial and expected altitude and time • Holding instructions • Special instructions / information • Usually not used - When used typically it is about a composite flight plan, e.g., "Maintain VFR on top, if not VFR on top maintain 5,000 and advise“ • Frequency and transponder code information

4. Pilot/Controller Responsibilities • AIM 5-5-1 sets out responsibilities more fully • Pilot general responsibilities • FAR 91.3 - Pilot in command is directly responsible for, and is the final authority for the safe operation of, an aircraft. In an emergency pilots can deviate from any rule as needed • Acknowledge receipt and understanding of clearances • Responsible for questioning any heading or altitude believed to be incorrect • Pilot must request an amended clearance if the pilot believes that an ATC clearance would cause deviation from a rule or regulation or place the aircraft in jeopardy • If a pilot acknowledges traffic, the pilot is responsible to follow the leader avoid such conflicting traffic and to avoid wake turbulence • Pilot is always responsible to see and avoid traffic when operating in VMC • To operate under IFR in controlled airspace (Sec. 91.173) • File an IFR flight plan • Obtain an ATC clearance • Pilot and controller responsibilities overlap in many areas providing redundancy

5. Pilot/Controller Responsibilities • Controller responsibilities • First priority is for the separation of aircraft and to the issuance of radar safety alerts • Other functions are performed on a time-available basis • If pilot acknowledgements are incorrect, distorted, or incomplete, the controller will correct, as appropriate • Issuing appropriate clearances • In IFR clearances, assigning altitudes above the minimum IFR altitudes in controlled airspace

6. Tower Enroute Control • Provides a resource in the low altitude system for aircraft proceeding from one metropolitan area to another • TEC flights are entirely within the approach control airspace of multiple terminal areas • Tower EnrouteControl does NOT mean you'll only be talking to towers along the route of flight. You can even get TEC clearances from non-towered airports .

7. Tower Enroute Control • Some TEC routes are published in the AFD • For an online list of TEC routes go to http://aeronav.faa.gov/index.asp?xml=ae ... ions/d_afd • Select the link for the current digital AFD • Then select the applicable state and then click "search" • Click the "Supplemental" link (located just above the table showing the search results) • Search for tower enroute • The look up the applicable TEC route .

8. Tower Enroute Control • Generally for non-jet aircraft operating below 10,000 feet on short flights with ETE < 2 hours • Can get an IFR clearance for a TEC route without filing a flight plan • Since they are set routes, they can be issued very quickly • If you file a flight plan, Enter "TEC" in flight plan remarks section

9. Tower Enroute Control Coded route number should be used when filing the flight plan and will be used by ATC in lieu of reading out the full route description, IFR flight may be planned to satellite airports in the proximity of major airports via the same routing. Altitude

10. Clearance Void Time • Provision in a clearance for that clearance to be void (automatically cancelled) if aircraft not airborne by a specified time, the clearance void time • May be received when operating from an airport without a control tower • If not airborne prior to the clearance void time, advise ATC as soon as possible • ATC normally advises pilot of time allotted to notify ATC in this event (cannot exceed 30 minutes) • If ATC in not notified within 30 minutes after aircraft misses clearance void time, then aircraft is considered overdue and search and rescue procedures are begun • Other IFR operations are suspended until aircraft contacts ATC or until 30 minutes after clearance void time

11. Correct and Timely Copying of an ATC Clearance • Many systems exist to copy ATC clearances • Specific abbreviations / shorthand • Specific forms • Key is to be ready to copy • Know expected route and navaids • Have pen and paper ready when requesting clearance • Copy clearance as it is being read by controller • Use clearance shorthand that works for you

12. Clearance Recordation

13. Clearance Read-back • Correctly and timely read-back ATC clearance, using standard terminology • Promptly read back your clearance • Inform ATC of any items you missed • Correct any errors and read-back those items again for controller confirmation • Anticipate and note "read-back correct" confirmation from controller • Reading back of initial clearance does not imply acceptance • Study pilot/controller glossary for standard terminology

14. Validation of Clearance • Be certain that you confirm that is possible to comply with the clearance • Aircraft capabilities • Pilot capabilities • Terrain / CFIT • FARs • Pilot must request an amended clearance if the clearance would cause deviation from a rule or regulation or place the aircraft in jeopardy

15. Validation / Clarification of Clearance • Assure you correctly interpret the ATC clearance • When necessary, request clarification, verification or change • Study each clearance element • If in doubt, request clarification • If unable, request amendment

16. Read Back of Clearance • Read back the clearance • Correctly • In a timely manner • In the sequence received • Pilots of airborne aircraft should read back those parts of ATC clearances and instructions containing altitude assignments or vectors as a means of mutual verification • Readbackof the "numbers" serves as a double check and reduces communication errors • Include the aircraft identification in all read-backs and acknowledgments

17. Read Back of Clearance • Controllers expect you to read back all relevant information that affects the direction, speed, and altitude of your flight: • Heading assignments; • Altitude assignments; • Speed assignments; • Altimeter settings (because altimeter accuracy influences your aircraft’s altitude;) • Rate of climb or descent assignments; • Route, route changes, including holding pattern instructions; • Approach and landing clearances; • Takeoff and departure clearances; • Taxi instructions • Frequency changes should always be read-back in full • Neither the FARs nor the AIM state exactly what must be included in your read-back, but a strong recommendation to acknowledge instructions from ATC

18. Standard Phraseology • AIM 4-2-7 - Phonetic Alphabet • Federal Aviation Administration Pilot / Controller Glossary (P/CG) • http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/ATpubs/PCG/index.htm

19. Sets Communication and Navigation Radios and Transponder Codes • Set communication and navigation frequencies appropriate for the ATC clearance • Set communication and navigation equipment frequencies as much as possible during low workload periods, e.g., prior to takeoff • Recommend left-to-right top-to-bottom approach for radio set up • Set heading indicator bug on initial assigned departure heading • Set primary COMM radio to tower or UNICOM frequency • Set departure frequency in standby position • Enter and check assigned route, all waypoints, including DP, in GPS and activate flight plan, if applicable • Set primary navigation system (e.g., VOR, GPS, etc.): enter, check frequency and ID (if in range) of first enroute station, and set OBS to initial assigned course • Set secondary COMM radio to departure frequency • Set secondary NAV radio to the frequency of the approach facility (e.g., ILS) that would be used in case of emergent return to departure airport in IMC • Set transponder to assigned code • Standby mode until ready for takeoff, then switch to ALT mode • Some airports require transponder to be on during taxi

20. Compliance With Departure, En Route, and Arrival Procedures and Clearances You Must: • Exhibit adequate knowledge of the elements related to ATS routes, and related pilot/controller responsibilities • Use the current and appropriate navigation publications for the proposed flight • Select and use the appropriate communication facilities; selects and identifies the navigation aids associated with the proposed flight • Perform the appropriate aircraft checklist items relative to the phase of flight • Establishes two-way communications with the proper controlling agency, using proper phraseology • Comply, in a timely manner, with all ATC instructions and airspace restrictions • Exhibit adequate knowledge of communication failure procedures • Intercept, in a timely manner, all courses, radials, and bearings appropriate to the procedure, route, or clearance • Maintain the applicable airspeed within ±10 knots; headings within ±10°; altitude within ±100 feet; and tracks a course, radial, or bearing within ¾-scale deflection of the CDI • Demonstrates an appropriate level of single-pilot resource management skills

21. Air Traffic Service (ATS) RoutesFAR §71.11 / §71.13 • An ATS route is a specified route designed to coordinate the orderly flow of traffic • Airway (Victor) • Jet routes (J) • RNAV routes (T <18k; Q above 18k) • L/MF NAVAIDs routes (Amber, Blue, Green, and Red) • Advisory route • Controlled or uncontrolled route • Arrival or departure route, etc. • Only established in controlled airspace • Numbering • Even numbers for ATS routes extending east and west • Odd numbers for ATS routes extending north and south

22. Air Traffic Service (ATS) RoutesFAR §71.11 • An ATS route is based on a centerline that extends from one navigation aid, fix, or intersection, to another navigation aid, fix, or intersection (or through several navigation aids, fixes, or intersections) specified for that route • Has an ATS route designator • Track to or from significant points (waypoints) • Distance between significant points • Reporting requirements • Lowest safe altitude, if appropriate

23. Current Navigation Charts Effective Dates for the chart Location of chart coverage

24. Communication Facilities • Frequencies • On approach charts / SIDS / Stars / Taxi diagrams • Given by ATC • On charts • GPS / MFD / IPad • In AFD

25. Selection of Navaids • Review navaids that define the route – ahead of need • Try to set-up during periods of low workload • Know which define the route • Know which are helpful to situational awareness / CFIT • Listen for morse code identifier

26. Checklist Usage • Checklist helps pace the pilot’s workload and gives a good indication of the aircraft’s status during each phase of flight • Use checklist any time there is a configuration change • Use checklist with any abnormal circumstance • When distracted, GO TO THE CHECKLIST! • Immediate action items / boldface items • Must memorize these checklist items

27. Checklist Usage • Methods of using checklists • Do and verify • Requires the pilot to learn a flow pattern and then follow up with the checklist • Provides two opportunities to confirm accomplishment of each checklist step • Read and do • Read the step and do the action. It provides a sequenced order and immediate feedback • Excellent for learning, but sometimes slow and cumbersome • “Preview” method • Reverse of the “do-and-verify” • Read the whole checklist, and then do the items

28. Lost Communications • Preflight plan for lost communications • Where are the cloud tops and which way to nearest VFR • What is destination weather and alternate • Trouble shoot com • Stuck microphone • Unplug and adjust squelch. • Check audio selector • Confirm frequency • Try another radio • Reduce electrical load, if appropriate • Squawk 7600 • Stay on published airways, transitions at published altitudes • Lost communications is an emergency under IFR conditions. You can deviate as necessary to resolve the problem

29. Lost Communications • During radio failure, when confronted with a situation not covered in the regulation, pilots are expected to exercise good judgment in their actions • Set transponder to 7600 • Expect ATC to attempt to communicate with you by transmitting on guard frequencies and available frequencies of navaids

30. Flying the Lost CommPlanFAR §91.185 • VMC - If the failure occurs in VFR conditions, or if VFR conditions are encountered after the failure, the pilot shall continue the flight under VFR and land as soon as practicable and notify ATC • Not intended that the requirement to "land as soon as practicable" be construed to mean "as soon as possible“

31. Flying the Lost CommPlanFAR §91.185 • VMC - If the failure occurs in VFR conditions, or if VFR conditions are encountered after the failure, the pilot shall continue the flight under VFR and land as soon as practicable and notify ATC • Not intended that the requirement to "land as soon as practicable" be construed to mean "as soon as possible“ • Primary objective is to preclude extended NORDO IFR operations in VMC

32. Flying the Lost CommPlanFAR §91.185 • IMC – Continue in accordance with the following: • Route • By the route assigned in the last ATC clearance received; • If being radar vectored, by the direct route from the point of radio failure to the fix, route, or airway specified in the vector clearance; • In the absence of an assigned route, by the route that ATC has advised may be expected in a further clearance; or • In the absence of an assigned route or a route that ATC has advised may be expected in a further clearance, by the route filed in the flight plan.

33. Flying the Lost CommPlanFAR §91.185 • IMC – Continue in accordance with the following: • Altitude - At the highest of the following altitudes or flight levels for the route segment being flown: • The altitude or fight level assigned in the last ATC clearance received; • The minimum altitude for IFR operations; or • The altitude or flight level ATC has advised may be expected in a further clearance

34. Flying the Lost CommPlanFAR §91.185 • Leave clearance limit. • When the clearance limit is a fix from which an approach begins, commence descent or descent and approach as close as possible to the expect-further-clearance time if one has been received, or if one has not been received, as close as possible to the estimated time of arrival as calculated from the filed or amended (with ATC) estimated time en route. • If the clearance limit is not a fix from which an approach begins, leave the clearance limit at the expect-further-clearance time if one has been received, or if none has been received, upon arrival over the clearance limit, and proceed to a fix from which an approach begins • Commence descent or descent and approach as close as possible to the estimated time of arrival as calculated from the filed or amended (with ATC) estimated time en route.

35. Flying the Lost CommPlanFAR §91.185 • Maintain the last assigned altitude or the minimum safe/sector altitude (emergency safe altitude if more than 25 NM from the facility), whichever is higher, until established on a segment of the published approach

36. Courses, Radials, and Bearings • Intercept, in a timely manner, all courses, radials, and bearings appropriate to the procedure, route, or clearance • See PowerPoint Presentation on VOR Navigation available at http://bob-cfi.weebly.com/uploads/7/6/9/3/7693240/vor.pptx

38. Disclaimer • Instrument flight can be dangerous. Do not rely solely on this presentation – PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION IS REQUIRED • The foregoing material should not be relied upon for flight • ALTHOUGH THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS FROM SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE SUCH INFORMATION HAS NOT BEEN VERIFIED, AND NO EXPRESS REPRESENTATION IS MADE NOR IS ANY TO BE IMPLIED AS TO THE ACCURACY THEREOF, AND IT IS SUBMITTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGE