ELEC4504 Avionics Systems

CHAPTER 3. Air Traffic Control (ATC) and its Relationship to Avionics

3.1. Objectives of Air Trafc Control
- maintain separation of aircraft (prevent mid-air collisions) - expedite the flow of air traffic - NOT responsible for providing separation of aircraft from ground except when aircraft is in radar contact.

3.1.1 General
The operation of an aircraft requires (among other things) that the pilot a) maintain the necessary aircraft attitude b) navigate from departure to destination c) avoid collision with other aircraft The weather, and in particular the visibility, plays a role in how these are accomplished and the rules which govern the conduct of the flight.

3.1.2 Visual Flight Rules (VFR)

VFR applies when Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) exist. In most cases this means a visibility of at least 3 nautical miles and a ceiling of at least 1000 Ft. - separation from other aircraft is responsibility of the individual pilot (see and be seen) - attitude is maintained by visual reference to the horizon - navigation is done by visual reference to the ground - aircraft not permitted to enter cloud Flight above cloud is permitted (VFR On Top) if pilot is certified - in this case, navigation is done by reference electronic navigation aids

3.1.3 Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)

IFR applies i) when visibililty and/or ceiling conditions are less than those required for VFR ii) above 18000 Ft in Canada and USA - separation from other aircraft is the responsibility of ATC - ATC must therefore know the positions and altitudes of all aircraft under their control - two-way communication between ATC and all aircraft is required - aircraft attitude is maintained by reference to cockpit instruments - navigation is done by reference to electronic navigation aids

ELEC4504 Avionics Systems

3.1.4 Avionics Requirements for ATC

Transponders are required to permit the ATC radar to determine, among other things, the aircraft (or flight) identification number and the aircrafts altitude. Communications transceivers are required to permit two way communication between the pilots and controllers. Electronic navigation systems are required to permit the navigation of the aircraft without reference to the ground. Attitude instrument are required to provide an attitude reference. Collision Avoidance systems are self explanatory. Terrain Avoidance systems for providing terrain warning and avoidance capability outside of radar coverage.