Air Traffic Control

Matt A asked:


I am very interested in flying airplanes I have been playing MSFS2004 and have become interseted in air traffic control.

Tony

Parth asked:


One of the most wonderful and interesting branch of electronics is AVIONICS. Avionics stands for AVI-ation electr-ONICS. The on-board electronics used for piloting the aircraft is called Avionics. Avionics include communication & navigation systems, autopilots & electronic Flight Management System (FMS) etc. These systems use embedded computers within them. Earlier Radio telephone systems & valves were replaced by transistor-radio systems. Different navigation systems were developed along with the time such as NDB (Non-Directional radio Beacon) which are still being used in the airports due to their lower cost.VHF Omni Range is immune to interference and thunderstorms and provides improved accuracy & is still the backbone of air navigation systems. Instrument Landing System (ILS) is a set of components used to navigate to the landing end of the run-way. Transponder is the transceiver that receives ‘interrogations’from air traffic control radar & replies with a digital code. This secondary radar reply permits the radar system to detect the aircraft more reliably and at greater distances than are possible with primary radar. This systems of secondary radars and transponders is collectively known as Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon Systems (ATCRBS).Distance Measurement Equipment(DME) is used to inform the pilot of his/her aircraft’s distance away from the VOR station, thus with a bearing and distance from particular known VOR station a pilot can fix his/her exact position. LORAN systems provide navigational guidance over large areas, were popular particularly for general aviation use. Avionics have changed significantly after the advent of GPS receivers & ‘glass cockpit display systems. The use of GPS has changed aircraft navigation both in the en-route phase & approach phases of the flight. Advances in computing power & LCD panel display made ‘glass cockpit’ possible.

Thus Avionics system is including very much wide coverage of electronics field and still the inventions are going on, on the same with plenty of acceleration.



Joy

peter radford asked:


History

Aviation refers to the activities involving aircraft, including the people, various support, operational and manufacturing organisations, and regulatory bodies associated with them.

Many individuals and societies have built devices with the aim of being able to travel through the air. Such manifestations range from the earliest projectiles, such as stones and spears, to more sophisticated, buoyant or aerodynamic structures, such as the mechanical pigeon of Archytas in Ancient Greece, the boomerang in Australia, the hot air Kongming lantern, and kites.

There are ancient tales of human flight, such as the fanciful story of Icarus, to the more credible claims of short-distance human flights, such as a kite flight by Yuan Haungtou in China, and the parachute flight and controlled glider flight of Armen Firman.

The true age of aviation began in 1783. Up to then, attempts had involved machines linked to the ground by ropes. However, this represented the first untethered manned flight, in a hot air balloon, designed by the Montgolfier brothers.

Since balloons had the limitation of being only able to travel downwind, then it was quickly realised that a steerable, or dirigible, balloon was required. The challenge was taken up by Jean Pierre Blanchard who, in 1784, flew the first human-powered steerable balloon. Then, in 1785, he went one step further by crossing the English Channel in one.

These machines were subsequently developed further, with such innovations as machine-powered propulsion, in 1852, the addition of rigid frames in 1896, and improved speed and maneuverability by 1901.

Whilst there are many conflicting claims with regards the earliest powered flight, the consensus is the 1903 flight by the Wright brothers. However, this aircraft was impractical to fly for more than a short distance due to severe control problems.

The introduction of ailerons made aircraft much easier to handle, and only a decade later, World War 1 powered aircraft had become practical solutions for reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and even attacks against ground positions.

Soon, as they developed into larger and more reliable machines, aircraft had begun to transport people and cargo. In contrast to small non-rigid blimps, which are airships without an internal supporting framework or keel, giant rigid airships became the first aircraft to transport passengers and cargo over great distances.

The best known aircraft of this type were manufactured by the German Zeppelin company. Probably the best known and most successful Zeppelin airship was the Graf Zeppelin which flew over a million miles, including an around-the-world flight in 1929. However, as airplane design advanced, the dominant position of the Zeppelins over the aircraft of the period, even though they had a range of only a few hundred miles, was steadily being eroded.

The “Golden Age” of the airships finally ended, on June 6, 1937, when the Hindenburg caught fire, killing 36 people, whilst it was in the process of landing. Even today, there is no clear evidence to suggest the cause of the conflagration

Although periodic attempts have been made to revive their use, the efforts have mostly been in vain, and limited to niche applications. Could the fate of the Hindenburg be a contributing factor?

Peter Radford writes Articles with Websites on a range of subjects, under the heading: Subject - How To Succeed. Aviation Articles cover Background, Civil, Military, Aircraft Types, Air Traffic Control. Website has many more.

View his Website at: aviation-how-to-succeed.com

View his Blog at: aviation-how-to-succeed.blogspot.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Oscar

Bob S asked:


i did six years in the navy and now looking for a air traffic control job. i received my CTO in the navy and went to faa.gov and filed out a applicant online for all the terminal spots. i got two kids and would like to know how long it takes to get picked up?

Jill

Ian Gault asked:


The language for all aviators and air traffic control officers (ATCOs) who wish to operate internationally is English. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has produced a creditable and expansive manual, which details future English-language communication requirements for aircraft operators. Those requirements come into effect on 5 March 2008.

The ICAO document, which details the English-language proficiency requirements is, to all intents and purposes, a Statement of Requirement. Training providers Worldwide, and the aviation industry as a whole, therefore need to adapt to meet the demand and the challenge faced by all concerned. The requirement is to raise standards in aviation communications globally, commonly referred to as Aviation English. However, there needs to be greater understanding that the term ‘Aviation English’ covers a considerably wider field of knowledge and expertise than many currently appreciate. The following is designed to provide some indication as to the degrees of enormity and complexity that the industry faces in contributing to, and in meeting the task of imposing safe English-language communication skills among aircraft operators World-wide.

Pilots and ATCOs are at the front line of aircraft operations. The extent of the training that these personnel have to endure to achieve full operational status is enormous. Training can extend to periods of up to 2 years in the case of pilots and tends to comprise one long, uninterrupted process. In the case of ATCOs, however, because of the different specialisations involved in that function and their varying degrees of complexity, training tends to be conducted in phases, as controllers’ progress through their individual career paths and gain experience in the different specialisations open to them. In both cases, training is ongoing, not only because of the degree of knowledge required, due to ever-changing working locations, but also because of the continual updating of the equipment in use, ongoing revisions to the rules and regulations, and also frequent changes in the air traffic operating environment.

Following a rigorous selection process, whereby only very small percentages of individuals actually have the aptitude to be successful pilots or ATCOs, there begins a learning process that is extensive in respect of the degree of fundamental knowledge required by aircraft operators in a wide range of fields. In addition to the many practical skills required to perform their respective roles, pilots and ATCOs require extensive knowledge of the following: meteorology; physics; geography; navigation; maps and charts; theory of flight; mechanics; aircraft construction; airframes and engines; electrics, electronics and avionics; instrumentation; hydraulics; rules of the air; aviation rules and regulations, both in the air and on the ground; and air traffic control regulations. Aircraft operators are also required to have a precise and unambiguous knowledge and understanding of the following: a vast range of aviation-related definitions, some straight-forward, others quite complex; a wide range of very precise and unambiguous phraseology, to cover all routine and non-routine situations; a plethora of aviation-specific abbreviations; and a vast array of aviation-related vocabulary, which most native speakers of English seldom use in everyday life. In addition, all aircraft operators require an appreciation of medicine, biology, and human performance limitations. Furthermore, all concerned with aircraft operations are required to undergo daily briefings, both oral and written, and have to read and fully understand numerous daily and periodical publications: for example, Flight Information Publications, which provide essential information and warnings related to flight safety, and Notices to Airmen, which provide information concerning daily changes within the aviation environment. Comprehending these documents would prove a significant challenge to any aircraft operator who is not a native speaker of English. In addition to speaking and listening skills in English, therefore, reading comprehension is a skill that should also be given emphasis in any Aviation English training syllabus.

To become a successful pilot or ATCO, one requires a very high degree of a particular type of aptitude, coupled with a supreme mental agility of many different kinds. However, it is important to note that the aptitude required to be a successful pilot, is very different to that required to be an effective and competent ATCO. Nevertheless, both professions require individuals to have the ability to be extremely calm under pressure, to multi-task both mentally and physically, and to assimilate information quickly and effectively and to act upon it correctly and decisively. At the end of their rigorous and lengthy process of training, and when they have achieved full operational status, these individuals possess a wealth of knowledge and have well-honed and acute mental and physical skills. However, even fully-trained and experienced, pilots and ATCOs are continually operating at the extremes of effective human capability, whereby everyday, decisions they make as individuals can, in many cases, mean the difference between life and death for others. Therefore, at any stage within this ongoing process of professional development, to expect an aircraft operator to repeat the entire very demanding and complex training process in a second language, is a daunting prospect. Indeed, it is hard to assimilate the degree of difficulty involved, because, yet another factor comes into play: that of an individual’s degree of aptitude as a linguist.

When assessing the operational and international requirement within the aviation community for precise and accurate communications in English, both in the air and on the ground, there are several factors to be considered: the vast array of different communications and means of communication in use; the skills necessary to communicate effectively, by which ever means; and the difficulties faced by non-native speakers of English, who require to perfect those communication skills, with all their inherent complexities, in a second language. Those concerned face an extremely difficult and daunting task.



Andrea

… asked:


I’ve heard somebody say that Air Traffic Controllers in Canada have a starting salary of $100,000? That’s well over the starting pay for the states so I was wondering if that was true?

Melinda

Fabian Tan asked:


Can you make money without money?

Conventional wisdom says no.

The Internet has made a lot of things possible. We now can communicate with people on the other side of the world for free, can watch any music video we like in a few mouse clicks, and find information on any subject we want in a matter of seconds.

It has made what was once considered miracles now possible.

Many go to church every weekend, meditate or some in other way show that they believe in divine intervention, yet don’t believe in miracles. They listen to their doubts instead of acting in faith.

So back to the original question, can one make money without any money? Well the answer is what you want it to be.

Let me show you a step-by-step system for making money out of thin air that you can try in your free time:

STEP ONE: Go to http://dir.yahoo.com/ and find a niche you are interested to know about from the groups on the left.

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STEP FOUR: Set a redirect from the control panel to the affiliate program’s URL. (This will be proovided to you when you sign up for the program)

STEP FIVE: Find three forums relating to your niche. Type ”’your niche’ forums” in Google and you will find a list of forums targetted to your niche.

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STEP SEVEN: Spend 45 minutes a day posting at these forums. Post useful content, questions. Whenever someone sees your signature, they may click through and buy from your link. Your posts may remain in circulation for years to come, creating a small residual income stream.

STEP EIGHT: Rinse and repeat.

Cost of all this? $0! It is all profit from the word go…



Eleanor

Wynnwith asked:


Trainees at aviation schools and programs throughout the United Kingdom are on a long course toward success in their industry. Trainee pilots spend hundreds of hours in small planes in order to learn how to fly airliners, charter flights, and corporate jets. These hours translate into certification, which can lead to a pilot position with a small airline or first officer with a major airline. However, before trainee pilots head off into their career, they need to understand that their training experience provides vital lessons needed throughout their entire career. Trainees who understand some of the most important lessons to learn will be able to fully utilise this learning throughout their lives.

An important lesson that trainee pilots learn in their early professional career is to exhibit patience. A patient pilot is one that considers every possible contingency in the case of emergency and makes an informed decision from there. While this sounds easier in theory than it is in practice, trainee pilots in the UK need to understand that patience is incredibly important for a long career. Patient pilots and flight professionals are able to size up issues before they develop and calmly instruct their colleagues on how to proceed.

Another lesson that trainee pilots often learn is one that may seem contradictory to the last one stated. Patience is an incredibly important virtue in the aviation industry but so is the ability to be decisive. A further investigation of these two traits shows that they are complimentary and necessary for pilots who want to succeed in the long term. Patience is needed in keeping an eye on the control board and the flight plan, while decisiveness is important in turning analysis into action. Pilots who have engine problems or need to make an emergency landing need to make decisions quickly based on the deliberations of air traffic controllers and fellow pilots.

The most critical lesson that trainee pilots in the United Kingdom learn early in their career is that they need to communicate concisely on every occasion. Pilots who are speaking with harried air traffic controllers and other pilots focused on their flight plan need to keep their sentences short in order to avoid jamming up the airwaves. As well, trainee pilots are quickly immersed in the world of acronyms and short hand terms. Trainees need to understand that this short hand is universal throughout the region and most of it translates throughout the world.



Shirley

Barney Garcia asked:


If you are chartering a private jet, it may be worthwhile knowing about where the aircraft is flying. Gone are the days when pilots flew by “the seat of their pants” meaning they flew the airplanes just like we drive automobiles on roads. In other words, they flew so low that they could see the earth below and the various landmarks to navigate to their destination. Pilots of Jet aircraft fly so high that they can hardly see the land below. All the navigation is done by instruments only.

Airways are just like the Highways. Aviation authorities have mapped out the airways in the sky just like the road maps of the highway system we are familiar with.

Airspace

Airspace starts at 1,200 feet above ground level and extends up to 18,000 feet above mean sea level. (The starting point is ground level because there are locations which are already elevated; some locations are 10,000 feet above sea level) This airspace is meant for use by smaller piston engined aircraft and turboprop aircraft covering short distances. The space between 18,000 feet and 60,000 feet is known as Jetways or Jet routes and is for use by jet aircraft small and large, covering medium to long distances.

Like our roads, most of the airways and Jetways are two-way, and pilots who fly the Jetways use their instruments like compass, radar, direction finder and two-way radio to navigate. If the pilot knows the latitude and longitude of his location, he can find the exact spot on a map and since the latitude and longitude of the destination is already known, it is easy to find the way with appropriate instruments. The airways and Jetways are 8 miles wide, drawn with imaginary lines in the sky.

Use of Airspace

All this airspace is divided into seven segments, A to G starting from the top, and the segment A is restrictive whereas segment G being the lowest, is least restrictive. Each segment has its own level of minimum pilot qualification and experience, aircraft equipment, all of which is governed and controlled by Air Traffic Controllers or ATCs which are located in every airport. They know how many airplanes are in the sky at a given moment. They talk to the pilots in their airspace and give them proper directions to land or takeoff, as otherwise there would be lot confusion and accidents.



Kelly

Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


Hong Kong International Airport, otherwise known as Chek Lap Kok Airport, is the Hong Kong’s main airport. Situated off the Lantau Island, in Chek Pak, Hong Kong International Airport is regarded as the gateway to mainland China and other destinations in South-East Asia.

The airport is only 35 kilometers from the Hong Kong Island and 22 kilometers from Kowloon. Sprawling over an area of about 12.50 square kilometers, it is the world’s fifth busiest airport in connection with cargo movement and international passenger. Opened its door in July 6, 1998, the airport is under the control of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, which in turn is a statutory body administered by the government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR.) It took about six years for the completion of construction procedures and about US $20 billion to erect it. The airport is now regarded as the prime hub for such major airlines as Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, Hong Kong Express Airways, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Air Hong Kong, and Dragonair.

One of the specialties of the airport is that its Passenger Terminal building is situated on a man-made island reclaimed from Chek Lap Kok and Lam Chau. Since the airport is situated on an island, it usually takes an hour or more in order to travel to and fro the airport. However, the airport is easily accessible via such modes as airbus, taxis, and the Mass Transit Railway high-speed airport express, which in turn are special trains that connect the airport with urban areas as well as the subway.

In short, the airport is served by an excellent as well as comprehensive transport network system. For instance, the Ground Transportation Centre features a station exclusively to handle the Airport Express trains. There is also a public transport interchange with transportation facilities including franchised bus, private cars, and taxis. The coach station in the airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) caters to the passengers for tour coach such as hotel shuttle bus services and mainland coach services. Likewise, the Hotel and Travel Agent Limousine Lounge in the Terminal 1 (T1) of the airport deals with limousine services. Additionally, all of the sections as well as the departure and arrival areas in the terminal building are clearly defined in order to make all procedures hassle free and pleasurable.

Facilities available in the Hong Kong International Airport also include superb shopping and dining options. With an array of shops, you can purchase a variety of items from here including books and magazines, art and craft items, casual and sports wear, toys and games, leather as well as designer accessories, duty free liquor and tobacco, flower items, health and beauty related items, luggage and travel accessories, packaged food items, and telecommunication services. Dining facilities in the airport ranges from Asian, Chinese, and Western restaurants to coffee shop, cafe, and bakery and dessert shops.

Further, in order to make available best possible services to the customers, the airport has imposes certain safety measures, such as, striving for the maintenance of a safe as well as efficient airport for Hong Kong; providing a comfortable environment for the traveling public; ensuring high standard of cleanliness in the airport’s public areas and other such facilities; ensuring high standards of services from the contractors, concessionaries, and franchisees of the airport authority; quick responses to queries and enquiries; and management of environmental issues throughout the airport.

Apart from these, the Civil Aviation Department within the airport has implemented certain security measures in connection with cabin baggage, which in turn comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s new guidelines.

Included in the cabin baggage security measures are:

- All aerosols, liquids, and gels within the cabin baggage must be packed in containers with a capacity not exceeding 100 ml. In case, the aforesaid items are packed in containers larger than 100 ml, it will not be accepted, although the containers are partially filled

- All containers must be kept in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag. This plastic bag must be kept separately from other cabin baggage for the convenience of visual examination at the screening point

- There are exemptions in the case of such items as baby food items and certain types of medications

Above all, in order to ensure utmost safety and security, the airport is also attached with services such as the Air Traffic Control Complex, which controls the entire air traffic system in the airport; the Hong Kong Flight Information Region (FIR), which is set up to ensure safety and efficiency in connection with flow of aircraft movements; the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, which operates to handle the rescue as well as fire fighting services; and backup air traffic control centre.



Annette