Communications, Airspace and a bunch of other stuff ! Rick L. Crose Orlando International Tower

References for this presentation are; l FAA Handbook L l Pilot/Controller Glossary l Aeronautical Information Manual l Federal Aviation Regulations

This is NOT the way to do it !!!! Scene 1 Take 1 Roll Video Tape

ABC’s of Airspace

Class A Airspace Previously called the PCA or Positive Controlled Airspace. This is airspace in which all aircraft are subject to Air Traffic Control. Airspace from 18,000 feet to FL 600. Aircraft and pilot must be certified and operating under an IFR flight plan.

Class B Airspace Previously called the TCA or Terminal Control Area. This is airspace in which all aircraft are subject to Air Traffic Control. Airspace around the nation’s busiest airports. Pilots must receive an ATC clearance prior to entering Class B airspace. Dimensions are airport specific.

Class B Airspace Weather minimums 3 statute miles flight visibility Clear of clouds

Class B Airspace Equipment Requirements Two way radio capable of all appropriate frequencies for that airspace. Transponder with Mode C (altitude reporting) N1234X, squawk zero three five two

Class B Airspace - 30 nm veil Equipment Requirements A transponder with Mode C (altitude reporting) is required for any aircraft operating outside Class B airspace but within 30 nm of the primary Class B airport…..except

FAR states that any aircraft which was not originally certified with an FAA approved electrical system or never had one installed does not have to comply with the transponder requirement within that 30 nm veil.

Class C Airspace Previously called the Airport Radar Service Area. Pilots must establish and maintain communications with ATC prior to entering Class C airspace.

Class C Airspace Dimensions Airspace dimensions are more uniform consisting of an inner circle 5nm around the airport from surface to 4,000 above the airport elevation (expressed in MSL) and an outer circle from 5 nm to 10 nm, 1,200 feet AGL to 4,000 AGL (again expressed in MSL).

Class C Airspace Requirements Establish and maintain communications with ATC prior to entering airspace. Transponder with Mode C (altitude reporting) N1234X, squawk zero three five two

Class C Airspace Weather minimums 3 statute miles flight visibility Cloud clearance 500’ below 1,000’ above 2,000’ horizontally 500’ 1,000’ 2,000’

FAR states that any aircraft which is not equipped with a transponder may request a deviation from that requirement through ATC at least one hour before the proposed operation.

Class D Airspace Previously called the Control Zone Usually established at moderately busy airports that have an operational control tower.

Class D Airspace Dimensions Airspace dimensions are similar, usually consisting of a circle approximately 4 to 5 nautical miles around the airport from surface to 2,500 above the airport elevation expressed in MSL. May have extensions of Class D or E airspace to contain instrument operations.

Gwinn private airport is an example of an airport with a control tower located in Class D airspace.

Class D Airspace Requirements Establish and maintain communications with ATC prior to entering airspace. N1234X, Sanford Tower, transition approved south of airport at or below 1,000

Class D Airspace Weather minimums 3 statute miles flight visibility Cloud clearance 500’ below 1,000’ above 2,000’ horizontally 500’ 1,000’ 2,000’

Class E Airspace Controlled Airspace that is not designated as Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D. May extend upward from the surface or a designated altitude to the next overlying controlled airspace.

Class E Airspace

Class E Airspace Weather minimums 3 statute miles flight visibility Cloud clearance 500’ below 1,000’ above 2,000’ horizontally 500’ 1,000’ 2,000’

Class G Airspace - Uncontrolled

1 statute mile flight visibility Clear of clouds Class G Airspace Day Weather minimums

Communications with ATC

Radio Message Format l Initial Callup (Towers*, or after a handoff) –The name of the facility that you are calling. –Your full aircraft identification. –Your message. –the word “over” if you think it is necessary. l Towers refer to all operating positions in the control tower... Clearance Delivery, Ground Control, Local Control.

Radio Message Format l Initial Callup (Center, Approach Control or FSS) –The name of the facility that you are calling. –Your full aircraft identification. –(FSS) the frequency you are listening on. –the word “over” if you think it is necessary.

Radio Message Format l After Initial Callup (Center, Approach Control or FSS) –Your full aircraft identification. –Your message*. –The word “over” if you think it necessary. P The message should include your position, alititude, and what you want to do.

Radio Message Format l Easy way of remembering –Who you are calling –Who you are –Where you are –What you want to do

Radio Communications -Tips l Do not shorten your aircraft identification until the controller does. l Be alert to the description of your aircraft using aircraft type and color. l Do not sit on microphone or wedge it against your leg or against equipment.

Radio Communications -Tips l Especially in a terminal environment, listen all all communications, not just the ones directed to you. This will allow you to develop a mental picture of what is going on around you.

Federal Aviation Regulations

91.117b Aircraft Speed l Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft at or below 2,500 feet AGL within 4 NM of the primary airport in Class C or D airspace at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots.

FAR Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions. l (a) When an ATC clearance has been obtained, no pilot in command may deviate from that clearance unless an amended clearance is obtained, an emergency exist, or the deviation is in response to a traffic alert and collision avoidance system resolution advisory.

FAR Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions. l (cont.) When a pilot is uncertain of an ATC clearance, that pilot shall immediately request clarification from ATC.

FAR Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions. l c. Each pilot in command who, in an emergency, or in response to a TCAS resolution advisory, deviates from an ATC clearance or instruction shall notify ATC of that deviation as soon as possible.

FAR Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class G airspace. l d. Communications with control towers. Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft to, from, through, or on an airport having an operational control tower unless two-way radio communications are maintained with the control tower.

FAR Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class G airspace. l d. Communications with control towers. Communications must be established prior to 4 NM from the airport, up to and including 2,500 AGL.

Kissimmee Airport is an example of an airport with a control tower located in Class G airspace.

FAR Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class E airspace. l c. Communications with control towers. Exactly the same as

AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION MANUAL l The AIM contains pertinent information concerning almost all aspects of aviation safety. l It also contains the exact pilot/controller glossary that air traffic controllers have in their handbook.

Required reports at all times l Any information relating to the safety of flight to include, –weather conditions which were not forecasted. –hazardous conditions which were forecasted and encountered.

Any Questions?

If you enjoyed this! l Comments may be sent to: Orlando International Tower c/o Rick Crose 9399 Airport Blvd. Orlando, Florida , or by at

Write to this address if you felt it was poorly done. l Any comments may be sent to: Orlando International Tower c/o Rick Crose 9399 Airport Blvd. Orlando, Florida , or by at The period between the name is required!