Radio Communications and ATC Light Signals - Coursework Example

Radio Communications and ATC Light Signals Communication, in aviation, has its weight. It is a method of increasing safety and providing a better flying environment. Radio, is the main technology that is used nowadays in aviation communication. Nevertheless, it is not required in every plane. Nonetheless, when there is no radio equipment onboard, light signals can be used instead. With all that, Radio communication and light signals must be well organized, understood and categorized so as to enhance separation of traffic and decrease the threat of collision in the air or on the ground. The Radio communication uses very high frequency range(VHF) with frequencies ranging between 118.0 MHz and 135.975 MHz(Jeppesen,2011).These VHFs make use of the line of sight to travel which means they can be blocked by any obstruction. In addition, some airplanes are fitted with multiple transceivers as a backup system in case one fails. One of the downsides of Radio is the fact that it cannot receive while it’s transmitting. Thus, the pilot must put into consideration that the microphone is off when s/he is through with transmitting. As a pilot, one is required to use the appropriate technology to assist in clarifying and understanding intentions of the receiver. Use of a specific alphabet is one of one of the methods used in decreasing confusion while communicating. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has provided what is known as Phonetic Alphabet. In addition, some certain letters are changed in pronunciation. Thus instead of transmitting Three, a pilot must use the word Tree. For instance, the call sign N415FP can be transmitted as November Four One Fife Foxtrot Papa. Another helpful method is use of the UTC which is also known with the Zuku time. Inspite of the differing times around the globe, use of Zulu time can greatly reduce confusion between the transmitter and the receiver. As already well known, there is existence numerous airspaces and classes which can be flown into. These airspaces vary with the requirements of a given communication method. Additionally, Radio communications are categorized according to the way they are used. The first to begin with is the Common Traffic Frequency (CTAF) which is used in airports that do not have control tower or towers that have a time period of work. It is used to announce call sign, location, and intention to all airplanes and traffic in vicinity. It can also be obtained from Airport/Facility Directory, sectional charts, and FSS.UNICOM is another station that can be used. Basically, UNICOM is similar to the CTAF except for the fact that the UNICOM is usually operated by a private operator and has limited Frequencies (Jeppesen, 2011). Tower-controlled airports use different facilities to help in sequencing massive traffic in the air. These facilities are in sequence so as to smoothen the departure or the arrival of airplanes. This sequence starts with asking for permission at the gate or the parking lot so as to establish the flight. Delivery clearance is the first facility to be contacted and it is the one that gives permission for establishing flights. It is found at busy airports due to heavy volumes of traffic. These permissions are mostly for IFR flights. However, VFR flight permissions can be obtained with fewer limitations. Ground control facility is used after that which actually directs airplanes and other vehicles on the ground. Whenever airplanes are directed to the active runaway, they usually contact the Control Tower to receive takeoff clearance. Control Tower is the facility that provides clearance for takeoffs or landings for both departing and arriving traffic. After the take off, the Control Tower will ask the pilot to switch to Departure control. The Departure control will provide flight following by using radar equipment, which will keep the pilot under radar monitoring. The Approach control will take care of arrivals. It provides separation and safety alerts. It also has different sectors with different frequencies especially in busy airports (Jeppeson, 2011). Communication with facilities or other traffic may fail or get lost. However, there are times when equipments can be used incorrectly, which may lead to a communication-lost thought. Therefore, proper steps must be followed in order to verify all equipments are used appropriately. The pilot must ensure that the correct frequency is being used at all times. If not then, s/he should try using a different frequency. After that, the volume may be checked. The third step involves checking the position of the switch on the audio control panel. If the problem persists, then the pilot may check if the microphone is properly plugged. If a handheld microphone is onboard, it could be tested and used instead of the headset. If there are multiple transceivers, the pilot could try the alternate transceiver. After that, the pilot could try contacting the last facility to request for assistance (Jeppesen, 2011). If all these steps do not work, then communication lost procedure lost procedure must be followed. The pilot should set the transponder to 7600 in order to alert the ATC about the situation in case there is radar coverage. If the transponder does not work, then the pilot could determine the flow of the traffic and keep contact with the tower and wait for light signals. Light signals is another method of communication which can be utilized in case of loss in communication. These light signals are divided into two types; one for the ground and the other for the flight. A steady green light signal can be interpreted as cleared for takeoff while on the ground; whereas in the air it implies cleared to land. When receiving a flashing light signal while on the ground, it implies that the pilot is cleared for taxi, however, it means return for landing while on the air and it then is followed by steady green when appropriate. On the other hand if a pilot receives a steady red on the ground, s/he has been instructed to stop, whereas in the air it implies that the pilot should give way to other traffic and continue circling. If a pilot receives a flashing red while on the ground, it implies that s/he should leave the landing area, which means that the runaway is in use. While flying it means that the airport is unsafe for landing. A white light signal has meaning only for the ground traffic and it means that the pilot should return to the starting point at the airport. Alternating red and green lights implies that the pilot should exercise extreme caution whether s/he is on the ground or flying. At the end of this paper, Radio communication and light signals will provide a huge help in organizing the traffic and avoiding any hazardous situations that could result in fatal accidents. The paper has explained what kind of radio ranges are being used in the aviation industry. It has also explained that different stations and facilities are used in different locations and airports. Communications lost procedures have also been illustrated so as to provide safe lights for all traffic during that particular situation. In conclusion, light signals are also used in backing up the communication lost procedures and all signal meanings were explained. Read More