Airmanship II

Communication Aids and Airspace

Communication Aids

We shall Discuss in this lecture, RADAR DRDF ILS Airspace Airways

RADAR

RAdio Detection And Ranging.

Transmits a pulse of energy and listens for an echo with a receiver.

The information is displayed visually on a cathode ray tube

DRDF

Digital Resolution Direction Finding It receives an transmission from an aircraft and displays it on a CRT as a green line called a “trace”.

Controllers direct the aircraft to a point above the airfield and from there control its descent through cloud (CDTC) to a height and position on the approach. The pilot can either land visually or employ a runway approach aid.

ILS

Instrument Landing System.

Transmits a radio beam which acts as a path.

Airspace

Used to manage and control air traffic.

Airspace is divided into classes, or functional areas. Some have strict rules on the conduct of flying within them: they are termed “Controlled Airspace”.

Airways

These a part of the air space system.

They are imaginary tunnels in the sky.

They are between 10 and 20 nautical miles wide.

Marked by beacons.

Permission to use airways is sought from ATC.

Crossing an Airway

Fly below the airway, no permission needed.

Crossing an Airway

Fly through, requires clearance.