Restricted Radio License

RT Lectures
Written By: Dylan Kemlo

In accordance with the syllabus as prescribed in Appendix

1.5, Part 61 of the Civil Aviation Technical Standards

www.talkingradio.co.za
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Introduction

COURSE OBJECTIVE

of Airspace
Divisions
VHF Theoretical Aeronautical Radio Telephony Procedures

http://www.caa.co.za/resource%20center/AIC’S/41.3.pdf
Dear Reader, welcome to the restricted radio license audio plus vis-

Aeronautical Meteorological
ual presentation. Each page is accompanied by an audio link which

Documentation Conditions
includes the theoretical information related to its content. A restrict-
ed RT quiz with answers is included at the end of this presentation
which we suggest you only attempt once you feel that you have
adequately reviewed this training guide. On completion we suggest
that you register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to write this
online examination as soon as possible. Once you have successfully
passed this examination you are then eligible to approach a desig-
nated radio telephony examiner who will be able to conduct your
Radio Telephony (RT) oral practical skills test. Once you have passed
this test and been found competent they will issue you with your RT

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Settings
certificate. It is your responsibility to ensure that this certificate plus
the relevant Civil Aviation documentation is presented to the CAA
www.talkingradio.co.za licensing offices in order for them to endorse the restricted radio
license in your pilot license book. You will not be issued with your

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private pilot’s license unless your radio telephony certificate plus
ICAO language proficiency certificate both accompany your applica-
tion. For assistance with your practical Radio Telephony or Aviation
English training please visit our website at www.talkingradio.co.za
for more information on these RT products.

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Please note that this study guide must be read in conjunction with
the published documents as prescribed in Appendix 1.5 Part 61 of
the Civil Aviation Technical Standards.

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Procedures
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 Contents
Contents Phonetic Alphabet
(Click to select)

of Airspace
Divisions
Phonetic Alphabet 3
Pronunciation of Numerals 4
Divisions of Airspace 5
Meteorological Conditions 22 A – Alpha J – Juliet S – Sierra

Aeronautical Meteorological
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Special VFR 24 B – Bravo K – Kilo T – Tango
Aeronautical Documentation 25
Altimeter Settings 29 C - Charlie L – Lima U – Uniform
Transitions 41 D – Delta M – Mike V – Victor
Semi – Circular Rule 46
Search and Rescue 48 E – Echo N – November W – Whiskey
Flight Planning 51 F – Foxtrot O – Oscar X – Xray

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Technical 53
G – Golf P – Pappa Y – Yankee
Positions in a Traffic Circuit 54
Radio Strength Table 55 H – Hotel Q – Quebec Z – Zulu
Radio Terminologies 57

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I – India R – Romeo
Blind Broadcast Template 64
Transponder 65
Radio Failure Procedures 66
Emergency Procedures 68

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Morse Code 60
Airfield Markings 74

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Pronunctiation of Numerals Divisions of Airspace

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRSPACE

of Airspace
Divisions
ICAO DESIGNATORS
FAJA - JOHANNESBURG FIR
FACA - CAPETOWN FIR

Aeronautical Meteorological
0 – ZERO 6 – SIX FAJO - OCEANIC FIR

Documentation Conditions
1 – WUN 7 – SEvEN
Johannesburg FIR
2 – TOO 8 – AIT FAJA FAJA NORTH
3 – TREE 9 – NINer
4 – FOWer 10 – WUN ZERO FAJA SOUTH
FAJA CENTRAL
5 – FIFE
FAJA EAST

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JO R

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Oceanic FIR
Cape Town FIR

FA ic FI
100 – WUN HUNDRED FACA

FAJO

n
FACA EAST

ea
FACA WEST
1000 – WUN TOUSAND

Oc

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. – DEHSEEMAL

South Africa is divided into the following types of Airspaces:

• Flight Information Regions (FIR`s)

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• Regulated airspace
• Temporary Segregated airspace
• Controlled airspace
• Uncontrolled airspace

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Divisions of Airspace Divisions of Airspace
There are 3 Flight Information Region FIR`s in South Africa ducted. All Pilots must however refer to the AIP ENR. Sec-

of Airspace
Divisions
namely: Cape Town, Johannesburg and Oceanic. Each of tion 5 to verify who governs that particular area associated
these FIR`s are divided further into a combination of con- with navigational warnings so that they conform to the laid
trolled and uncontrolled airspace each with their relevant down requirements prior to entering such Airspace.
allocated frequencies which comprises an airspace rang-

Aeronautical Meteorological
ing from ground level up to and including Flight Level 650. Temporary segregated Airspace includes that Airspace

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which is developed to temporary accommodate proce-
Controlled Airspaces are manned by Air Traffic Control dures such as aerial surveys, media events, etc. which
who is responsible for providing an ATC service to meet require specified vertical and lateral limits of a particular
the needs of that Airspace concerned to ensure that a airspace to be made available for that purpose. This re-
safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic is constantly quires the relevant authorities making an application for
provided. this request to contact the Central Airspace Management
Unit (CAMU) well in advance of the proposed period/s.
A noticeable difference between Controlled and Uncon- (Note – For all relevant telephone numbers please refer to a

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trolled Airspace is that Pilots can expect to receive posi- recent updated version of the AIP).
tive control from ATC while operating within a controlled
environment, whereas they will either receive traffic infor-
mation or be required to broadcast their intentions blind

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when operating in an uncontrolled environment. These
blind broadcasts ensure that the pilot makes others in that
area constantly aware of their position, height and inten-
tions.

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Airspaces that are regulated include Restricted, Prohibited

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and Danger areas which are further divided into either
military or civilian sectors. Pilots do not need permission
to enter a Civilian Danger Area, more commonly known as

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a General Flying Area where Pilot training in flight is con-

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Divisions of Airspace Divisions of Airspace

ATZ – AERODROME TRAFFIC ZONE ATZ CLASS G

of Airspace
Divisions
(Class G) ATC are responsible for providing a Flight Information
Service within this Airspace. This means that a Pilot will
not receive positive control such as clearances for ATC

Aeronautical Meteorological
and it is therefore the responsibility of the Pilot to keep

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Specified Altitude ATC informed of their intentions once ATC has informed
ATZ them of the relevant traffic information, runway in use,
ATZ
ATC SERVICE etc.
GROUND/RADIO Ground Level
Ground Level

An Airspace within which Air traffic (for example

aeroplanes or helicopters) can conduct general train-
ing that includes:

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• Arriving at the airfield.
• Departing from the airfield.
• Circuit training.

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The disadvantage of this type of airspace is that:
1. It is restricted to VMC operations only.
2. Pilots only receive traffic information from ATC.
3. A pilot cannot file for Search and Rescue Normal
Operations when routing to this type of airspace.

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Divisions of Airspace Divisions of Airspace

ATZ – AERODROME TRAFFIC ZONE ATZ CLASS C

of Airspace
Divisions
(Class C) ATC are responsible for providing a positive control serv-
ice to all traffic within this Airspace. Most ATZ`s work on
combined Ground / Tower frequencies which results in

Aeronautical Meteorological
a congested frequency during busy traffic periods. This

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Specified Altitude
type of Airspace is limited in size both vertically and
ATZ laterally and is generally an ideal environment for flying
ATC SERVICE
GROUND/TOWER
training such as circuits, hovering, auto – rotations, etc.
Ground Level
Ground Level Although an ATZ Class C has more navigational facilities
available than that found typically in a Class G Airspace it
An Airspace within which Air traffic (for example is still limited in what it has to offer due to its operational
aeroplanes or helicopters) can conduct general train- capabilities.
ing that includes:

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• Arriving at the airfield.
• Departing from the airfield.
• Circuit training.

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In addition this type of Airspace can also facilitate:
• Scheduled IFR Arrivals and Departures
• Non – Scheduled IFR Arrivals and Departures
• IMC Operations
• SVFR Operations

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Divisions of Airspace Divisions of Airspace
CTR CLASS C
CTR - CONTROL ZONE

of Airspace
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ATC are responsible for providing a positive control
service to all traffic within this Airspace. A CTR is ade-
quately equipped to accommodate scheduled and non-

Aeronautical Meteorological
scheduled traffic in VMC and IMC. ATC normally work

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split frequencies which includes their services being
Specified Altitude
offered to Pilots on a Ground and Tower frequency. The
CTR Ground Controller manages all traffic on the Movement
ATC SERVICE
GROUND
/ Maneuvring Area at the Aerodrome while the Tower
TOWER
Ground Level
Controller manages all the traffic on the runway as well
Ground Level as while flying within the limits of that Airspace.

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This airspace:
• Has been designed for the protection of IFR Traffic.
• Has an upper limit that falls directly below a TMA and
relies on constant ATC co-ordination between Tower

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and Approach to facilitate traffic movements.
• Is equipped with numerous navigational aids.
• Remains operational in both VMC and IMC conditions
with specified limitations in accordance with CAA
Regulations.

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• Accommodates VFR and IFR Training, SVFR Flights as
well as Schedule and Non Schedule flights.
• Requires aircraft entering it`s airspace to be trans-
ponder equipped when radar is used by tower for

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Divisions of Airspace Divisions of Airspace
TMA
TMA – TERMINAL CONTROL AREA

of Airspace
Divisions
ATC are responsible for providing a positive control serv-
ice to all traffic within this Airspace. Pilots need to en-
sure that they are equipped with a serviceable Mode C

Aeronautical Meteorological
Transponder, have filed an approved Flight Plan and have

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TMA
ATC SERVICE obtained the relevant permission from the ATC providing
APPROACH - RADAR
a service for that TMA before entering such Airspace. ATC
make use of Radar to provide a service to Pilots operat-
CTR ing within a TMA. There are however certain TMA`s that
do not have a Radar to supply this service. Where this
ATZ
ATZ is the case ATC will control all traffic in this Airspace by
Ground Level means of a process called Procedural Control. This type
of service requires more communication on frequency
between both Pilot and ATC as they constantly have to

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This airspace is:
• Managed by an ATC who either utilises radar or a obtain the exact position of all the relevant traffic in their
process called procedural control to ensure they sup- Airspace at the time on order to ensure that the required
ply the necessary separation and service between separation always exists. A procedural controller relies on
constantly updating their flight progress strips to assist in

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aircraft in this airspace .
• ATC managing this airspace also co-ordinate with accurately determining the aircrafts position and height
other ATC sectors managing their specific areas in relation to each other to ensure that standard separa-
and corridors of airspace such as CTA’s, Airways and tion exists. This type of airspace accommodates mostly
RNAV routes and supply ongoing information such IFR traffic that are climbing, descending or transiting

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through the TMA and ATC have to ensure that all of these

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as estimates and flight levels.
aircraft are continually separated both vertically and lat-
erally from each other.

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Divisions of Airspace Divisions of Airspace
CTA
CTA – CONTROLLED AREA

of Airspace
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ATC are responsible for providing a positive control
CTA
ATC SERVICE service to all traffic within this Airspace. ATC make use
AREA - CONTROL
of radar to supply a service to Pilots operating within

Aeronautical Meteorological
this Airspace but because this Airspace is significantly

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TMA much larger than any other Controlled Airspace there
are certain places where ATC have to make use of Pro-
cedural Control (such as to an Aircraft flying over the
CTR Ocean for example). They therefore need to constantly
co-ordinate with other Air Traffic Service sectors to
ATZ
ensure that the relevant estimates and flight levels of
Ground Level traffic in the cruise are passed on to the relevant ATC
sectors in advance. ATC controlling in this Airspace are

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This airspace is: not only responsible for supplying a service to Pilots in
• Managed by an ATC who either utilises radar or a a CTA but also need to manage all Air Traffic operating
process called procedural control to ensure they sup- in Airways where Pilots use terrestrial navigation such
ply the necessary separation and service between air- as VOR and NDB to navigate and RNAV-Routes where

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craft in this airspace . Pilots make use of a more sophisticated Satellite Navi-
• ATC managing this airspace also co-ordinate with gation to plot their intended route.
other ATC sectors managing their specific CTA’s and
corridors of airspace such as Airways and RNAV routes
and supply ongoing information such as estimates

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and flight levels.

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Divisions of Airspace Divisions of Airspace

of Airspace
Divisions
CLASSES OF AIRSPACE

Aeronautical Meteorological
Documentation Conditions
• CLASS A – IFR ONLY
(All Traffic above Flight Level 195 that fly in air
spaces such as CTA`s, Airways and RNAV routes)

• CLASS C – IFR and VFR

ATC supplies the following service:
A diagram depicting the Airspaces
IFR from IFR – Positive control
when viewed from above
IFR from VFR – Positive control

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VFR from VFR – Traffic information

FIR
• CLASS F – ADVISORY AIRSPACE Class A CTA
IFR – Traffic Information

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F200 CTA RNAV ROUTES
CTA
VFR – Traffic Advise if requested AIRWAYS
ADVISORY ROUTES
Class C TMA TMA
CTA
• CLASS G – INFORMATION AIRSPACE TMA
TMA
IFR & VFR receive Traffic Information if requested CTR ATZ CTR
CTR
CTR

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A diagram depicting the Airspaces
when viewed from the side

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Divisions of Airspace Divisions of Airspace
FAP - PROHIBITED AIRSPACE

of Airspace
Divisions
FAR - RESTRICTED AIRSPACE

Aeronautical Meteorological
Documentation Conditions
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Settings
FAD - DANGER AIRSPACE

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SPECIAL RULES AREA – This is defined as an airspace
other than restricted airspace where `non-standard`
rules are applied to promote safety and efficiency out-
side of controlled airspace.

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Meteorological Conditions Meteorological Conditions

VMC – Visual Meteorological Conditions CLOUD COVER TABLE

of Airspace
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• The cloud base is no less than 1500 ft AGL
• Horizontal visibility is no less than 3 NM

Aeronautical Meteorological
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CAVOK Ceiling And Visibility OK

FEW 1/8 to 2/8 cloud cover

SCATTERED 3/8 to 4/8 cloud cover

IMC – Instrument Meteorological Conditions
• The cloud base is less than 1500 ft AGL OR

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• Horizontal visibility is less than 3 NM OR BOTH
BROKEN 5/8 to 7/8 cloud cover

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OVERCAST 8/8 cloud cover

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Special VFR Aeronautical Documentation

of Airspace
SPECIAL VFR AIC - Aeronautical Information Circular

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An AIC shall be originated whenever it is desirable to
promulgate a long term forecast of any major changes
VFR Pilots can fly at a CTR under certain IMC in legislation, regulations, procedures or facilities. This

Aeronautical Meteorological
includes information of a purely explanatory or advisory

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conditions which are briefly detailed as below:
nature liable to affect flight safety, concerning technical,
• Obtained permission telephonically from ATC legislative or purely administrative matters.
(while still on the ground) to fly Special VFR.

• Obtained a full weather briefing from the Weather Office www.caa.co.za (Select Aeronautical Information)

AND
• Understand their responsibilities as a Pilot with regards to

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complying with this clearance from ATC.

• RT - `REMAIN CLEAR OF CLOUD AND WITHIN SIGHT OF

GROUND`

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Aeronautical Documentation Aeronautical Documentation

of Airspace
AIP - Aeronautical Information Publication AIP SUPP. - AIP Supplement

Divisions
An AIP is designed to facilitate operational use in flight AIP Supplements contains information of a temporary
and consist of three parts: nature of long duration or short duration which contains
General, En-route and Aerodrome sections. extensive text and/or graphics. In South Africa AIP Sup-

Aeronautical Meteorological
Documentation Conditions
plements are published to include information of a per-
• The General section contains information of an admin- manent nature that will ultimately be incorporated in the
istrative and explanatory nature e.g. National Regula- AIP.
tions and requirements, Tables and codes, services and
charges.
• The En-route section contains information on airspaces
and its use e.g. Air routes, navigational aids and naviga- www.caa.co.za (Select Aeronautical Information)
tional warnings.

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• The Aerodrome section contains information of aero-
dromes and heliports e.g. Operational hours, services,
aprons, runways and obstacles.

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Aeronautical Documentation Altimeter Settings

In aviation, pilots rely significantly on the Altimeter to

of Airspace
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NOTAM - Notice To Airmen supply them with their indicated height whilst in flight.
The pressure setting that is used to determine this height
A NOTAM shall be originated and issued promptly is referred to as QNH which is based on the prevailing
whenever the information to be distributed is of a atmospheric conditions for that specific area at the time.

Aeronautical Meteorological
Documentation Conditions
temporary nature and of short duration or when
operationally significant permanent changes or tem- The QNH that is supplied from a particular station that is
porary changes of long duration are made at short manned by ATC can be used by all stations (both control-
notice. led and uncontrolled) within 25nm from that station for
height reference purposes. This height is recorded and
expressed over the frequency in feet. Once the pilot exits
www.caa.co.za (Select Aeronautical Information) that approximate 25nm radius from where the pressure
setting was originally derived, they will require a revised
local pressure setting for that area that they now find

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Settings
themselves operating within in order to continue verify-
A2360/13 NOTAMN ing their height to ATC and other traffic. If this Pilot in-
tends operating outside of this known QNH parameter
Q) FAJA/QICAW/I/NBO/A/000/999/2556S02756E005 at a height which is greater than 1500 feet AGL then they

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A) FALA will need to set their altimeter to indicate QNE (1013)
B) 1308020911 and their height will then automatically be expressed as
a flight level, e.g. 7500 feet on a QNH 1021 = Flight Level
C) PERM 075 on the QNE setting of 1013. The definition of QNE is
E) ILS RWY 06L COMPLETELY WITHDRAWN. the International Standard Atmospheric Pressure Setting

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of 1013.25 hPa. QNE is the actual atmospheric pressure at
sea level in the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA).

Note should be taken of the elevation of the airfield or

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Altimeter Settings Altimeter Settings

area that you intend departing from, particularly if this QNH – Height above Sea Level referred to in

of Airspace
Divisions
site falls outside the 25nm scope of a controlled airfield. Feet or Altitude
The procedure to be applied in this instance would be as
follows; set the Altimeter needles to indicate the eleva- Transition Altitude

tion of that particular airfield and then read off the QNH

Aeronautical Meteorological
setting projected on the sub scale setting of the altimeter

Documentation Conditions
while you are still on the ground. The pressure setting will
be accurate so long as the Altimeter has been correctly
calibrated.
QNH

Airfield Elevation

Sea Level Mean Sea Level (MSL)

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Settings
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Altimeter Settings Altimeter Settings
QNE – Height referred to as Flight Level when above QFE – Height referred to when Above Ground Level

of Airspace
Divisions
Transition Altitude

Transition Altitude Transition Altitude

Aeronautical Meteorological
Documentation Conditions
QNE QNE QFE

QNH QNH

Altimeter set to 1013 Altimeter set to 1013

Airfield Elevation Airfield Elevation

Sea Level Mean Sea Level (MSL) Sea Level Mean Sea Level (MSL)

Altimeter
Settings
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Altimeter Settings Altimeter Settings

of Airspace
Divisions
Altimeter

Aeronautical Meteorological
Documentation Conditions
1023

Altimeter
Settings
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INDICATION ON THE GROUND WHEN SUPPLIED QNH IS
SELECTED

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NOTE – THE ALTIMETER NEEDLES INDICATE THE AIRFIELD ELEVATION

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Altimeter Settings Altimeter Settings

of Airspace
Divisions
Aeronautical Meteorological
Documentation Conditions
1023 1013

Altimeter
Settings
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IN FLIGHT AT 7500 FT AMSL WITHIN 25NM FROM DEPAR- IN FLIGHT AT 25NM FROM DEPARTURE POINT : QNE 1013
TURE POINT : QNH 1023

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(Note the 300ft difference and the resultant requirement to
climb in order to maintain the desired level of F075. ) see next
page

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Altimeter Settings Altimeter Settings

of Airspace
Divisions
WHAT DO YOU SEE IN THE PICTURE BELOW?

Aeronautical Meteorological
Documentation Conditions
1013

Altimeter
Settings
Transitions
Answer on following page

IN FLIGHT AT F075 AT TRANSITION POINT WITH QNE 1013

SELECTED

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Altimeter Settings Transitions

of Airspace
Divisions
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PAGE TRANSITION ALTITUDE

Aeronautical Meteorological
Controlled Airspace (Outbound)

Documentation Conditions
This is a trick question. The attached photo-
graph is actually indicating the face of a normal
clock so what you are seeing is the time, i.e.:
Set QNE
– 03.30am OR 15.30pm.
Transition Altitude Set
25 QNE
The most common answer is 3600 feet. NM
Set QNH

Set QNH

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Settings
On passing the Transition Altitude for the manned air-
field (as published in the Aeronautical Information Pub-

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lication (AIP), OR on passing 25 miles outbound from
the departing manned airfield, the operator will change
their Altimeter setting from QNH to QNE. Note that any
uncontrolled airfield that is situated within 25nm of a
controlled airfield will also utilize that manned airfield’s

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Transition Altitude for reference purposes.

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Transitions Transitions
TRANSITION LAYER TRANSITION LEVEL

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OUTBOUND INBOUND
Controlled Airspace (Inbound)
QNE
FLIGHT LEVEL TRANSITION LEVEL QNE set
TransitionLevel
Transition Level
TRANSITION LAYER TRANSITION LAYER

Aeronautical Meteorological
QNE

Documentation Conditions
TRANSITION ALTITUDE
QNH
Set QNH QNE set
ALTITUDE Set QNH
QNH

25
ELEVATION NM
MEAN SEA LEVEL

On passing the Transition Level for the manned airfield

Altimeter
Settings
(as supplied by ATC) while on the descent, OR when
the Pilot is located approximately 25 miles inbound for
the destination airfield, they will change the setting on
the altimeter from QNE to QNH. Note that the QNH for

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that airfield will also be supplied to you by ATC either
by direct voice communication on frequency or via
a service known as Automated Terminal Information
Service (ATIS). This service allows the Pilot to `dial in` to
that respective airfields frequency (when available as

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published in the AIP) and listen to an automated voice
recording of that airfield`s weather which is also updat-
ed every 30 minutes by ATC.

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Transitions Transitions

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TRANSITION ALTITUDE TRANSITION ALTITUDE

Uncontrolled Airspace – (Inbound)

• Uncontrolled Airspace (Outbound)

Aeronautical Meteorological
Documentation Conditions
To calculate the transition level use the following formula:
• To calculate the transition altitude use the following Elevation + 3000 feet
formula:
Elevation + 2000 feet Example:

Transition Altitude = F035

Transition Altitude = 2260 feet

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Settings
Elevation + 2000 feet Elevation + 3000 feet

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Elevation = 259 feet Elevation = 259 feet

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SEMI-CIRCULAR RULE SEMI-CIRCULAR RULE

HEADINGS ARE BASED ON MAGNETIC TRACK

of Airspace
SEMI-CIRCULAR RULE

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EVENS ODDS The semi-circular rule is applied in the following instances:
359° 000°
• When flying in Controlled Airspace (TMA and above)
• When flying in Uncontrolled Airspace above 1500

Aeronautical Meteorological
Documentation Conditions
feet AGL.

The semi-circular rule is not applied in the following in-

80 85 90 95
stances:
60 65 70 75 • A designated Special rules area
• General Flying Areas
40 45 50 55 • Circuit training
• When flying below 1500 feet above ground level
20 25 30 35

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Settings
IFR VFR IFR VFR
The application of the semi-circular rule must not be con-
fused with the application of procedures associated with
the Special Rules Area within a specific flight sector. The

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semi-circular rule is applied in order to ensure that a speci-
180° 179°
fied vertical separation exists between the following traffic
when routing in opposite directions to each other in flight:
IFR - Instrument Flight Rules VFR - Visual Flight Rules

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1. IFR and IFR

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Pilots make use of navigational Pilots make use of Landmarks and
intruments to plot their flight Geographical co-ordinates to plot 2. IFR & VFR
course their flight course 3. VFR & VFR.

Emergency
NO VFR FLIGHTS PERMITTED ABOVE F195

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Search and Rescue Search and Rescue

of Airspace
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SEARCH AND RESCUE

The definitions of the terminologies related to Search and

Rescue are as follows:

Aeronautical Meteorological
Documentation Conditions
Manned to Manned – Search and Rescue Normal; SAR/
NML (This is a compulsory filing of a flight plan due to your
intended flight path routing from a controlled to a control-
led airfield.)

Manned to Unmanned – A Pilot does not need to file a

flightplan in this instance, but it is suggested that you file
• A–B for search and rescue and receive this service in the event
SAR/NML

Altimeter
that it becomes necessary. This can appear on the flightplan

Settings
• B–C as follows:
SAR/Designator/ETA + 1 Hour SAR / Designator / ETA + 1hour where the term ‘Designator’
OR indicates a manned airfield as allocated by the Pilot which

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SAR/Designator/ETA +2 Hour will serve as the SAR co-ordination center if required. (A
Pilot will normally select the closest Controlled Airfield to
• C–A their destination unmanned airfield for this purpose)/ Re-
SAR / NML member that the pilot will be responsible for the canceling
(If on a Flight plan) of this Search & Rescue, failing which the ATC will initiate

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• C - D or D - C SAR action in accordance with associated procedures. This

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SAR/NIL OR may prove costly to you later on should you have forgotten
as per B – C above to cancel SAR with the relevant ATC station as you may be
liable for all the unnecessary call out fees.
Manned = ATC supply a service to all pilots operating at

Emergency
Procedures
that airfield
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Search and Rescue Flight Planning

SEARCH AND RESCUE (continued) A Flight Plan needs to be filed when:

of Airspace
Divisions
1)     Flying from a manned to a manned airfield.
Unmanned to Manned – Although a Pilot is not required 2)     Flying across International borders.
to file a flightplan for this particular type routing, it is still 3)     Flying a scheduled OR non-scheduled flight.
advisable to file for search and rescue due to the fact that 4)     When requiring Search and Rescue.

Aeronautical Meteorological
this service is at no additional cost to the Pilot and there-

Documentation Conditions
fore provides them with a guarantee of search and rescue A flight plan can however be filed for any flight such as a
being initiated if required. This would be filed as SAR/ flight departing from a controlled airfield to the General
NML. flying Area and returning should the pilot so wish. A flight
plan must be filed at least 30 minutes prior to Expected
Unmanned to Unmanned – A Pilot does not need to file a Time of Departure and is valid for one Hour from this time.
flightplan in this instance but if it is the Pilot`s intention to Should you wish to delay your flight plan it is important
file one they can still request nil search and rescue for this that you advise the ATC timeously of your intentions.
flight which means the Pilot will not be responsible for the

Altimeter
Settings
cancellation of this service at anytime during or after the A flight plan may be filed using any one of the following
planned flight. This would be filed as SAR/NIL. ways :
Note – A pilot flying from an unmanned airfield to another 1.      Telephonically - 0860359669
unmanned airfield as destination may also file for search and 2.      Fax – (011) 9286576

Transitions
rescue as explained in this section under Manned to Un- 3.      Internet – https//file2fly.atns.co.za/aes/login.jsp
manned procedures.   

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Flight Planning Technical
https://file2fly.atns.co.za/aes/login.jsp

VHF / Radio Frequency

of Airspace
Section/division Air Traffic Services Form Number: CA 172-04

Divisions
Physical address Ikhaya Lokundiza, 16 Treur Close, Waterfall Park, Bekker Street, Midrand, Gauteng
Postal address: Private Bag X73, Halfway House 1685 Website: www.caa.co.za
1. Very High Frequency (VHF).
AFTN FLIGHT PLAN
2. Promulgates in the 30 - 300 MHz Bandwidth.  
Priority
Tel: 0860 FLY NOW (0860 359 669) +27 11 928 6518 Fax: +27 (0)11 928 6514 SITA: JNBXTYF
Addressee(s) 3. VHF propagation characteristics are ideal for short-
distance terrestrial (land based) communication.
« Ł F F Ź

Aeronautical Meteorological
« Ł

4. The range is determined by Line of Sight communi-

Documentation Conditions
Filing time Originator
Ź « Ł
Specific identification of addressee(s) and/or originator
cation.
3. Message Type 7.Aircraft identification 8. Flight rules Type of flight
«
9. Number
Ł (FPL -
Type of Aircraft Wake turbulance cat
-
10. Equipment
« Ł 5. Communication is best when there are less obstruc-
-
13. Departure aerodrome Time
- « Ł
tions to affect the wave signal.
- « Ł
15. Cruising speed Level Route
- Ź

« Ł
Total eet
16. Destination aerodrome Hr. Min. Altn. Aerodrome 2nd altn.aerodrome
- Ź Ź
18. Other information

Altimeter
-

Settings
« Ł
Supplementary information (not to be transmitted in FPL messages)
19. Endurance Emergency Radio
Hr. Min. Persons on board UHF VHF ELT
- E / ŹP / ŹR / U V E

Survival equipment Jackets

Polar Desert Maritime Jungle Light Fluores UHF VHF

Transitions
ŹS / P D M J ŹJ L F U V

Dinghies
Number Capacity Cover Colour
ŹD / Ź ŹC Ź « Ł
Aircraft Colour and Markings
A /
Remarks
ŹN / « Ł
Pilot in command

Planning
C / ) « Ł

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FILED BY:

SIGNATURE AND CAPACITY NAME IN BLOCK LETTERS DATE

Emergency
Procedures
CA 172-04 20 JUNE 2013 Page 1 of 1

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Positions in the Traffic Circuit Radio Strength Table

of Airspace
Divisions
Circuits are flown following standard left hand
pattern unless otherwise advised by ATC

EARLY RUNWAY HEADING OR

Aeronautical Meteorological
DOWNWIND UPWIND THRESHOLD

Documentation Conditions
CROSSWIND

18

DOWNWIND 1. Transmission unreadable

Altimeter
Settings
2. Transmission readable now and then

Transitions
LATE 36
DOWNWIND 3. Transmission readable with difficulty

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4. Transmission readable
BASE LEG FINAL

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Procedures
Play

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Radio Strength Check RT Terminologies

Affirm – Yes

of Airspace
Divisions
Negative – No

PILOT - Tower, this is ZSABC Confirm – To varify / Make sure

Request – To ask for something specific

Aeronautical Meteorological
Documentation Conditions
Keep a lookout for – Traffic information from ATC
> ATC - ABC; Tower Looking Out – The pilot is looking for the
traffic as advised by ATC
Traffic in your 10 – The position of the traffic in
PILOT - Radio check, how do you o’clock low relation to a 12 hour clock
read me?
Traffic in Sight – The pilot has now observed
that specific traffic.
> ATC - Reading you strength five

Altimeter
Settings
Transitions
PILOT - Strength five, ABC

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RT Terminologies RT Terminologies

of Airspace
Divisions
Orbit –Complete a 360 degree turn in Broadcast Blind – Communicate your intentions
flight on an uncontrolled frequency

Do one orbit to – Complete one 360 degree turn in Request taxi for a flight – Request permission from ATC

Aeronautical Meteorological
your left flight to the left to commence taxiing

Documentation Conditions
Continue orbiting to – Continue flying in a 360 degree Request lift off for a – A request associated with
your left turn until further advised by flight helicopter operations
ATC
Overhead – In flight passing over a known
Say Again – Repeat your last message as it reference point
was not clearly understood
Maintain a listening – Listen out on the frequency

Altimeter
Say again all before – Repeat everything that was said

Settings
watch
to only include what was not heard
before a particular word in that Runway vacated – Your aircraft is positioned more
transmission than 50 meters away from the

Transitions
active runway
Say again all after – Repeat everything that was said
to only include what was not heard Own discretion – You are responsible for your
after a particular word in that own actions
transmission

Planning
Correction – To correct an error that you

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RT Terminologies RT Terminologies

of Airspace
Divisions
Standby base leg – Await further instructions Landing roll complete – I have completed the landing
from ATC before turning phase of my flight and am now
onto base leg commencing with the taxi phase

Aeronautical Meteorological
Early downwind – That position in a circuit Backtracking – To taxi down the length of the

Documentation Conditions
where you first commence runway that you will be departing
with the downwind leg. from

Late downwind – That position in a circuit Cleared – A positive instruction from ATC
where you are at a 45
degree angle to the active Behind the landing (...) – Once the aircraft on final has
runway threshold line up and wait landed you may commence with
behind lining up on the active runway

Altimeter
Extend

Settings
– To continue on your current flight
path until further advised

Extended downwind – That position in a circuit

Transitions
where you no longer have
the active runway threshold
in sight

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RT Terminologies RT Terminologies

of Airspace
Divisions
Behind the landing – Once the aircraft on final Standingby – I am listening out on frequency
traffic cross runway (...) approach has safely landed you and awaiting your call
behind may commence with taxi and

Aeronautical Meteorological
comply with further ATC Cannot comply – You are unable to carry out

Documentation Conditions
instructions an instruction from ATC and are
standingby alternate instructions
Report re-established – Report again on downwind
on downwind once you have completed the Hold position – Remain where you are and
previous instruction from ATC await further taxi instructions

Set course OR Route – To follow a particular flight path Holding position – I am remaining in my current
as instructed by ATC position until receiving further
instructions from ATC

Altimeter
Settings
Stand by – Listen out on Frequency and I Cancel my last – Disregard my previous
will call you back when I am transmission in total

Transitions
ready to communicate further
Expedite – To complete as quickly as
possible

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RT Terminologies Transponder

THE CONTENT OF A BLIND BROADCAST (non ICAO)

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Divisions
SQUAWK 7500 - HIJACK
TRAFFIC ON (FREQUENCY) SQUAWK 7600 - RADIO COMMUNICATION FAILURE
OR SQUAWK 7700 - GENERAL EMERGENCY

Aeronautical Meteorological
Documentation Conditions
TRAFFIC IN (ASSIGNED AREA)

THIS IS…
C – Callsign
A – Aircraft type
P – Position
A - Altitude
R – Routing

Altimeter
Settings
I - Intention
C - Callsign

Transitions
NOTE – This is an example of how a transmission should be made in
uncontrolled airspace and the pilot may modify it to suit their own
style of blind broadcasting.

Air Traffic will make these type of broadcasts on a `TIBA` frequency Mode C – Selected to `ALT`

Planning
which collectively consists of uncontrolled airspace sectors made up

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Mode A – Selected to `ON` Indicates Position, Speed
of (1) Special Rules (2) General Flying Areas and (3) Traffic flying below and Height of Aircraft on
1500 feet Above Ground Level (AGL). Indicates Position and speed
of Aircraft on radar to ATC radar to ATC
The term `TIBA` means Traffic Information Broadcast by All Aircraft.

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Procedures
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Radio Communication Failure Radio Communication Failure

of Airspace
Radio Communication Failure Procedure Radio Communication Failure Procedure

Divisions
when flying in the traffic circuit when planning to return to controlled
airspace VFR

Aeronautical Meteorological
• Squawk 7600 • Squawk 7600

Documentation Conditions
• Continue to make blind broadcasts • Remain clear of controlled airspace (unless a published
• Complete a full stop landing on the next approach radio communications failure procedure is in place for
that airfield)
• Note however that you can only land on the next
approach if it is safe to do so. • Continue to make blind broadcasts as your transmitter
may still be working and it is thus only your radio’s receiv-
• Taxi back to the parking area (A vehicle may acompany er that is unserviceable.

Altimeter
you as an escort during this period as arranged by ATC).

Settings
• Route to the nearest unmanned airfield
• Inform the Chief Flying Instructor and make telephonic
contact with ATC as soon as possible to discuss what • Follow unmanned joining procedures while continuing to
could have possibly caused this radio communication make the relevant blind broadcasts

Transitions
failure.
• Complete a full stop landing when it is safe to do so.
• Make an entry in the relevant flight folio to highlight the
fact that the radio will require servicing by an approved • Contact either the relevant flying school or ATC once safe-
Aeronautical Maintenance Operator (AMO). ly parked to discuss the further actions to be followed.

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• Complete a Mandatory Occurrence Report (MOR) for the
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to review further as re-
quired.

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Procedures
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Emergency Procedures Emergency Procedures

of Airspace
Divisions
YES
Mayday Signal PAN - PAN Signal

Aeronautical Meteorological
N

Documentation Conditions
Distress situation Urgent situation
Structural failure Medical Nature

Mayday (x3) Pan (x3) NO

The Station addressed The Station addressed

V
Aircraft Identification Aircraft Identification
Nature of the Distress Nature of the Urgency
Pilots Intentions Pilots Intentions
Present Position Present Position REQUIRE ASSISTANCE

Altimeter
Settings
Altitude and Heading Altitude and Heading

X
Any additional Info. Any additional Info.

Transitions
REQUIRE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

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PROCEED THIS WAY

Emergency
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Morsecode MOVEMENT & MANEUEVRING AREA

of Airspace
Divisions
Aeronautical Meteorological
Documentation Conditions
Altimeter
Settings
Transitions
NDB VOR
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NDB_ap- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VHF_omnidi-
proach rectional_range

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72
MANEUEVRING AREA
MOVEMENT AREA

73

Emergency Flght Altimeter Aeronautical Meteorological Divisions

Transitions Contents
Procedures Planning Settings Documentation Conditions of Airspace
74
Airfield Markings

Holding Point
Airfield Markings

Threshold

75

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Transitions Contents
Procedures Planning Settings Documentation Conditions of Airspace
76
Airfield Markings

Runway
Airfield Markings

Taxiway (By day)

Click on image to change time of day view

Taxiway (By night)

77

Emergency Flght Altimeter Aeronautical Meteorological Divisions

Transitions Contents
Procedures Planning Settings Documentation Conditions of Airspace
78
Edge
Taxiway
Night
Airfield Markings

Taxiway
Runway Edge

Taxiway Centre Line

Day
Airfield Markings

Airfield Information Signs

79

Emergency Flght Altimeter Aeronautical Meteorological Divisions

Transitions Contents
Procedures Planning Settings Documentation Conditions of Airspace
 Contents
Airfield Markings Radio Telephony Quiz
•
• a. The highest VFR level as per the semi-circular rule is Flight Level

of Airspace
Divisions
185?
•
• …………………………………………………………….

• b. An aircraft will change their altimeter from QNE to QNH on pass-

Aeronautical Meteorological
Documentation Conditions
ing the Transition Altitude?
Airfield Indication Signs •
• ……………………………………………………………

• c. The standard QNE setting is 1013.25 Mb?

•
• ……………………………………………………………

• d. A flightplan must be filed at least 1 hour prior to estimated de-

parture time?

Altimeter
•

Settings
• ……………………………………………………………
• e. A pilot experiencing a radio failure while flying in the circuit at a
controlled airfield will leave that airfield immediately and divert to
the nearest unmanned airfield?

Transitions
•
• ……………………………………………………………
•
• f. A pilot experiencing a radio failure in controlled or uncontrolled
airspace must squawk 7600 if they are transponder equipped?
•

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• ……………………………………………………………
•
• g. According to the semi-circular rule no IFR pilots are allowed to
fly above Flight Level 195?

Emergency
Procedures
•
• ……………………………………………………………
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Radio Telephony Quiz Radio Telephony Quiz
•

of Airspace
• h. While flying in uncontrolled airspace a pilot must make a

Divisions
blind broadcast once every five minutes according to air naviga-
tion regulations?
•
• ……………………………………………………………

Aeronautical Meteorological
•

Documentation Conditions
• i. An airspace demarcated as FAD is classified as military air-
space only?
•
Answers to quiz on following page
• …………………………………………………………….
•
• j. A pilot will receive an information service from ATC when
operating within an ATZ Class G?
•
• …………………………………………………………….

Altimeter
Settings
Transitions
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Radio Telephony Quiz

of Airspace
Divisions
• a. F THE OBJECTIVES OF AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICE
• b. F
• c. F
• d. F TO PROVIDE ADVISE AND INFO. USEFUL
FOR THE EFFICIENT AND SAFE
TO ENSURE A SAFE, ORDERLY AND

Aeronautical Meteorological
EXPEDITIOUS FLOW OF AIR TRAFFIC
CONDUCT OF FLIGHTS
• e. F

Documentation Conditions
• f. T TO PREVENT COLLISIONS BETWEEN AIRCRAFT ON
THE MANEUEVRING AREA & GROUND OBSTRUCTIONS AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES
PREVENT COLLISIONS
BETWEEN AIRCRAFT

• g. F
• h. F TO NOTIFY APPROPRIATE ORGANISATIONS
REGARDING AIRCRAFT IN NEED OF SAR AND TO
• i. F ASSIST SUCH ORGANISATIONS AS REQUIRED

• j. T

Altimeter
Settings
Transitions
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84 85