I. VHF Communications

Download as docx, pdf, or txt
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 12

I.

VHF COMMUNICATIONS:

1. Determine the altitude of an aircraft that would provide a line-of-sight distance to a ground station
located at a distance of 125 nm.
d=1.1 √ h
125 nm=1.1 √ h
125 nm
√ h=
1.1
h=12,913.22314 feet

2. Determine the RF signal frequency components present in a DSB amplitude modulated carrier wave at
118.975 MHz when the modulating signal comprises pure tones at 2 kHz and 5 kHz.
@ 2kHz, @ 5kHz,
RF carrier: 118.975Mhz RF carrier: 118.975Mhz
LSF: 118.973Mhz LSF:118.970Mhz
USF: 118.977Mhz USF: 118.980Mhz

3. How many channels at a spacing of 12.5 kHz can occupy the band extending from 118 MHz to 125
MHz?
7 MHz
125 MHz−118 MHz=7 MHz =560
12.5 KHz
560 channels

4. A total of 1520 data channels are to be accommodated in a band extending from 316 MHz to 335 MHz.
What channel spacing must be used and what range of frequencies can the baseband signal have?
19 MHz
335 MHz−316 MHz=19 MHz =1520
X
1520
X= =12,500
119 MHz
12.5 KHz
5. Explain the need for:
a. Speech compression
Speech compression is needed in order to improve the intelligibility of VHF voice
communication. It provides high gain for low amplitude signal and reduced gain for high
amplitude signal.

b. Squelch in an aircraft VHF radio


It eliminates the annoying and distracting background noise that is present when no
signal are being received.
6. Explain, with the aid of a block diagram, how data transfer is possible using an aircraft VHF radio.

Name: Saba, Lourvic Ellisa F. Date: September 24, 2014 Page: Score:
Course Code: ECTE002 Activity: Test Your Understanding ______/______ ______/______
7. Explain the difference between MSK and D8SPK modulation. Why is the latter superior?
Minimum shift keying (MSK) is a type of modulation, in which the frequency spacing between
the two audio tones is exactly half the data rate, which is highly efficient in terms of bandwidth. MSK
signal is used to modulate the amplitude of the VHF carrier. While differential eight phase shift keying
(D8PSK) is a system in which an audio carrier signal is modulated by means of shift in phase that can
take one of eight possible phases, 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180, 225°, 270°, or 315°. The D8PSK modulator
uses the bits in the data message, in groups of three, to determine the carrier phase change at a rate of
10.5 KHz.

II. HF COMMUNICATIONS:

1. Explain why HF radio is used on trans-oceanic routes.


HF radio is capable of communicating over distances of 3000 km or more and is used in trans-
oceanic routes mainly in remote regions of the developed world and in developing countries.

2. Explain why different frequencies are used for HF aircraft communications during the day and night.
Due to variations in height and intensities of the ionized regions, different frequencies must be
used at different times of day and night and for different paths. The daytime LUF is usually between 4 to
6 MHz during the day, falling rapidly after sunset to around 2 MHz. Also, MUF is dependent on the
season and sunspot cycle but is often between 8 MHz and 20 MHz. hence a typical daytime frequency
for aircraft communication might be 8 MHz whilst this might be as low as 3 MHz during night.

Name: Saba, Lourvic Ellisa F. Date: September 24, 2014 Page: Score:
Course Code: ECTE002 Activity: Test Your Understanding ______/______ ______/______
3. State two advantages of using SSB modulation for aircraft HF communications.
Single sideband is the preferred modulation for HF radio communications since it occupies
minimum bandwidth. The bandwidth of SSB is equal to the original message bandwidth which allows
greater channels to be provided by the transmission medium. Also, transmissions via the ionosphere are
vulnerable to distortion due to selective fading of frequencies. SSB transmissions are less vulnerable
than AM due to the narrower bandwidth.

4. Explain how HF data link (HFDL) differs from VHF data link (VDL). Under what circumstances is
HFDL used and what advantages does it offer?
High frequency data link (HFDL) coverage provides a highly cost-effective data link capability
for carriers on remote oceanic routes, as well as the polar routes at high latitudes where SATCOM
coverage is unavailable while (VDL) ) utilizes the existing aeronautical VHF frequencies to provide bi-
directional communications; digital data is within a 25 kHz bandwidth. This protocol is based on a
technique called ‘self-organizing line division multiple accesses’ (STDMA). VDL is suited for short
message transmissions from a large number of users over longitude range. The system utilizes
conventional global navigation satellite system (GNSS) to send messages of up to 32 bytes at 9.6 kbps.
The system can manage 9,000 32-byte messages per minute. The system is self-organizing, therefore no
master ground station is required.
HFDL is lower in cost and it is used instead of satellite services and also used as a backup
system. IT is the only data link technology that works over the North Pole, providing continuous,
uninterrupted data link coverage on the popular polar routes between North America and Eastern
Europe and Asia. Also, it has many advantages to offer such as: wide coverage due to the extremely
long range of HF signals, simultaneous coverage on several bands and frequencies (currently 60),
multiple ground stations (currently 14) at a strategic locations around the globe, relatively simple
avionics using well-tried technology, rapid network acquisition and lastly its exceptional network
availability.

5. Explain briefly how an aircraft logs on HFDL system. How are data collisions avoided?
In each log-on request, the aircraft is identified by its unique 24-bit ICAO address. Once logged
on, the aircraft is allocated an 8-bit address code (AF hex iii the case of the third message and AD hex
in the case of the fourth message). Each aircraft also transmits its current location data (longitude and
latitude).

The system used for HFDL data exchange is specified in ARINC 635. Each ground station
transmits a frame called a ‘squitter’ every 32 seconds. The squitter frame informs aircraft of the system
status, provides a timing reference and provides protocol control. Each ground station has a time offset
for its squitter. This allows aircraft to jump between ground stations finding the best one before logging
on. When passing traffic, dedicated TDM time slots are used. This prevents two aircraft transmitting at
the same time causing data collisions.

6. Explain the function of an HF antenna coupler. What safety precautions need to be observed when
accessing this unit?

Name: Saba, Lourvic Ellisa F. Date: September 24, 2014 Page: Score:
Course Code: ECTE002 Activity: Test Your Understanding ______/______ ______/______
The function of an HF antenna coupler is to match the antenna to the radio. The HF antenna
coupler unit incorporates an SWR bridge and a feedback control system to adjust a roller coaster
inductor (LI) and high—voltage vacuum variable capacitor (Cl) together with a number of switched
high—voltage capacitors.
Voltage present in the vicinity of the HF antenna (as well as the field radiated by it) can be
extremely dangerous. It is therefore essential to avoid contact with the antenna and to maintain a safe
working distance from it (at least 5 meters) whenever the HF radio system is ‘live’.

III. VHF OMNIDIRECTIONAL (VOR):

1. Why is VOR transmission “line of sight” only?


It is a “line of sight” only because it operates in the VHF band.

2. Calculate (a) the line of sight for an aircraft at an altitude at 7,500 feet and (b) the altitude of an aircraft
that would yield a line of sight range of 200 nautical miles.
(a)d=1.1 √ h=1.1 √ 7,500=95.26279442nm
d 2 200 2
(b) h=( ) =( ) =33,057.85124 ft
1.1 1.1

3. How can the crew identify a specific VOR navigational aid?


VOR navigation aids are identified by unique three-letter codes. The code is modulated onto the
carrier wave as a 1020 Hz tone that the crew can listen to as a Morse code signal. Some VOR
navigation aids have an automatic voice identification announcement that provides the name of the
station, this alternates with the Morse code signal.

4. Where can a VOR radial be displayed?


It can be displayed in radio magnetic indicator (RMI).

5. Explain how a VOR radial is captured.


The method of displaying the VOR radial depends on the type of avionic fit.

6. Why does an RMI have two VOR pointers?


The two bearing pointers are associated with the two VOR systems and allow the crew to tune
into two different VOR navigation aids at the same time. On some instruments, a switch on the RMI is
used to select either ADF or VOR bearing information.

7. What is the difference in aircraft equipment between conventional and Doppler VOR?
Doppler VOR was introduced to overcome siting problems found with conventional VOR. The
two systems operate in different principles, but the airborne equipment is the same.

8. What is the Morse code output used for in a VOR transmissions?


Morse code is used for identifying a VOR navigation aid.

Name: Saba, Lourvic Ellisa F. Date: September 24, 2014 Page: Score:
Course Code: ECTE002 Activity: Test Your Understanding ______/______ ______/______
IV. DISTANCE MEASURING EQUIPMENT (DME):

1. What is the difference between primary and secondary radar?


Primary radar locate aircraft and display their range and bearing on monitor. Energy is
radiated via a rotating radar antenna to illuminate a ‘target’ (this target could be an aircraft, the
ground or a cloud) and some of the energy is reflected back from the target and is collected in the same
antenna. The strength of the returned energy is measured and used to determine the range of the target.
A rotating antenna provides the directional information such that the target can be displayed on a
screen. While the secondary radar is an alternative method that transmits a specific low energy signal
to a known target. This target is analyzed and a new (or secondary) reply signal (not a reflected signal)
is sent back to the origin. Also, secondary radar has a distance measuring equipment (DME)
application.

2. Distinguish between slant and horizontal range.


The actual distance being measured by the interrogator is the ‘slant’ range, i.e. not the true
distance over the ground. The true distance over the ground is the horizontal range.

3. What is the typical accuracy and maximum range of a DME system?


DME is a line of sight system with a maximum range of approximately 200 nm, this equates to
approximately 2400 ms elapsed time taken for a pair of pulses to be transmitted and received, taking
into account the 50 ms time delay in the ground station. System accuracy is typically ± 0.5 nm, or 3% of
the calculated distance, whichever is the greater.

4. List and describe four modes in which a DME interrogator can operate.
a. Standby mode
When the system is first powered up, it enters the standby mode, transmissions are inhibited, the
receiver and audio are operative, the DME display is four dashes to indicate no computed data (NCD).

b. Search mode
The receiver monitors pulse-pairs received from any local ground stations. If sufficient pulse-
pairs are counted, the interrogator enters the search mode.

c. Track mode
The transmitter now transmits pulse-pairs and monitors any returns; synchronous pulse-pairs
are converted from time into distance and the system enters the track mode.

d. Scan mode
The scan mode has two submodes: directed scanning for multiple navigation aid tuning; up to
five stations can be scanned in accordance with a predetermined area navigation auto-tuning program.

5. Explain what is meant by frequency pairing.


The DME frequency is paired with the VOR frequency; this means that only the VOR frequency
needs to be tuned, the DME frequency is automatically tuned as a result.

6. Describe two ways in which DME distance information is displayed.

Name: Saba, Lourvic Ellisa F. Date: September 24, 2014 Page: Score:
Course Code: ECTE002 Activity: Test Your Understanding ______/______ ______/______
Displays include dedicated readouts, electronic flight instrument systems (FF15), combined
panels/transceivers (for general aviation) and radio distance magnetic indicators (RDMI).

7. DME ground stations could be responding to numerous aircraft; how does the airborne DME system
recognize its own signals and reject signals intended for other aircraft?
The varying interval between pulse-pairs ensures that the DME interrogator recognizes its own
signals and rejects other signals.

8. What information does an RDMI provide the crew?


It provides a distance and bearing to a navigation aid.

9. What type of information does a VORTAC provide?


It provides a short-range bearing and distance navigation information.

V. AUTOMATIC DIRECTION FINDER (ADF):

1. Why does the ADF system seek a null rather the maximum signal strength from a transmitting station?
The null point is easier to determine than the maximum signal strength since the rate of change
is highest. Rotating the antenna to determine the null reading from the radio station was a major
advantage of the system. Also, by maintaining a null reading, the pilot could be sure that he was flying
towards the station.

2. Explain the function of the ADF/ANT switch that is present on some ADF panels.
Some ADF panels have an ADF/ANT switch where ‘ADF’ selects normal operation, i.e.
combined sense and loop antennas; and ‘ANT’ selects the sense antenna by itself so that the crew can
confirm that a station is broadcasting, i.e. without seeking a null.

3. Explain the purpose of a beat frequency oscillator (BFO) and why it is needed in an ADF receiver.
NDB carrier waves that are not modulated with an audio component use the beat frequency
oscillator (BFO) circuit in the ADF receiver. To produce an audio output, the receiver heterodynes
(beats) the carrier wave signal with a separate signal derived from an oscillator in the receiver. The
output from the ADF receiver is transmitted to a display that provides the pilot with both magnetic
heading and direction to the tuned NDB.

4. Why do ADF antennas need a sense loop?


A ‘sense’ antenna/loop is required to detect non-directional radio waves from the beacon; this
signal is combined with the directional.

5. How are NDBs identified on navigation charts?


As the quantity of NDBs increased, air navigation charts were produced and the NDBs were
identified by a two or three letter alpha code linked to the location and frequency.

6. Where locator beacons would be found?

Name: Saba, Lourvic Ellisa F. Date: September 24, 2014 Page: Score:
Course Code: ECTE002 Activity: Test Your Understanding ______/______ ______/______
Locator beacons are found near/in an airfield/airport.

7. Why are there two pointers on the RMI?


There are two pointers on the RMI, colored red and green. These are associated with the two
ADF systems and allow the crew to tune into two different NDBs at the same time.

8. Describe how ground and sky waves are affected by:


a. local terrain
-mountains and valleys will reflect the radio waves causing multipath reception.
b. the ionosphere
- The ionosphere refract the ground and sky waves back to earth. Changes in the
ionosphere also changes the skip distances of the radio waves.

c. attenuation overland
- Low-frequency waves that are propagated across the surface of the earth as ground
waves will exhibit different characteristics when travelling over land versus water. This is due to
the attenuation of the ground wave being different over land and water. The direction of a radio
wave across land will change when it reaches the coast and then travels over water. This effect
depends on the angle between the radio wave and the coast.

d. electrical storms
- Electrical storms caused destructive interference in the signal.

9. Explain, in relation to an ADF system, what is meant by quadrantal error. What steps can be taken to
reduce this error?
Many parts of the aircraft structure like the fuselage and wings, are closely matched in physical
size to the wavelength of the ADF radio transmissions. Quadrantal error is caused by radiated energy
that is absorbed in the airframe and re-radiated causing interference. Quadrantal error depends on the
relative angle between the direction of travel, the physical aspects of the aircraft and location of the
ADF transmitter. Corrections can be made for QE in the receiver.

VI. HYPERBOLIC RADIO NAVGATION:

1. What frequency range does LORAN-C use?


LORAN-C operates I LF frequency range of 90-110 KHz.

2. What does GRI mean, and how does this define a LORAN-C chain?

Name: Saba, Lourvic Ellisa F. Date: September 24, 2014 Page: Score:
Course Code: ECTE002 Activity: Test Your Understanding ______/______ ______/______
It is referred as GROUP REPETITION INTERVAL. GRI is the specific timing interval of the
group of pulses (starting and finishing with the master pulses. This time interval is used as the basis of
identifying the chain.

3. How any techniques lateral geographical positions can two hyperbolic navigation stations define?
None, because it takes three stations to define a unique position fix.

4. LORAN-C systems can be share their aircraft antennas with which other navigation system?
Loran-C systems can share their aircraft antennas with the ADF sense loop.

VII. AREA NAVIGATION

1. Give (a) three features and (b) three benefits of RNAV.


(a) Features of RNAV includes: avoiding weather via RNAV routing, parallel tracks using RNAV
and RNAV ‘direct to’ clearance.
(b) Benefits of RNAV includes: Avoids congested airspace, or adverse weather conditions, If
VOR-C is out of range, the RNAV leg is created thus shortening the distance flown and Provides greater
utilization of airspace, especially through congested areas.

2. The navigation database contains permanent records for radio navigation aids. List the typical
information that is stored for each one.
Typical information such as: Name, Identification code, Navigation aid type, Latitude and
longitude, elevation and transmission frequency.

3. What feature is used to select the best navigation aids optimized area navigation?
Computers in more sophisticated systems are able to auto-tune navigation aids to provide the
optimum navigation solution.

4. What is the difference between a SID and STAR?


The difference between SID and STAR is that SID starts at the airport pavement and connect to
the en route structure while STAR starts at the en route structure but don’t make it down to the
pavement, it ends at a fix or NAVAID designated by ATC because STARs serve multiple airports.

5. Explain the purpose of Kalman filter.


Kalman filters are optimal recursive data processing algorithms that filter navigation sensor
measurements. It analyze the errors and determine how they might have occurred. The filters are
recursive, hence they repeat the correction process on a succession of navigation calculations and can
‘learn’ about the specific error characteristics of the sensors used.

6. Explain why RNAV systems using VOR-DME are generally unavailable beyond land and its immediate
coastal regions.
RNAV systems using VOR-DME are generally unavailable beyond land and its immediate
coastal regions because VOR and DME navigation aids have to be located on land.

7. Explain what is meant by RNP and why it is needed.

Name: Saba, Lourvic Ellisa F. Date: September 24, 2014 Page: Score:
Course Code: ECTE002 Activity: Test Your Understanding ______/______ ______/______
Required navigation performance (RNP) is the accuracy and reliability of area navigation
systems that has led to a number of navigation performance standards and procedures for the aircraft
industry. It is the performance-based successor to area navigation.

8. Explain why an RNAV database needs to be updated every 28 days.


The RNAV navigation database is updated every 28 days to take into account anything that has
changed with a navigation aid, like for example the frequency change and temporary unavailability.

VIII. GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM

1. How many satellites need to be in view to be able to calculate a two-dimensional position on the earth’s
surface?
Three satellites. By using a third satellite, we can remove all ambiguity and define our unique
two-dimensional position on the earth’s surface. Furthermore, a fourth satellite can be used to
determine a three-dimensional position, i.e. latitude, longitude and altitude.

2. How many GPS are there and how are they arranged into orbits?
There are a minimum of 24 (and up to 29) satellites in use, some are operational and others are
used as backups. Each satellite is approximately 17 feet across and weighs approximately 2000 lb. The
satellites are in orbit 10,900 nm (approximately 20,200 km) above the earth; this orbit provides
optimum ground coverage with the least number of satellites.

3. What is the purpose of the control segment?


It provides ground visibility for each satellite.

4. What is the difference between ephemeris and almanac data?


Ephemeris data is a data transmitted as part of the message code and contains current satellite
position and timing information while almanac data is a set of orbital parameters status for all
satellites in the constellation.

5. How does WAAS increase GPS integrity, availability and accuracy?


Wide area augmentation system (WAAS) was developed specifically for aviation users and is
intended to enable GPS to be used in airspace that requires high integrity, availability and accuracy.
WAAS improves a GPS signal accuracy of 20 metres to approximately 1.5 metres (typical) in both the
horizontal and vertical dimensions. WAAS is based on a network of reference stations around the world
that monitors OPS signals and compares them against the known position of the reference stations.
These reference stations collect, process and transmit this data to a master station. Updated data is
then sent from the master station via an uplink transmitter to one of two geostationary satellites; the
aircraft receiver compares this with GPS data and messages are sent to the crew if the GPS signal is
unreliable.

Name: Saba, Lourvic Ellisa F. Date: September 24, 2014 Page: Score:
Course Code: ECTE002 Activity: Test Your Understanding ______/______ ______/______
IX. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM

1. On which frequencies are ATC interrogations and transmitted?


Interrogation on frequency of 1030 MHz carrier wave and transmitted on frequency of 1090
MHz carrier wave.

2. Explain the ‘FRUIT’ in the context of air traffic control.


False replies from unsynchronized interrogator transmissions (FRUIT). Since all SSR
transmissions are on the same frequencies, problems can occur when aircraft are within range of two or
more ground stations. Several replies could be sent by an interrogation signal; these undesired replies
are known as FRUIT.

3. Explain the principles of pulse position modulation.


Each data bit is allocated a 1 µs time interval, divided into two halves. If the first half of this
interval contains a pulse, this represents logic 1; if the second half of the interval contains a pulse this
represents logic 0. Note that both states are indicated by the presence of a pulse.

4. What are three emergency ATC codes?


The three emergency ATC codes are: 7700, 7600 and 7500. 7700 means general air emergency
while 7600 means loss of radio while 7500 means hijacking.

5. What are the differences between ATC and transponder Modes A, C and S?
An aviation transponder interrogation mode is the format of a sequence of pulses from an
interrogating Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) system. The reply format is usually referred to as a
"code" from a transponder, which is used to determine detailed information from a suitably equipped
aircraft. In its simplest form, a "Mode" or interrogation type, is generally determined by pulse spacing
between two or more interrogation pulses. Various modes exist from Mode 1 to 5 for military use, to
Mode A, B, C and D and Mode S for civilian use.
Mode A: In this transponder system, the pilot selects the four-digit code on the ATC control
panel prior to each flight. The SSR system confirms this aircraft’s azimuth on the controller’s screen
with an icon confirming that the aircraft is equipped with a transponder. If the controller needs to
distinguish between two aircraft in close proximity an identity code will be requested; the pilot pushes a
switch on his ATC control panel, and this highlights the icon on the controller’s screen. Since each
aircraft is allocated with a unique code, only one icon per aircraft will be highlighted; this unique
identification is referred to as a squawk code. Each of the four digits ranges from 0 to 7, these are then
coded as octal numbers for use by the transponder. (This system is called Mode 3 for military users.)
Mode C: Azimuth is now augmented by pressure altitude; this is displayed on the controller’s
screen, adjacent to the aircraft icon thereby providing three-dimensional information. Altitude can be
taken from the pilot’s altimeter from an encoder that sends parallel data (in Gillham/Gray code) to the
transponder. This coded data is in 100-foot increments. Aircraft with air data computers will send
altitude to the transponder in serial data form, typically ARINC 429.
Mode S (select): In addition to the basic identification and altitude information, Mode S includes
a data linking capability to provide a cooperative surveillance and communication system. Aircraft

Name: Saba, Lourvic Ellisa F. Date: September 24, 2014 Page: Score:
Course Code: ECTE002 Activity: Test Your Understanding ______/______ ______/______
equipped with Mode S transponders allow specific aircraft to be interrogated; this increases the
efficiency of the ATC resources. To illustrate this point, when aircraft equipped with Mode A or C
transponders are interrogated, all aircraft with this type of transponder will send replies back to the
ground station. This exchange occurs each time an interrogation signal is transmitted. Imagine a room
full of people; the question is asked: ‘please state your name and location in the room’. The person
asking the question could become overwhelmed with the replies. If the question was posed in a different
way, i.e. on a selective basis: ‘Mike, where are you?’ followed by: ‘David, where are you?’, the replies
are only given by the person being addressed. The Mode S system has a number of advantages:
 Increased traffic densities
 Higher data integrity
 Efficient use of the RF spectrum
 Reduced RF congestion
 Alleviation of Mode A and C code shortages
 Reduced workload for ground controllers
 Additional aircraft parameters available to the ground controller.
Mode S transponders only send a reply to the first interrogation signal; the ground station logs
this aircraft’s address code for future reference. Mode S provides additional surveillance capability
into controlled airspace; this is being introduced on a progressive basis. Aircraft equipped with Mode
S transponders are also able to communicate directly with the Mode S transponders fitted to other
aircraft; this is the basis of the traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) and will be
described in the next chapter. (Note that Modes B and D are not used by commercial aircraft.)

6. Who allocates the following: ATC identity codes, 24-bit aircraft address codes?
ATC identity codes:
24-bit aircraft address codes: allocated to individual aircraft by ICAO via the national
registration authority.

7. What is the difference between elementary and enhanced surveillance?


Elementary surveillance (ELS) which requires the aircraft to be able to downlink callsign in
response to Mode S interrogations while Enhanced surveillance (EHS) which requires the aircraft to be
able to downlink: Selected Altitude, Roll Angle, Track Angle Rate, Track Angle, Ground Speed,
Magnetic Heading, Indicated Airspeed/Mach No and Vertical Rate.

X. TRAFFIC ALERT AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM

1. What is the difference between TCAS I and TCAS II?


TCAS I assists the crew in visually locating and identifying an intruder aircraft by issuing a
traffic advisory (TA) warning while TCAS II is a collision avoidance system and provides vertical flight
manoeuver guidance to the crew. This is in the form of a resolution advisory (RA) for threat traffic.

2. What do the abbreviations TA and RA stand for?


TA stands for traffic advisory while RA stands for resolution advisory.

Name: Saba, Lourvic Ellisa F. Date: September 24, 2014 Page: Score:
Course Code: ECTE002 Activity: Test Your Understanding ______/______ ______/______
3. What are the two types of TCAS advisory warnings provided to the fight crew in the event of a
potential fight path conflict?
Traffic advisories (TA) and Resolution advisories (RA).

4. What symbols and colours are used for non-threat and proximity traffic?
White or cyan colors.

5. What symbols and colours are used for TA and RA warnings?

For traffic advisories, the symbol is used while the color amber is used.

For resolution advisories, the symbol is used while the color red is used.

6. What is the purpose of the ‘whisper-shout’ technique?


Whisper-shout technique is used to overcome the synchronous garbling that occurs in TCAS. It
varies the power level of interrogations on a progressive basis in which the aircraft that are close to the
host aircraft will send their replies.

7. What is the difference between these two TCAS warnings: ‘climb, climb’ and ‘climb, climb now’?
‘CLIMB, CLIMB’ means to achieve rate in green arc while ‘CLIMB, CLIMB NOW’ means
received after a ‘descend’ RA has failed to reduce separation, i.e. a change avoiding manoeuver is
required to achieve safe separation. Aural warning has an increased sense of urgency.

Name: Saba, Lourvic Ellisa F. Date: September 24, 2014 Page: Score:
Course Code: ECTE002 Activity: Test Your Understanding ______/______ ______/______

You might also like