I. VHF Communications
I. VHF Communications
I. VHF Communications
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.
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:
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’.
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
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.
Name: Saba, Lourvic Ellisa F. Date: September 24, 2014 Page: Score:
Course Code: ECTE002 Activity: Test Your Understanding ______/______ ______/______
IV. DISTANCE MEASURING EQUIPMENT (DME):
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Name: Saba, Lourvic Ellisa F. Date: September 24, 2014 Page: Score:
Course Code: ECTE002 Activity: Test Your Understanding ______/______ ______/______
IX. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM
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.
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.
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.
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 ______/______ ______/______