Radar & surveillance

090 CommunicationsChapter 3

Radar service types

Definition — Procedural service

Also known as procedural service. ATC provides traffic information including relative bearing, range, direction, height, and relative speed of conflicting traffic. Turns may be issued for avoidance.

Definition — Traffic service

Also known as traffic service. Traffic information is provided but the pilot is responsible for separation.

First contact with departure/approach

Key fact

On first contact, report: callsign, SID designator (e.g. SANTA2V), current/passing altitude, and cleared altitude.

Radar status phraseology

Phrase	Meaning
RADAR CONTACT	Radar identity established
UNDER RADAR CONTROL	Must obey ATC instructions
RADAR SERVICE TERMINATED	No longer receiving radar control

Key fact

Termination or loss of identification may be acknowledged with “Roger”.

Vector information order

Information for radar vectors is given in this order:

1. Fix
2. Level
3. Inbound track
4. Right or left turns
5. Time of leg (substituted by distance if DME is used)

Final approach terms

Key fact

FLIRT — mnemonic for final approach radar information. Long final = 4–8 NM away. Short final = under 2 NM away.

Transponder phraseology

Instruction	Action
STOP SQUAWK CHARLIE	Turn off Mode C
RECYCLE SQUAWK	Reset current squawk
RESET SQUAWK	Reselect current squawk and mode
VERIFY YOUR LEVEL	Check Mode C accuracy
SQUAWK IDENT	Operate special position identification
CONFIRM SQUAWK	Read back current squawk
SQUAWK STANDBY	Set transponder to standby

Expected approach time (EAT)

Key fact

The EAT is the time you can leave the hold to begin the approach after a delay. Given if delay is over 10 minutes. Revised if the time changes by over 5 minutes.

Exam trap

Procedural service — ATC may issue turns for avoidance. Traffic service — pilot maintains separation. Do not confuse the two.