Aircraft communication system

Presented by:AAMIR SOFI

INTRODUCTION

Aviation communication is communication with aircraft. Aviation communication refers to a moving the aircraft in a way that information is conveyed. e.g. "wig-wagging" or waving the wings, flag or light signals, electrical wire, wireless radio. Wireless radio is the preferred method. Aircraft crews also exploit communications to navigate. Very high frequency(VHF).Omnidirectional range is an example of a legacy system to determine relative location. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF AVIATION COMMUNICATION

The National Transportation Safety board states that nearly one third of all aviation accidents are a result of some form of communication failure. It is important for general aviation as well as commercial aviation to stay proficient in radio and communication procedures. Mid-air collisions and runway incursions are two of the most dangerous results of poor communication.It is important to conduct allphases of the flight using effective communication even in the eventof a radio failure, the flight can with some still continue form of communication, such as light gunsignals.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Become familiar with the communication equipment in your airplane Be able to effectively communicate with aviation controlling agencies and other aircraft using your airplane’s radios throughout all phases of a flight.In the event of a radio/electrical failure, be able to safely terminate the flight using communication aids such as light gun signals and transponder squawks.

VHF COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

This is a typical radio that is used to communicate with other aircraft and controlling agencies on the ground. The white button beneath the box is the flip switch to switch between active and standby frequencies.

The flip switch is useful for transitioning between controlling that use different frequencies of different phases of a flight. The right side display is the navigational frequencies .

The small knob on the button from the left side is the volume and squelch control, The larger knob is the frequency selector.

(continued) For proper operation of VHF radio, an antenna mounted on the exterior of

the aircraft provides radio signals to the onboard radio.

The photo below illustrates the location of the radio antennas on most light general aviation aircraft.

HOW TO TALK ON THE RADIOS The yoke inside the airplane is a small button ,when the button is pressed the

radio transmits on the frequency for which it is set if you speak when the button is pressed any one can here your radio transmission.

Make sure your microphone is close to your lips, key the microphone and speak in a normal conversational tone. Make sure no one else is communicating on the same frequency before you transmit, two people transmitting on the same frequency at the same time cause a lot of static and transmission on both sides will be unreadable.

It is important to speak in professional manner when trying to convey your message.

It is important to keep transmission in brief and to the point due to the fact that many times radio frequencies become very busy in high traffic areas.

Communication slows down the flow of the traffic in the area.

(continued) Remember these 3 things when communicating on the

radio:

Who you are :– give your aircraft’s type and tail number. Where you are :– where you are in relation to the destination

airport or another airplane. What type of service you are requesting :– or what your

intentions are. As you get closer to the airport, specify exactly how you will enter the traffic pattern, this will let other aircraft

in the area know where you are and what you plan to do.

Phonetic Alphabet

To simplify communication, aviators use the alphabet. Since the letters B, C, D, and E, sound similar, they must be identified as “Bravo” “Charlie” “Delta”, etc to avoid confusion.

WHOM CAN WE TALK TO

Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) UNICOM ATC (air traffic control) Radar Facilities

COMMON TRAFFIC ADVISORY FREQUENCY (CTAF)

To increase safety at airports without operating control towers is important that all radio equipped aircraft transmit and receive information on a common frequency. You can broadcast your position and intentions to other aircraft in the area on this frequency. Common traffic advisory frequencies are listed in the airport/facility directory and on aeronautical charts.

UNICOM

An aeronautical advisory station, or UNICOM is a privately owned air/ground communication station which transmits on a limited number of frequencies. Announcing you position and intentions is standard procedure at airports where the designated CTAF is the UNICOM. In addition you can request an airport advisory from the airport operator which may include information such as current weather conditions, active runway, as well as known traffic.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL (ATC)

As you approach a controlled airport you establish communication with a control tower, or approach control at a radar facility. Your initial call up to ATC should include the name of the facility you are trying to contact, your full aircraft identification.

RADAR FACILITIES

To operate within a large terminal area with radar services you need to be familiar with a number of ATC functions to coordinate departures and arrivals.

Ground control: Ground control is an air traffic control function that coordinates movement of aircraft and other airport vehicles on the airports.

Control tower: The tower controls airborne aircraft in the vicinity of the airport.

Departure control/arrival procedures: when you initiate contact with departure control , you can be very brief, since the controller is familiar with your departure clearance.

LOST COMMUNICATION PROCEDURE

During any phase of the flight, if your radios become inoperative, you should land as soon as possible. However, it is still possible to land at an airport with an operating control tower by following these lost communication procedures. If you believe your radios have failed.

CONCLUSION

To Be more proficient in aviation communication procedures as well as the functioning of your aircrafts radio. Remember, effective communication is one of the most vital parts of conducting a safe flight.