ATC Surveillance Sources PDF

BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL – ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES INTRODUCTION Radar is a valuable tool used daily by en route and terminal air traffic controllers to locate, track, and separate aircraft. Understanding its uses, unique components, and basic concepts will increase your ability to operate a...

BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL – ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES INTRODUCTION Radar is a valuable tool used daily by en route and terminal air traffic controllers to locate, track, and separate aircraft. Understanding its uses, unique components, and basic concepts will increase your ability to operate as an air traffic controller in the National Airspace System (NAS). In a nonradar environment, controllers must visualize the airspace under their control. Controllers rely on pilot reports to determine the position of aircraft and to identify areas of adverse weather. The purpose of this module is to explain how the primary and secondary radar systems work and identify their components. It will also provide the disadvantages for the secondary radar system. PRIMARY RADAR SYSTEM Purpose: This lesson identifies the uses and components of primary radar. Objectives: Identify uses of primary radar Identify components of primary radar References for this lesson are as follows: FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control ETM 12-0-1, Fundamentals of Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radar BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL | ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES 1 Radar and Radar Display Radar is a device which, by measuring the time interval between transmission and reception of radio pulses and correlation, the angular azimuth orientation of the radiated antenna beam/beams in azimuth and/or elevation, provides information on range, azimuth, and/or elevation of objects in the path of the transmitted pulses. Note: Radar is a radio detection device which provides information on range, azimuth, and/or elevation of objects. Radar Weather Display Air Traffic Control (ATC) uses several different display systems, each having their own display characteristics. This is an example of a digitized radar display depicting weather. Example of Digitized Radar Weather Display Types of Radar Systems There are two types of radar; primary and secondary. This lesson only covers primary radar. Primary Radar is a radar system in which a minute portion of a radio pulse transmitted from a site is reflected by an object and then received back at the site for processing and display at an ATC facility. BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL | ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES 2 How Primary Radar Works A primary radar system sends out a signal which is reflected by anything with mass (echo principle) Reflected energy is called “echo” or “target” The primary radar signal is a pulse of radio energy similar to an x-ray This reflected signal is timed, processed, and presented on a radar display Primary radar requires no equipment in the aircraft Note: Clouds, buildings, and airplanes all have mass, which reflects radar energy. Primary Radar Components The four major components of a primary radar system are: Transmitter The transmitter generates a pulse of radio energy. The antenna focuses and broadcasts radio energy, then collects the reflected return. The area directly above the antenna is called the “blind zone” and is not included in Antenna the signal pattern Aircraft in the blind zone cannot be seen on the radar display Receiver The receiver amplifies and converts the reflected energy into video. Radar Display The radar display depicts the position and movement of objects that reflect radio energy. BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL | ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES 3  Knowledge Check A REVIEW what you have learned so far about primary radar system. ANSWER the questions below. What type of radar display is shown in the image? (Select the correct answer.)  Radio Detection Display  Digitized Radar Display Depicting Weather  Primary Radar Display  Secondary Radar Display Which of the following define how primary radar works? (Select all correct answers that apply.)  Sends out a signal which is reflected by anything with mass  Signal is a pulse of radio energy similar to an x-ray  Requires no equipment in the aircraft  Reflected signal is timed, processed, and presented on a radar display What are the components of a primary radar system? (Select the correct answer.)  Weather display, receiver, transmitter, and target  Radar display, echo, antenna, and azimuth  Transmitter, antenna, receiver, and radar display Which primary radar component depicts the position and movements of objects that reflect radio energy? (Select the correct answer.)  Radar display  Transmitter  Antenna  Receiver Which primary radar component focuses and broadcasts radio energy, then collects the reflection return? (Select the correct answer.)  Radar display  Transmitter  Antenna  Receiver Which primary radar component amplifies and converts the reflected energy into video? (Select the correct answer.)  Radar display  Transmitter  Antenna  Receiver Primary Radar System Summary Air traffic controllers use primary radar to detect and measure positions of aircraft. Being able to identify the system components and its uses is essential to understanding how the ATC surveillance sources contribute to helping you maintain a safe environment for aircraft. BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL | ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES 4 SECONDARY RADAR SYSTEM Purpose: This lesson identifies the uses and components of secondary radar. Objectives: Identify uses of secondary radar Identify components of secondary radar References for this lesson are as follows: FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control ETM 12-0-1, Fundamentals of Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radar Types of Radar Systems There are two types of radar; primary and secondary. This lesson only covers secondary radar. Secondary Radar/Radar Beacon is a radar system in which the object to be detected is fitted with cooperative equipment, known as a transponder. Secondary radar is sometimes referred to as Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS). How Secondary Radar Works Radio signals from the searching interrogator (transmitter/receiver) ground site are: Received by the transponder (receiver/transmitter) in the aircraft Used to trigger a distinctive reply signal, which is transmitted back to the interrogator The interrogator relays the incoming signal to the decoder, where it is processed for the radar display. BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL | ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES 5 Secondary Radar Components The secondary radar system consists of five major components: Interrogator The interrogator is a ground-based transmitter The interrogator generates radio signals which are sent to the antenna for broadcast These radio signals request all transponders within range to reply Antenna The antenna is mounted on top of the associated primary antenna, unless it is a secondary-only site Broadcasts radio signals covering the same azimuth as the primary antenna Note: You can have secondary radar without primary radar. Transponder The transponder is located on the aircraft The transponder receives the interrogator’s signals and automatically replies with the code assigned by ATC The transponder reply is received by the antenna, sent to the interrogator, and relayed to the decoder Note: Controllers know if an aircraft is transponder-equipped by a coded equipment suffix that appears on each aircraft’s flight plan. Other aircraft suffixes will be discussed in a later lesson. Equipment Additional Information Suffixes /A Also has Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) and altitude reporting capability /B Also has DME but does not have alitude reporting capability /P Equipped with TACAN and altitude reporting capability /I Advanced area navigation (RNAV) equipment and altitude reporting capability /T Does not have altitude reporting capability /U Has altitude reporting capability Decoder The decoder processes the transponder replies and sends them to the radar display. Radar Display The radar display depicts an electronic presentation of radar-derived information. BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL | ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES 6  Knowledge Check B REVIEW what you have learned so far about secondary radar system. ANSWER the questions below. Which component of the secondary radar system is located on the aircraft? (Select the correct answer.)  Decoder  Interrogator  Transponder  Radar display What are the five major components of the secondary radar system? (Select the correct answer.)  Decoder, antenna, receiver, transmitter, and transponder  Interrogator, transponder, antenna, decoder, and radar display  Transponder, control beacon, receiver, decoder, and radar display The ____________ processes the transponder replies and sends them to the radar display. (Select the correct answer.)  Radar display  Interrogator  Antenna  Decoder Which component is mounted on top of the associated primary antenna, unless it is a secondary-only site? (Select the correct answer.)  Decoder  Antenna  Receiver  Transponder Advantages and Disadvantages of Secondary Radar Advantages It is less vulnerable to blind spots (blind zone) It provides a longer range than primary radar Radar responses are not degraded by weather or ground clutter Disadvantages It only displays aircraft with transponders It does not provide weather information The return is affected by the aircraft's orientation along its longitudinal axis o The aircraft transponder antenna is normally located on the underside of the aircraft o The location of the transponder antenna may cause a difference in reception if an aircraft is in a turn at an angle where the antenna is not exposed BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL | ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES 7  Knowledge Check C REVIEW what you have learned so far about advantages and disadvantage of secondary radar system. ANSWER the questions below. Which of the following are advantages of a secondary radar system? (Select all correct answers that apply.)  Not degraded by weather echoes or ground clutter  Less vulnerable to blind spots  Reflected signal is timed, processed, and presented on a radar display  Provides longer range  All of the above Which of the following are disadvantages of a secondary radar system? (Select all correct answers that apply.)  Not degraded by weather echoes or ground clutter  Does not provide weather information  Return is affected by aircraft orientation  Only displays aircraft with transponders  All of the above Secondary Radar System Summary Secondary radar is used by air traffic controllers not only to detect and measure the position of aircraft, but also to request additional information from the aircraft, such as its identity and altitude. Understanding its uses and how the components operate increases your ability to operate as an air traffic controller in the National Airspace System. BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL | ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES 8 FEATURES OF VIDEO DISPLAY Purpose: This lesson identifies features of a video map on a radar display. Objective: Identify features of a video map References for this lesson are as follows: FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control ETM 12-0-1, Fundamentals of Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radar Video Map A video map is an electronically displayed map on the radar display that may depict data such as: Airports Heliports Runway centerline extensions Navigational aids (NAVAIDs) and fixes Reporting points Airway/route centerlines Boundaries Handoff points Special use tracks Obstructions Prominent geographic features Range marks Minimum vectoring altitudes BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL | ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES 9 Video Map Features An electronic video map expands and contracts as the display range is changed. Knowledge Check D REVIEW what you have learned so far about features of a video display. ANSWER the questions below. Identify the features used in a video map. Enter your answers in the spaces below. Airspace boundary NAVAID Airway intersection Obstruction Airport Features of Video Displays Summary ATC radar displays are one of the primary methods for controllers to guide aircraft. A Controller's ability to read, interpret, and decipher radar is a vital skill for separating aircraft. BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL | ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES 10 AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE-BROADCAST (ADS-B) Purpose: This lesson identifies features of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast or ADS-B. Objective: Identify features of ADS-B References for this lesson are as follows: FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control ETM 12-0-1, Fundamentals of Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radar www.faa.gov Features of ADS-B Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is a surveillance system in which an aircraft to be detected is fitted with a data link transmitter. The aircraft periodically broadcasts its Global Positioning System (GPS)- derived position, call sign, velocity, and other information over the data link. The information is received by a radio station for processing and display at an air traffic control facility. A Automatic – Transmits location and other information every second with no pilot action. Dependent – Dependent on aircraft equipped with a rule compliant position source and D appropriate signal transmitter. Surveillance – Uses Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology to provide aircraft S position and altitude. Position accuracy is independent of the distance from the ground station. Broadcast – Equipment automatically transmits data to ground stations for ATC system use and B 11 to any airborne aircraft equipped to receive information. BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL | ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES Characteristics of ADS-B The ADS-B system relies on: ADS-B transponder Constellation of GPS satellites Network of ground stations Broadcast communications link How ADS-B Works GPS system sends position information to aircraft Aircraft simultaneously broadcast position, speed, and altitude data to: Ground stations Other airborne aircraft with ADS-B In equipment Ground stations transmit information for use in ATC Transmissions occur every second ADS-B Coverage With ADS-B operational across the country, pilots in equipped aircraft now have access to services that provide a new level of safety and efficiency. ADS-B is transforming all segments of aviation. Real-time precision, shared situational awareness, and advanced applications for pilots and controllers alike, are the hallmarks of ADS-B surveillance. BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL | ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES 12 Levels of Aircraft Equipment There are two levels of aircraft equipment. They are: ADS-B Out ADS-B Out is a basic level of aircraft equipment that transmits an aircraft's position, ground speed, and other data to air traffic controllers and other appropriately equipped aircraft in the sky. Aircraft with this equipment do not receive position information from other ADS-B-equipped aircraft. Provides better radar coverage and accuracy than the current transponder/radar system Transmits surveillance information about an aircraft in flight or while on the ground Provides a more reliable radar feed to air traffic control Provides ATC with updated aircraft information almost every second Operators equipped with ADS-B Out will enjoy more efficient spacing and optimal routing in nonradar environments Note: The FAA has mandated that aircraft operating in most controlled U.S. airspace be equipped for ADS-B Out by January 1, 2020. The highly precise GPS-based surveillance provided by ADS-B Out also improves the ability to perform life-saving search and rescue (SAR) missions. ADS-B In ADS-B In equipment allows aircraft, when equipped properly, to receive and interpret other participating aircraft’s ADS-B Out data on a computer screen or an Electronic Flight Bag in the cockpit. General aviation operators who equip also benefit from free real-time graphical weather and other aeronautical information sent directly to the cockpit. ADS-B In-equipped aircraft have access to: Flight Information Service–Broadcast (FIS-B): Broadcasts: Graphical weather to the cockpit Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) such as Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) or closed runways as text-based advisories Significant weather activity as text-based advisories Access to terrain maps Traffic Information Service-Broadcast (TIS-B): Provides pilots information concerning: Altitude, ground track, speed Distance of aircraft flying in radar contact with controllers and within 15-nautical mile (NM) radius, up to 3,500 feet above or below the receiving aircraft’s position Note: These ADS-B In pilot advisory services are provided at no cost to the user. Similar to the view that air traffic controllers observe on their displays, pilots of ADS-B In-equipped aircraft have cockpit displays where they can see the location of surrounding aircraft and graphic weather. BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL | ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES 13  Knowledge Check E REVIEW what you have learned so far about automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast. ANSWER the questions below. ADS-B is a surveillance system in which the aircraft is fitted with cooperative equipment in the form of a _________. (Select the correct answer.)  ADS-B transponder  Navigation system  Flight management system The ADS-B system relies on information from _______. (Select all correct answers that apply.)  Ground stations  ADS-B transponder  Internet communications  GPS satellites How does ADS-B information reach ATC? (Select the correct answer.)  Aircraft sends info to GPS; GPS sends info to ground stations; ground stations send info to ATC  Ground stations send info to GPS; GPS sends info to aircraft; aircraft sends info to ATC  GPS sends info to aircraft; aircraft sends info to ground stations; ground stations send info to ATC Which feature does ADS-B In offer that ADS-B Out does not? (Select the correct answer.)  Provides better area coverage and accuracy than the current transponder/radar system  Receives position information from other ADS-B-equipped aircraft  Transmits surveillance information about an aircraft in flight or while on the ground Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) Summary NextGen is a monumental, historic shift to modernize the U.S. air transportation system. Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast is one of the key components of NextGen. This system creates a safer, more efficient National Airspace System for pilots and their passengers. SUMMARY This module explained how primary and secondary radar systems, and Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) work and identified each system’s components. It also provided the disadvantages for the secondary radar system. In accordance with www.faa.gov, FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, and ETM 12-0-1, Fundamentals of Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radar, you should now be able to: Identify uses and components of primary radar Identify uses and components of secondary radar Identify features of a video map Identify features of ADS-B BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL | ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES 14 KNOWLEDGE CHECK ANSWER KEY Knowledge Check A 1. Digitized Radar Display Depicting Weather; 2.Sends out a signal which is reflected by anything with mass, Signal is a pulse of radio energy similar to an x-ray, Requires no equipment in the aircraft, Reflected signal is timed, and presented on a radar display; 3. Transmitter, antenna, receiver, and radar display 4. Radar display; 5. Antenna; 6. Receiver Knowledge Check B 1. Transponder; 2. Interrogator, transponder, antenna, decoder, and radar display; 3. Decoder; 4. Antenna Knowledge Check C 1. Not degraded by weather echoes or ground clutter, Less vulnerable to blind spots, Provides longer range; 2. Does not provide weather information, Return is affected by aircraft orientation, Only displays aircraft with transponders Knowledge Check D 1. 5, 2, 1, 4, 3 Knowledge Check E 1. ADS-B transponder; 2. Ground stations, ADS-B transponder, GPS satellites; 3. GPS sends info to aircraft; aircraft sends info to ground stations; ground stations send info to ATC; 4. Receives position information from other ADS-B equipped aircraft BASICS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL | ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCES 15