Surveillance and advisory services

Radar contact has a defined meaning

Identification is established before surveillance control is based on a target.

Identification and position

Primary surveillance radar detects reflected radio energy and does not need an aircraft transponder to produce an echo. SSR interrogates a transponder; Mode S and ADS-B add other identification/data capabilities. Identification can use an assigned discrete code, IDENT, observed departure position, a specified identifying turn or another approved correlation method. A random target near an expected position is not enough.

Provide position information when identification is established as required, when requested, when estimates differ materially or when otherwise necessary. It can be expressed relative to a known point, navigation aid, bearing/distance, track feature or final approach as appropriate. Verified identification does not establish terrain clearance for an arbitrary pilot-selected path.

Vectors and termination

Radar vectoring gives specific headings to achieve navigation guidance for separation, sequencing, assistance or approach interception. The controller observes the applicable minimum vectoring altitude and clearance conditions. Before terminating vectoring, instruct the pilot to resume own navigation and provide the position and appropriate instructions when necessary to rejoin the cleared path.

A surveillance radar approach provides heading and descent guidance, with the specified altitude/distance advice, missed point and limitations; it is not an ILS generated by the radar. An emergency does not always require abandoning a previously assigned discrete code: retain it unless instructed otherwise or the applicable emergency indication is appropriate, while making the emergency unmistakable by all available means.

Advice is not a controlled-airspace clearance

Class F’s advisory system reduces risk without guaranteeing separation.

Participating IFR traffic

Air traffic advisory service aims to make information on collision hazards more effective than FIS alone, normally for participating IFR flights in advisory airspace. The unit suggests courses of action and advises of essential traffic, but it cannot assume the full separation responsibility of ATC.

The pilot decides whether to follow the advice and informs the unit accordingly. Advisory information is not an ATC clearance; another aircraft may not participate or may not follow the suggestion. Maintain the required communication, navigation and collision vigilance.

Read the actual class

Class F is a defined ICAO/SERA concept but is not necessarily used in the State where the flight operates. Do not infer a service from the colour of an unfamiliar chart without its legend. A flight information service in Class G is not automatically the same as advisory service in F.

The interaction compares the same pair of aircraft under a clearance, advisory suggestion and information report, so the words indicate the responsibility attached to the message.

Can you apply the rules?

Four original questions. Choose from the facts, then review the explanation.