Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
174 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
|
What is the frequency region of microwaves?
|
1 to 300 GHz
|
|
|
List the advantages and characteristics of microwaves.
|
Directivity,immunity to electronic propagation effects, better resolution, smaller Antennas
|
|
|
List aircraft avionic systems that use microwaves.
|
Transponder,TCAS, DME, WX Radar, Rad Alt, GPS, Sat Comm, Sat TV
|
|
|
Describea balanced transmission line.
|
Lines having same signal (180 degrees out of phase) with neither referenced to ground. An example being Twin Lead |
|
|
Describean unbalanced transmission line.
|
One Conductor referenced to ground.
|
|
|
In a transmission line what are copper losses?
|
Resistive losses from wire
|
|
|
Explain dielectric losses in a transmission line.
|
At higher frequencies the dielectric material atomic structure is stressed due to requiring rapid polarity switching of E field energy causing heat in the dielectric which takes energy from the field as a loss.
|
|
|
Whatis skin effect in a transmission line?
|
At higher frequencies the electrons move to the outer perimeter of the solid conductor leaving the center region virtually free of charge carriers.
|
|
|
Explain radiation loss in a transmission line. |
When the energy is not contained within the line it radiates out into space which is a loss of field intensity within the conductor. |
|
|
Discuss reactive losses in a transmission line. |
At higher frequencies the line begins to be have as a complex arrangement of series L and Rand parallel C components effectively behaving as a low pass filer.
|
|
|
What is ‘Velocity Factor’ as it applies to a transmission line? |
The ratio of speed of energy in line compared to in air – an adjustment factor
|
|
|
Discuss Characteristic Impedance and Attenuationas it applies to transmission lines.
|
Characteristic impedance results from physical cross sectional properties and is independent of length. Attenuation is the result of reactive properties of the line and is very dependent on length, expressed indB/100 feet |
|
|
What causes standing waves in a transmission line? What effect cansevere standing waves have on the transmission line?
|
Impedance mismatch. Dielectric breakdown and line failure, possible damage to TX.
|
|
|
What is the SWR if a 50Ω coax is terminated to antenna with an impedance of 125Ω? and Is this a reason to be concerned? |
2.5 yes, anything over (2) should be investigated.
|
|
|
If a system is perfectly matched what is the SWR value? How much power transfer occurs from the source to the destination? |
50%
|
|
|
Listthe advantages of a wave guide?
|
Less copper loss and skin effect, lower dielectric loss, capable of much more power
|
|
|
disadvantages of a wave guide?
|
Physicalsize at lower frequencies, difficulty of installation, special couplings, cost
|
|
|
Ina wave guide the B dimension determines what?
|
Power handling capability
|
|
|
List the different ways energy can be injected into or removed from a waveguide.
|
Probe, loop, slot
|
|
|
What three techniques are used for impedance matching in waveguides? |
Iris, post, screw
|
|
|
Whatare the advantages and disadvantages of a flexible waveguide?
|
Adaptability to difficult routing conditions. Much greater losses and reflected energy due to non-smooth interior.
|
|
|
Whatis another name for a waveguide connector?
|
Choke Joint.
|
|
|
How is it designed so maximum efficiency of energy transfer through the connector occurs? |
A Resonant slot around the perimeter inside the gasket slot.
|
|
|
Whatis the purpose of a ‘Directional Coupler’?
|
Tosample/route the energy in a waveguide
|
|
|
What Factors determine the oscillating frequency of a ‘Resonant Cavity’?
|
Physicalsize and shape
|
|
|
List Advantages for resonant cavities at µwave frequencies.
|
Very high Q resulting in very narrow Bandpass for extremely accurate tuning, large power capability, simple, rugged construction. |
|
|
Name The three primary ways to adjust the oscillating frequency of a resonantcavity.
|
Volume, capacitive, inductive
|
|
|
When Using the power reference standard of dBm, what are the values when at 0dBm?
|
1 mW and 50Ω (Discuss dB, dBm, dBµ, dBK)
|
|
|
positive characteristics and applications ofthe following diodes: Tunnel,Varactor, Gunn, Point Contact, Schottky and PIN. |
Tunnel: negative resistance region and no transit time,used for amplifiers, oscillators, and switches. Varactor: lower noise, used in amplifiers and frequency determining circuits Gunn: negative resistance region resulting in the bulk effect, used as a µwave oscillator Point Contact: high intensity E field at PN junction without a large external voltage usedin low signal and µwave mixers and detectors Schottky: lower forward bias and lower noise than Point Contact with virtually no recovery time and very fast switching used in µwave switches, mixers, and detectors PIN:voltage controlled resistor at µwave frequencies used in µwave duplexingcircuits
|
|
|
the basic principles of Velocity Modulation.What is another name for Velocity Modulation? |
Electron density modulation (or simply density mod)
|
|
|
Name The two basic cavities in a velocity modulation type system.
|
Buncher and catcher
|
|
|
basic Klystron. What is its main application? |
Amplifier
|
|
|
advantage of a Klystron when compared to aMagnetron? |
Stability of oscillation. |
|
|
What advantage does the Magnetron have over the Klystron?
|
Power output (most commonly used device for high power TX In microwave region).
|
|
|
operation of a TWT
|
High gain, low noise, wide Band Width. Primarily a voltage amplifier.
|
|
|
Whatis a radar mile? How far is 1 Nmi in feet?
|
12.36µsec 6080 ft
|
|
|
What Determines the minimum radar range?
|
TX pulse width + recovery time
|
|
|
What Factors determine maximum radar range?
|
Carrier frequency, Peak Power of TX pulse, PRF (PRR), RX sensitivity
|
|
|
Whatis: PRF, PRR, PRT, duty cycle
|
Pulse Repetition Frequency, Pulse Repetition Rate,Pulse Repetition Time, ratio of on timeto complete cycle time
|
|
|
What is a 2D radar system? A 3D system? |
2D: azimuth and range 3D: 2D + elevation
|
|
|
Whatis the formula for determining line of sight for a radiated signal?
|
D = (2H)1/2
|
|
|
Doppler effect as it pertains to radar application. When is it best to use?
|
Bestused when detecting fast moving targets not requiring range determination
|
|
|
What are the frequency ranges for the followingmicrowave bands: L, S, C, X, Ku, K, Ka? |
L:1-2GHz, S:2-4GHz, C:4-8GHz, X:8-12GHz Ku:12-18GHz, K:18-27GHz, Ka:27-40 GHz
|
|
|
The equipment we are studying in this blockall fall under the category of Navigation, whatis the ATA code? |
ATA CODE: 34 |
|
|
what is PSR:
|
Primary Surveillance Radar – works on energy reflections to determine bearing and range. Aircraft is passive requiring no additional on board equipment.
|
|
|
What is SSR:
|
Secondary Surveillance Radar - more of a data link com System. Aircraft System is required to receive and reply to ground station interrogation.
|
|
|
Define ATCRBS.
|
Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System
|
|
|
What is the purpose of Mode A?
|
Aircraft Identification code
|
|
|
What is the purpose of Mode C? |
Aircraft pressure altitude reporting
|
|
|
What type of altitude is reported? In what increments? What is the range of reportable altitudes? |
Pressure altitude in 100’ increments with a range of (-1000’) to (+126,700’)
|
|
|
What type of modulation is used in the ATCRBS Transponder interrogation and reply signals?
What is the interrogation carrier frequency? What is the reply carrier frequency? |
PAM – Pulse Amplitude Modulation.
Interrogation Carrier – 1030 MHz , Reply Carrier –1090 MHz. |
|
|
What does SLS mean?
|
SLS – Side Lobe Suppression
|
|
|
Mode A INTERROGATION pulse train
|
Pulsewidth: 0.8 µsec Spacing: P1 – P2 2 µsec, P1 – P3 8 µsec Carrier:1030 MHz
|
|
|
What are the two methods employed in obtainingthe value of PA for the transponder system? What is the difference betweenthem?
|
Encoding Altimeter and Blind Encoder
Encoding Altimeter: aneroid sensor within direct readout altimeter in cockpit
Blind encoder: remotely located aneroid sensor providing no access by pilot (‘blind’) furnishing info typically to a CADC.
|
|
|
What type of codeis used for reporting PA within a transponder system?
|
A modifiedform of Gray Code
|
|
|
Mode C INTERROGATION pulse train
|
The same asMode A: pulse width and P1 – P2 spacing.
Different From Mode A: P1 – P3 spacing = 21 µsec
|
|
|
What is the purpose of Mode S Transponders?
|
To allow Selective calling of aircraft equipped with Mode S systems.
Overcome Weaknesses and inefficiencies in the ATCRBS system. |
|
|
What form of Modulation is used for Mode S Interrogations? Replies?
|
Interrogations- DPSK: Differential Phase Shift Keying Replies - PPM: Pulse Position Modulation |
|
|
What are some advantages and disadvantages of PSK over PPM
|
Advantages:better noise immunity, efficient frequency spectrum usage
Disadvantages:much more complex to implement and more expensive
|
|
|
What type of modulation does Mode S use for replying? Explain the basic operation of this type of modulation. Why is this used in Mode S replies rather than PSK?
|
Pulse Position Modulation (PPM), also called ‘Manchester’ encoding
The pulses are contained in a total time slot that is divided into half. The pulse width is only as wide as one half of the total slot width. If the positive going pulse occurs in the first half = 1, if occurs in the second half = 0 Dueto cost burden on small aircraft owners |
|
|
Name the two main sections of a Mode S reply
|
Preamble and Data block (of either 56 or 112 bits at 1 µsec/bit)
|
|
|
How long is the Mode S reply delay?
|
128 µsec
|
|
|
How do pilots know ATC is monitoring theirflight?
|
The ‘reply’ light is illuminated on the front of theTransponder control head
|
|
|
FAA governing rules and documents for transponders in general and altitude reporting transponders in particular.
|
Mode A/C transponders required within defined Class B airspace (nominally 25 – 30 Nmi from airport)
Requirements For certification: a. On initial install b. After bench check, alignment, or repair c. Every 24 calendar months d. When Respective encoding altimeter is replaced (to include performing a static system check)
FARs: 91.217 125’rule for data correspondence between automatically reported PA data and the pilot’s altitude reference
91.411 Altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment tests and inspections (IAW Part 43 Appendix E)
91.413 ATC Transponder tests and inspections (IAW Part 43 Appendix F)
|
|
|
What does TCAS and ACAS mean?
|
TCAS: Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (USA)
ACAS: Airborne Collision Avoidance System (Europe)
|
|
|
Discuss mandatory requirements for TCAS I and TCAS II.
|
TCAS I: required for all aircraft with 10-30 passengerseats
TCASII: required for all aircraft with > 30 passenger seats |
|
|
What is the approximate distance away from the aircraft that TCAS monitors?
|
≈ 40 Nmi
|
|
|
What Mode of transponder is required for use with TCAS?
|
Mode S
|
|
|
how the TCAS generally operates.
|
Potential Collisions are evaluated based upon air-to-air interrogation and replies between airborne aircraft using their Mode S transponders. The potential threat is evaluated based upon relative range, track, altitude, and velocity (called‘range rate’: a measure of closure rate)
|
|
|
What is ‘Tau’ and how is used within the TCAS system?
|
Tau is a calculated measure of time before collision.
Tau ≤ 35-45 seconds (typically) alarm sounds“Traffic” alerting crew to attempt to visually acquire intruding aircraft
≤ 20-30 seconds a second alarm sounds with one of two different messages a. Preventative Resolution Advisory (PRA): maintain flight attitude b. Corrective Resolution Advisory (CRA): take immediate vertical avoidance maneuver as commanded by the system (within 5 sec. except for Reversals then 2.5 seconds).
|
|
|
TCAS display symbols and associated details regarding the use of each.
|
Open Diamond shape, no perceived threat but if no altitude information is available (Mode A only) it automatically becomes PROXIMATE when within 6 Nmi
PROXIMATE: Solid diamond shape, within 6 Nmi and ± 1200 ft vertical separation INTRUDER(Traffic Advisory): Solid Orange Circle, 35 – 45 sec Tau INTRUDER (Resolution Advisory): Solid Red Square, 20 – 30 sec Tau, if intruder does notsupply altitude data no resolution advisory command can be given Two othertypes of information on these symbols: (1) altitude differential is shown above (+) or below (-) the symbol in100’ increments (2) an arrow indicating vertical speed directionat a rate of ≥ 500 fpm
|
|
|
What is the difference between TCAS 1 and TCAS 2?
|
TCAS I isonly capable of TAs (more simple and cost effective for smaller aircraft)
TCAS II isTA and RA capable (required on ALL aircraft with ≥ 31 seatsn |
|
|
Define ‘Slant Range’
|
Point to Point straight line distance from a/c toground beacon station (Line of Sight – LOS)
|
|
|
what is Ground Speed referring to DME's
|
In units of nautical miles per hour (Nmi/hr) and expressed in Knots (kts)
Determined byrate of change of slant range Only accurate when flying directly toward or away fromthe ground station (a/c flying in a constant radius circle around the groundstation, GS = 0 since slant range is a constant value over time) |
|
|
Given a time of 668 µsec for a reply to bereceived by an a/c after an interrogation.
What is the slant range from the a/cto the ground station? |
(668 – 50) µsec ÷ 12.36 µsec = 50Nmi
From the aircraft to the ground station |
|
|
What is Automatic Standby when referring to DME's?
|
Often called‘signal activated search’.
Occurs when a/cout of range receiving no or very weak replies in response to activeinterrogations. The airbornesystem goes into a ‘listen or sleep’ mode and will not ‘wake-up’ and beginsearching until a minimum average amplitude or minimum PRR is receivede |
|
|
What is Acquisition?
|
Transition timefrom search to track confirming correct reply has been received.
|
|
|
What is Track |
Correct replies have been ‘locked onto’ and are followed during DME unique Jitter pattern.
Correct replies have been ‘locked onto’ and are followed during DME unique Jitter pattern. |
|
|
What is Memory
|
Airborne DME enters when temporarily losing reply signal from the ground station
nominally 4 – 12seconds with 15 seconds being max allowable time
|
|
|
What Is Static memory |
last calculated distance held in memory and displayed unchanging while in memory
|
|
|
What is Velocity memory |
display continuously updated at last known rate of change while in memory
|
|
|
What is Multipath |
Reception of a weaker reflected signal of the actual interrogation by the ground station which may cause an erroneous reply to be sent.
|
|
|
What is Echoes |
Erroneous replies received by the airborne DME from Multipath signals.
|
|
|
What is Percentage Reply |
Specifications require DME units be able tocontinue tracking a ground station in either track or memory mode with a 70%ground station reply % (most modern DME's can do so as low, or lowerthan 50%)
|
|
|
full function DME will provide what info?
|
Slant Range, ground speed, TTS, and ground station ID
|
|
|
How is the specific DME channel selected?
|
Automatically channeled when the specific ILS/VOR frequency is selected on the Nav radio control head
|
|
|
DME frequency range for civilian ILS/VOR co-locations?
|
1041 – 1150 MHz for both X and Y channels
|
|
|
What frequencies will the ground station use for reply carrier signals?
|
± 63 MHz WRT the specific interrogation frequency for that particular location
|
|
|
What is the reply pulse train for X and Y channel replies? |
X channel: two pulsesseparated by 12 µsec with each pulse being 3.5 µsec wide and at a carrierfrequency 63 MHz above the interrogation frequency Y channel: two pulses separated by 30 µsec with 3.5 µsec wide pulses and at a carrier frequency 63 MHz below the interrogation frequency |
|
|
Can a civilian access ALL 252 TACAN linked DME channels?
|
Yes, but it requires a special DME unit with the additional 52 channels providing range only with no bearing info provided to the VOR
|
|
|
What is the location identity signals – ‘Associated Identity Transmission’. |
Once every 30 seconds for 4 – 5 seconds the DME transmits an identity burst consisting of a (3) letter Morse code with a carrier frequency of 1350 Hz.
This Ident signal is NOT initiated by the DME interrogation. |
|
|
What is the Interrogation pulse train for an X channel and a Y channel interrogation?
|
X channel: two pulses separated by 12 µsec with each pulse being 3.5 µsec wide (measured at the ½ amplitude point)
Y channel: two pulses separated by 36 µsec with 3.5 µsec wide pulses |
|
|
What is a scanning or agile DME?
|
-Airborne DME will scan for up to 5 different in range DME ground stations.
-Within 200 – 300 Nmi. -System will lock on and track the 3 strongest locations locating the a/c in space through triangulation (rho-rho-rho NAV) |
|
|
Whatfrequency is used to ramp test a DME?
|
-Channel17 X which is paired with the VOR test frequency of 108.00 MHz. -Channel17 Y which is paired with the VOR test frequency of 108.05 MHz. -Ata transmitted frequency of 1041 MHz. |
|
|
What is MSL? |
MSL:Mean Sea Level, based upon a reference of the current barometric pressure ofthe local air mass which is very dynamic and requires the pilot to beconstantly adjusting the barometer setting to enable accurate altitude reporting.Used for altitude determination from ground level to 18,000 feet above sealevel.
|
|
|
What is PA? |
PA: Pressure Altitude, determined by setting barometric reference value to Standard Day pressure of 29.92” of Hg or 1013.2 mbars (HPa). This altitude is not the same as the absolute altitude above sea level but is an altitude reading based upon the current air mass properties. Mandatory usage ≥ 18,000’ above sea level.
|
|
|
What type of altitude is determined by a Rad Alt?
|
Instantaneous: AGL (Above Ground Level).
|
|
|
Whatare the operational altitudes of the RAD-ALT system?
|
-Minimum: 0 – 20 feet depending on system sophistication with 20’ being most common
-Maximum: 1500 – 5000 feet with 2500’ being most common |
|
|
What is the frequency range and frequency band for the RAD-ALT system?
|
-4200 – 4400 MHz -C -Band |
|
|
What systems most commonly utilize the Rad Alt altitude value?
|
-Precision landing system
-GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System) |
|
|
What two types of Rad Alt are used?
Which is most common and why? |
-Pulse and CW.
-CW is most common due to the Pulse system requiring extremely narrow pulses for altitudes in very close proximity to the ground. |
|
|
What is the value of a ‘radar foot’?
|
2.04 nanoseconds (nsec)
|
|
|
What is a very common method used to enable low altitude sensing?
|
A length of coaxial line of a very specific length to cause delay based upon the velocity factor of the cable – a delay line
|
|
|
What is ‘AID’ as it pertains to Rad Alt systems?
|
AID: Aircraft Installation Delay. It involves delay due to transmission line velocity factor delay and distance from the ground to the antenna (these are different for each type of aircraft)
|
|
|
Howcan a Rad Alt system be adjusted to offset AID?
|
Through manual adjustments on the TX/RX unit provided by the manufacture company and through adjusting the length of the interconnecting coax cables based upon velocity factor.
|
|
|
Typically, in multiple Rad Alt installations (2-3 units) why is there potential for a problem?
|
Each Rad Alt system utilizes the same carrier frequency range 4200 – 4400 MHz
|
|
|
How is this potential problem addressed?
|
LEAKAGE: This potential problem is addressed in various ways: physical separation of antennas, arranging individual E fields at 90o to one another, different modulation frequencies, and transmissions that are sequenced to be 180o out of phase.
|
|
|
Rad Alt antennas are typically of what style of construction?
What is another form that is gaining popularity? |
-Horn antennas
-Microstrip antennas |
|
|
What type of duplexer is usually used in CW Rad alt systems?
|
Ferrite Circulator
|
|
|
What is the LO frequency in CW Rad Alts?
|
The ‘NOW’ transmittedfrequency
|
|
|
Whatis the ‘Harmonic Lock’ detector circuit in the KRA-10?
Why is it necessary? |
-Senses any harmonic frequencies which are present and suppresses them thereby preventing any false displays of altitude. -False altitude reporting resulting from harmonics is typically high (many times twice). This situation would cause unexpected, premature contact with the ground. |
|
|
Define, in a general way: TAWS/EGPWS
|
A safety system that automatically provides timely and distinctive warning to the flight crew when the aircraft is in potentially hazardous proximity to the ground with the intent being to avoid CFIT .
|
|
|
What is CFIT? |
(Controlled Flight Into Terrain).
|
|
|
What company originally designed GPWS?
When? What was originally its main source of terrain proximity information? |
Company: Honeywell
When: early 1970’s Original main data source: radaraltimeter |
|
|
What is the difference between GPWS and EGPWS?
|
-GPWS usesthe radar altimeter for primary proximity determination and rate of closurecalculations,
-EGPWS uses a very detailed 3D terrain database and very precise 3D aircraft location (typically determined by GPS system) and airspeed for primary proximity determination and rate of closure |
|
|
What is the difference between EGPWS and TAWS?
|
EGPWS = TAWS (EGPWS is a Honeywell trademark name, TAWS is a generalized name given to systems performing the functions of EGPWS)
|
|
|
What minimum capabilities must TAWS systems provide?
|
FLTA: Forward Looking Terrain Avoidance
PDA: Premature Descent Alert Appropriate visual and auditory signals for caution/warning alerts |
|
|
Describe Class A
|
Class A:
Terrain information display – WX radar display, MFD, dedicated displayMust have a Radar Altimeter and ADC (Air Data Computer)Must provide alerts for: -Excessive Rates of Descent -Excessive Closure Rate to Terrain -Negative Climb Rate of Altitude Loss after Takeoff -Flight into Terrain When Not in Landing Configuration -Excessive Downward Deviation from ILS Glideslope -Voice callout ‘500’ when the aircraft descends to 500’ AGL or nearest runway elevation |
|
|
Describe Class B inclusions.
|
Class B:
No required Radar altimeter and ADCMust provide alerts for: -Excessive Rates of Descent -Negative Climb Rate of Altitude Loss after Takeoff -Voice callout ‘500’ when the aircraft descends to 500’ AGL or nearest runway elevation |
|
|
FAR parts pertaining to EGPWS-TAWS |
91 – General Operating and Flight Rules: most general requirements applying to all pilots and operations. Forms the foundation for all other categories of operations.
121 – Operating Requirements for Domestic, Flag, and Supplemental Operations: large aircraft, ‘common carriage’, flying predominately within the USA (Domestic) or International (Flag) or on-demand/charter operations (Supplemental) 135 – Operating Requirements for Commuter and On Demand Operations: smaller aircraft, ‘common carriage’, flying the same route ≥ 5 times per week (Commuter) or destination and time as required by client (On Demand) ------Note: difference between 121 Supplemental and 135 is simply the size/capacity of the aircraft. Also, if a larger aircraft is ‘non-common carriage’ on-demand/charter it operates as 125. |
|
|
Consistent requirements:
|
-No turbine powered aircraft with ≥ 6 passenger seats may be operated after March 29, 2005 without a TAWS installed IAW (TSO)-C151
-The Airplane Flight Manual shall contain appropriate procedures for: -The use of the TAWS installed -Proper flight crew reaction to TAWS audio/visual warnings |
|
|
Exceptions:
|
-Parachuting operations conducted entirely within 50 mile radius of originating airport -Firefighting operations -Flight operations involving aerial application of chemicals/other substances |
|
|
Next Gen :
|
NextGeneration Air Transportation System |
|
|
SESAR :
|
Single European Sky ATM (for European countries)
|
|
|
CNS/ATM :
|
Communication-Navigation-Surveillance/Air Traffic ManagementSystem
|
|
|
Sat Com :
|
SatelliteCommunication |
|
|
FANS :
|
Future AirNavigation Systems |
|
|
CPDLC :
|
Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication
|
|
|
ATN:
|
Aeronautical Telecommunications Network
|
|
|
ACARS :
|
Aircraft Communication and Reporting System
|
|
|
ATSU :
|
Air Traffic Service Unit
|
|
|
VDL :
|
VHF Data Link
|
|
|
VDL A :
|
VDL Analog (usesanalog radios) |
|
|
VDL 2:
|
VDL Digital (uses digital radios)
|
|
|
SWIM:
|
System Wide Information Management
|
|
|
GNSS
|
GlobalNavigation Satellite System |
|
|
GPS:
|
Global Positioning Satellite System
|
|
|
WAAS:
|
Wide Area Augmentation System
|
|
|
LAAS:
|
Local AreaAugmentation System |
|
|
ADS-B:
|
AutomaticDependent Surveillance – Broadcast |
|
|
ADS-C:
|
Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Contract
|
|
|
ADS-R:
|
Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Rebroadcast
|
|
|
ASSC:
|
Airport Surface Surveillance Capability
|
|
|
ASDE-X:
|
Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X (X-band radar)
|
|
|
RWSL:
|
Runway Status Lights
|
|
|
What are the fundamental goals of Next Gen? |
Air travel safetyand reliability Increasedcapacity Reduceenvironmental impact
|
|
|
List the Next Gen subsystem names and theirrespective systems?
|
Communication SatCom FANS/CPDLC SWIM Navigation GNSS – Global Navigation Satellite System GPS WAAS LAAS PBN – Performance Based Navigation RNAV RNP 4D Trajectory Management Surveillance ADS-C ADS-B Multilateration
|
|
|
The legacy ATC system was based on what threesubsystems? |
PSR (activeradar) SSR(transponder) VHF/HF voicecommunication
|
|
|
main weakness does the legacy ATC system
|
Very largeseparation minimums between aircraft due to the high degree of uncertainty ofaircraft probable location in the sky
|
|
|
The new Next Gen system is based upon what two areasof focus? |
Satellitetechnology Digitalcommunications
|
|
|
What is the difference between FANS 1 and FANS A? |
-FANS 1 wasdeveloped by Boeing in the early 1990’s -FANS A wasdeveloped a few years later by Airbus -Collectively,since both versions operate fundamentally the same, they are called FANS 1/A
|
|
|
What are the two subsystems currently comprisingFANS 1/A+?
|
ADS-C CPDLC
|
|
|
Explain what CPDLC is? |
-Simplestlevel it is the same as cell phone text messaging.
-Send/receive‘canned’ messages specific to ATM or free form text when required. -Occurs through VHF, HF, or satellite data link service. |
|
|
What is ACARS?
|
A data link system for transmission of short,relatively simple messages between the aircraft and ground stations via radioor satellite com.
|
|
|
List the three data link message types
|
-Air Traffic Control (ATC) -Aeronautical Operational Control (AOC) -Airline Administrative Control (AAC) |
|
|
Describe thefour basic content categories of data link messages OOOI Events |
Automatic detection and reporting of changes to themajor flight phases: -Outof the gate -Offthe ground -Onthe ground -Intothe gate |
|
|
Discuss the SWIM system
|
Provides aflexible and secure information architecture for sharing NAS informationbetween FAA sub-parts as well as other members of the decision making communityincluding other government agencies, air navigation service providers (ANSPs),and airspace users.
|
|
|
What is the purpose of a surveillance systemin aviation? |
To determinethe aircraft’s ID, position, and current operating parameters.
|
|
|
What is ADS and how is it different than thelegacy surveillance system?
|
ADS –Automatic Dependent Surveillance
|
|
|
The three ground initiated contract types forADS-C.
|
-Periodic Specifies the reporting rate at which the aircraft avionics is required toassemble and downlink the requested information to the ground. Only one periodic contract can beestablished between a groundsystem and a specific aircraft at any one time. Once the contract is established, it remains in place until it is cancelled or replaced byanother periodic contract. -Event Specifies a downlink of specific information when a specific “event(s)” occur. Multiple event contracts can be established between a ground system and a specified aircraft. FANS 1/A event contracts that are triggered whenaircraft performance parameters are outside the bounds defined in the contractrequest are: Vertical Rate Change Lateral Deviation Altitude Range Change Waypoint Change – occurs when the aircraft sequencesthrough the various flight plan waypoints -Demand A one-time request made by the ground controller for an ADS report thatcontains only basic report info (for example: ADS data and position when an aircraft is climbing or descending sinceunlike a Mode C or S transponder readout, the ADS only indicates the lastreported altitude and does not update until a new report is received by theground) |
|
|
When may apilot initiate an ADS-C contract? |
A pilot may only initiate an emergency contract
|
|
|
In ADS-B, what does ‘Broadcast’ mean?
|
Aircraft avionics systems determine very preciseaircraft position and then transmit (Broadcast) this information to groundreceiving stations
|
|
|
ADS-B frequencies used to exchange information |
1090 MHz Associated with Mode A/C and S transponder operation. ADS-B modified Mode S transponders will use theextended message format for the more data intensive message in what is termedan “Extended Squitter”. This transmission technique is now called ‘1090ES’. 1090ES is mandated for use above 18,000 ft. MSL(in Class A airspace) but can be used in any airspace classification 978 MHz ADS-B equipment operating on this frequency use a UniversalAccess Transceiver termed ‘UAT’ Prohibited above 18,000 ft. and optional for use below18,000 ft. MSL |
|
|
What minimumequipment must be included in an ADS-B installation? |
ADS-B OUT: CompatibleGPS ADS-Bmodified Mode S (ES) transponder or a UAT Altitudeencoder ADS-B IN: All of therequirements for ADS-B plus a MFD or EFB
|
|
|
Name and describe the (2) ADS-B information servicesavailable for all ADS-B IN equipped aircraft. |
-TIS-B TrafficInformation System Broadcast Available for 1090ES and 978UAT equipped aircraft An uplink broadcast of aircraft trafficinformation from a ground antenna to ADS-B in equipped aircraft operating inthe line of sight coverage area of the antenna. - FIS-B FlightInformation System Broadcast Available only for 978UAT equipped aircraft An uplink broadcast of weather and aeronauticalinformation from a ground antenna to ADS-B in equipped aircraft operating inthe line of sight coverage area of the antenna. |
|
|
ADS-R, what does ‘Re-Broadcast’ mean?
|
A data link translation function of the ADS-Bground system required to accommodate the two separate operating frequencies(978MHz UAT and 1090MHz ES) The ground system receives the ADS-B messages on onefrequency and the ADS-R translates and reformats the information for Re-Broadcastand use on the other frequency. This allows all ADS-B in equipped aircraft to seenearby ADS-B Out traffic regardless of the operating link of the otheraircraft. Aircraft with ‘In’ capability and operating on thesame ADS-B frequency (1090ES to 1090ES and 978UAT to 978UAT) exchangeinformation directly between themselves and do not require the ADS-Rtranslation. |
|
|
benefits to be gained from the ADS-B system? |
Increase in Safety Improved visual acquisition especially for GeneralAviation (GA) under VFR flight Reduced runway incursions on the ground Increase Capacity and Efficiency Enhanced visual approaches Closely spaced parallel approaches Reduced spacing on final approach Enhanced operations in high altitude airspace for theincremental evolution of the ‘free flight’ concept Surface operations in lower visibility conditions Near Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) capacitiesthroughout the airspace in most/all weather conditions Improved ATC services in non-radar airspace |
|
|
MLat operates according to what basic principle? |
TDOA: TimeDifference of Arrival (‘hyperbolic positioning’)
|
|
|
What is ASDE-X?
|
It is a traffic management system for the airportsurface that provides seamless coverage and aircraft/vehicle identification toATC controllers |
|
|
What are the subsystems of ASDE-X?
|
Multilateration Surface Movement Radar (SMR) – X Band ADS-B Multi-Sensor Data Processing ATC Tower Displays |
|
|
What is RWSL? |
RWSL is comprised of red in-pavement airport lightingwhich will signal a potentially unsafe situation on taxiways and runways –runway incursions. The system is automated through the ASDE-X systemadvanced conflict detection and alerting technology. In the future RWSL willinterface with the ASSC system also. |
|
|
What is the difference between ASDE-X and ASSC?
|
ASSC is essentially the same system as ASDE-X onlyminus the SMR
|
|
|
What areas does RWSL cover?
|
-Runway Entrance Lights A string of lights located around the center oftaxiway/runway crossings Illuminate red when there is high speed traffic on orapproaching the runway signaling that it is unsafe to enter the runway -Takeoff Hold Lights Located on the center line of the runway at thetakeoff hold point. Lights are laid out as 16 double rows of lights (32total) Illuminate red when there is an aircraft in takeoffposition for departure and the runway is occupied by another aircraft orvehicle.
|
|
|
What benefits can be gained through RWSL?
|
Aid in the reduction and severity of runway incursions Provide a clear, prompt indication of runway statusdirectly to pilots and ground vehicle operators thereby increasing situationalawareness. Serves as a vital added layer of safety redundancywithout impacting traffic flow while reinforcing controller guidance. (NOTE:if the ATC controller gives clearance and RWSL declares hold, the operator MUSThold and notify the controller of the conflict) |
