The subsequent guidelines are designed to aid air traffic controllers in minimizing the risk of accidents occurring on or near an aerodrome and to offer guidance on standardizing aerodrome control methods and procedures. Apart from the regulations outlined in this section, it is incumbent upon staff operation officers to issue additional instructions as necessary to meet their specific operating needs and ensure the efficient functioning of aerodrome traffic control units.
Aerodrome Control and Runway Elevation
The aerodrome Control elevation must be measured and provided to the nearest meter or foot. For aerodromes utilized by international civil aviation, the elevation of each threshold, runway end, significant high and low intermediate points along the runway, and the highest elevation of the touchdown zone of a precision approach runway must be provided to the nearest meter or foot.
Aerodrome Reference Temperature
An aerodrome reference temperature must be determined in degrees Celsius. It should represent the normal mean of the daily maximum temperatures for the hottest month of the year, averaged over a period of years.
Special Procedures for Jet Aircraft
Initial procedures may vary among different airfields but typically involve a straight run-in two miles from and in line with the runway in use, with two 45-degree turns into initials. Aircraft are to descend or climb to 1500 feet AGL sufficiently before turning initials. As the formation approaches 900 to the initials, aircraft are to assume the appropriate echelon and turn onto initials as prescribed for the runway in use at their airfield.
Pre-Joining for Landing
Before landing, the leader or solo pilot must obtain landing instructions and typically provide a 3-minute warning before turning initials.
Landing and Taxi Back
Upon reaching the beginning of the runway, the formation is to pitch out at 3-second intervals. Each pilot is to call for a gear check on the base leg. Aircraft should maintain 4500 feet spacing on finals, with specific landing positions designated for each aircraft. After landing, aircraft are to taxi in alternate halves of the taxiway, where possible, at a stagger distance of 300 feet.
Landing with Unserviceable Radio
A pilot returning with an unserviceable radio must make normal initials at 1500 feet AGL while maintaining a sharp lookout for other aircraft. The pilot should cautiously waggle the wings until reaching the end of the runway before pitching out. This signal also indicates minimum fuel.
Fuel Leakage While Taxiing
Aircraft experiencing excessive fuel leakage while taxiing must be immediately stopped and the fuel cock closed, without attempting to taxi back to the dispersal area.
Lining Up in Formation
The distance between pairs of aircraft lined up for takeoff must allow for sufficient space in case of emergencies, such as a fire in the aircraft ahead.
Takeoff Abort Procedure
In the event of an abort during a formation takeoff roll, aircraft are to follow a prescribed sequence of actions to ensure safe clearance and communication of intentions over the radio.
Full Use of Runway for Takeoff
All aircraft must utilize the full length of the runway for takeoff, except in specific circumstances where exceptions are permitted, such as during air defense “Scramble” operations when operational readiness platforms are unavailable at the beginning of the runway. In such cases, fighter aircraft may take off from an intersection during an air display.
