Annex - A ( Transcribed from CAP 413 )
6 Radiotelephony Reports at Unattended Aerodromes
6.1 Introduction
6.1.1 Where an aeronautical communications frequency is allocated for use at a United Kingdom aerodrome, all RTF communications are to be conducted on the allocatedfrequency. For licensed aerodromes, allocated frequencies are promulgated in the UK AIP.A common frequency (135.475 MHz) known as ‘SAFETYCOM’ is made available for use at aerodromes where no other frequency is allocated (UK AIP GEN 3.4.5 refers) to enable pilots to broadcast their intentions to other aircraft that may be operating on, or in the vicinity of, the aerodrome.
6.1.2 At some UK aerodromes, air traffic movements may occur outside the promulgated hours of watch of Air Traffic Services (ATS). In order to improve the safety of these aerodrome operations, pilots should broadcast information on their intentions to other aircraft that may be operating on, or in the vicinity, of the aerodrome.
6.1.3 The phraseology to be used at an unattended aerodrome, as described in this section, is not to be used at aerodromes with ATS in attendance. Where ATS is provided, the relevant ATS unit will issue appropriate instructions.
6.1.4 All transmissions at unattended aerodromes shall be addressed to '(Aerodrome name) Traffic'. No reply to an unattended aerodrome report shall be transmitted.
6.1.5 Pilot reports are described for a Standard Overhead Join. This procedure will allow pilots to determine the runway in use and to orientate themselves with the circuit direction and other traffic. As specific joining and circuit procedures exist for some aerodromes, pilots should refer to the UKAIP to establish the procedure to be followed.
6.1.6 Unattended aerodrome reports are made at the discretion of the pilot. However, to ensure the traffic awareness of other pilots is correctly maintained, if a pilot elects to make reports, all those reports not listed as ‘optional’ should be included. Optional calls (illustrated in paragraph 6.3) may be included if additional traffic information is likely to assist traffic organisation or to enhance safety.
6.1.7 Monitoring of unattended aerodrome reports is not a substitute for visual observation and pilots must maintain traffic awareness and lookout even when making such calls, as not all aircraft may be monitoring radio broadcasts.
6.1.8 Transmission of unattended aerodrome reports does not confer any right-of-way. Pilots shall comply at all times with the Rules of the Air Regulations, in particular the rules for avoiding aerial collisions.
6.2 Additional Procedures for the Use of SAFETYCOM
6.2.1 SAFETYCOM is not an Air Traffic Service and no aeronautical ground station is associated with SAFETYCOM.
6.2.2 SAFETYCOM is a single common frequency and pilots should be aware of the possibility of congestion and breakthrough. It is particularly important when using SAFETYCOM that RTF transmissions identify the aerodrome name (suffixed 'traffic') in order to indicate the relevance of the report to other aircraft. Transmissions must be correct and concise.
6.2.3 SAFETYCOM transmissions shall only be made when aircraft are below 2000 ft above aerodrome level, or below 1000 ft above promulgated circuit height (if applicable) and within 10 nm of the aerodrome of intended landing
1 May 2006
