Instrument Flight
Flight Procedures
GCA Communication Procedures
During a GCA, your position in the pattern and on final will be directed by a controller who will
continuously feed you course and heading information and, in the case of a PAR approach, glidepath
information on final.
In the pattern, you are required to acknowledge all radio calls and read back all headings, altitudes, and
altimeter settings. According to FAR 7110.65 the controller is required to give missed approach
instructions, weather conditions (if less than VFR), altimeter, and lost comm instructions (if likely to
encounter IMC).
In the pattern, the controller must communicate with you at least once a minute and you are required to
acknowledge the controller’s calls. If you hear no transmissions for more than 60 seconds, attempt to
contact the controller. If you are unable to reestablish contact, then comply with the lost communication
instructions. While you are flying the pattern, the controller will furnish the following information:
*
Type of approach to expect (precision or surveillance)
*
Duty runway
*
Location of the missed approach point (MAP) (surveillance only)
*
Advisory to perform landing check (USN/USMC controllers only)
*
Missed approach and lost communication instructions
Additionally, the controller will give you position information and heading changes as necessary to keep
you on course.
As you commence your final approach, the final controller will perform a radio check; “This is Kingsville
final controller. How do you hear?”; you should respond with “loud and clear, three down and locked” (or
position of gear). The controller may also tell you that you need not acknowledge further transmissions.
On final approach, the controller is required to make contact with you at least every 5 seconds on a PAR
or 15 seconds on an ASR. If you lose contact with the controller for the respective amount of time for the
approach being flown, attempt to re-contact and if not successful, execute the lost communication
instructions.
GCA Pattern
The entry configuration for the GCA pattern is as follows:
Airspeed: 200 KIAS
Gear: Up
Speed brakes: In
Flaps/slats: Up
Available NAVAIDS: Tuned
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