Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) - Cont'd

CHAPTER THREE

SNFO/SWSO VOICE COMMUNICATIONS

to the pilot. Since a radar approach is predicated upon voice instructions, repeat all headings,

altitudes and altimeter settings. Keep transmissions brief and specific.

Your aircraft will be vectored into the GCA pattern sequenced with other aircraft. As you near

the final approach course on a GCA approach (approximately 8 miles from touchdown), you will

be handed off to your final controller. He will contact you by saying:

SNFO/SWSO:

"KATT 832, this is your final controller, wheels

should be down, how do you read?"

1. You should acknowledge with your call sign, how well you read his transmission, your

gear status, and intentions.

Example

SNFO/SWSO:

"KATT 832, loud and clear, gear down and

locked, touch and go."

The controller will issue small heading corrections and later tell you to begin your descent

(about 5-6 miles out). In addition, mileage calls will be given every mile. Repeat all required

information (headings, altimeters, etc.) until told "Do not acknowledge further transmissions."

Notice from Appendix C that on final you may omit your aircraft call sign in order to keep your

responses brief. This is only because you are on a GCA discrete frequency.

Your job is to continue monitoring the approach (altitude, course control, airspeed, etc.), as the

controller will now begin to issue precision glideslope and course information in a running

commentary fashion.

Example

"Approaching glidepath, begin descent. On glidepath. Four miles, going slightly above

glidepath. Three miles, drifting slightly left of course, turn right heading 062. 062

assigned heading. Coming down and on glideslope, etc..."

This flow of information from controller to aircrew will continue until touchdown. After

reaching the DH/MAP, all GCA information is advisory only. During your GCA, the controller

will also:

Issue missed approach instructions (not normally issued in VMC conditions).

Advise you that your landing gear should be down and locked.

Clear you to land.

Issue a five second comm break for any questions/comments from the pilot.

3-30 IFR COMMUNICATIONS