Uncontrolled airfield

AfterUpon receivingobtaining your student rating,rating, you will proceedadvance to training for the Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) training and eventually gain permissionqualify to provide AFIS within your designatedassigned vACC.virtual Area Control Center (vACC). This manual isserves designedas toa support youreference throughout thisyour process.training and operational duties.

ThisWhile this guide hasremains beengeneral, keptspecific as general as possible, but some examplesprocedures may bevary presented differently depending on thebetween Flight Information Regions (FIRs) and should be adapted accordingly.

Role of the AFIS Officer

Unlike air traffic controllers, AFIS officers do not issue instructions or clearances to aircraft. Instead, they provide traffic information and operational details to assist pilots in maintaining situational awareness.

Aims

One key phrase, "Runway occupied," alerts ground traffic to remain clear of thisthe runway until informed that it is available. Similarly, airborne aircraft notified of an occupied runway must ensure they do not interfere with another aircraft operating under a "No reported traffic runway XX" advisory. Pilots are responsible for maintaining separation from active approach, departure, and missed approach paths.

Objectives of This Guide

This guide covers alloutlines the dutiesresponsibilities of an AFIS controllerofficer is responsible for,, including:

• Providing correctaccurate traffic information to pilots.

• Relaying

  Forwarding IFR clearances received from air traffic controlATC units.

• Understanding theAFIS limitations of AFIS in terms ofregarding clearances and instructions.

• Ensuring effective AFIS service delivery while operating within established regulatory boundaries.

This guide also outlines the expected service from AFIS stations and the limitations regarding clearances and/or instructions to air traffic.

Uncontrolled Airfields

The termAn "uncontrolled"uncontrolled airfield refersis toan airfieldsaerodrome thatwithout do not have Air Traffic Control (ATC), butwhere flight operations are managed through servedAFIS byor AFISpilot self-announcements.

Surrounding Airspace

Uncontrolled aerodromesairfields are typicallyusually located in Class G airspace, where both VFRIFR and VFR flights operate. If IFR trafficprocedures are permitted. At airfields with IFR approach and departure procedures,exist, a Radio Mandatory Zone (RMZ) is established around the aerodrome.

Within thisan zone:RMZ:

• Pilots must complyadhere with the visual minima ofto Class G airspace visibility and cloud clearance minima.

• Pilots must be prepared toContinuous makeradio monitoring and receive radio callstransmissions on the RMZ frequency are required.

• The designated RMZaerodrome frequency atis used for all times.
  communications.

TheWhere frequencyIFR traffic is usually the published aerodrome frequency.

At airfields with IFR traffic,present, Class E airspace may beextend lowereddown to 1,000 ft AGL.

Uncontrolled airfields without IFR procedures typicallygenerally bearfollow a naming convention that combines the nearest town name ofwith the nearest town followed by the suffix "Radio". For(e.g., example,Al theHoceima airfield near Lille would use the callsign "Lille Radio"Radio). Exceptions toare thislisted rule can be found on thein VFR charts and in the AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication)Publication (AIP).

Airfield

Aerodrome Layout

 and Traffic Patterns

Larger uncontrolled aerodromes have layouts similar toresemble controlled airfields,airfields featuring:and typically feature:

• Runways

  One(paved or more runwaysgrass).

• Taxiways connecting the runways to anaprons.

• apronDesignated parking areas.
  for aircraft.

SmallerGrass airstrips grass airstrips may notlack have designated taxiways., In such cases,requiring pilots indicateto specify which side of the runway they will taxiuse tofor when announcing their intentions.taxiing.

Traffic Circuit

 Operations

The traffic circuit is a standard procedure used tohelps maintain separationorderly during approacharrivals and departure.departures. It follows a rectangular flight pattern and is usually flown at 1,000 ft AGL., unless otherwise published.

A standard circuit consists of leftleft-hand turns, afteralthough departure, but exceptionsvariations exist fordue to noise abatementabatement, andterrain, otheror operational reasons.requirements. These deviations are publisheddetailed in VFR Approach Charts (VACs).

If no official circuit is published, pilots establish their own routing based on aerodromesafety chartsconsiderations, minimum altitudes, and noise abatement procedures.

Phases of a Traffic Circuit Phases

designated

Runway airfields,Selection traffic& circuitsMeteorological are published on VFR approach charts (VAC), and pilots are expected to follow them. However, deviations are permitted when required by safety or operational constraints.

When no official circuit is published, pilots determine their own routing, considering minimum safe altitudes and noise abatement procedures.

AFIS Preparation

Conditions

Similar to controlled aerodromes,aerodromes, the active runway mustis be selectedchosen based on:

• Wind

  Weatherdirection conditionsand speed..

• Local regulations and procedures..

The active runway announcement is a guideline for pilotspilots, butwho may beselect disregardedan alternative for validoperational reasons, such asor safety concerns.reasons. Most uncontrolled airfields do not have lack certified equipment for determining barometric pressure (QNH) equipment. In such cases, pilots mustset obtain QNH by setting their altimetermanually tousing the aerodrome elevation (MSL).

Limitations of AFIS Authority

A fundamentalcore principle of AFIS rule is that no clearances orand instructions are not issued to aircraft. However, in some cases, ground movement control (e.g., taxiing and parking) may be givendelegated to aircraftAFIS unlessofficers there is an immediate safety concern. This does not apply to ground movements, whereby the aerodrome operator may delegate authority to an AFIS officer to manage taxiing and parking areas.operator.

Communications Procedures

Initial Call

Contact & Establishing Communication

VFR aircraft arriving at or departing from an uncontrolled aerodrome must establishinitiate radio communicationcontact on the AFIS frequency.frequency.

Structure

of

Pilot: theAl Initial Call

CN-AKM.
AFIS: Hoceima Radio.

French	English
LilleHoceima Radio, F-ABCD	LilleCN-AKM, Radio,Al F-ABCD
F-ABCD, Lille Radio	F-ABCD, Lille Radio

This exchange establishesOnce contact betweenis established, the pilot and the AFIS station, after which the pilot providesstates their intentions.

This guide ensures that new AFIS controllers understand the scope and limitations of providing AFIS services at uncontrolled airfields. Let me know if you need any modifications!

Approaching

Arriving Traffic

After the initial call,call, approachingan trafficinbound willaircraft communicate:transmits the following details:

• Call sign

• Aircraft type

• Current position (indistance NM, includingand altitude)

• Intentions (e.g., landing, touch-and-go, etc.)

SinceIn the main flight log at uncontrolled airfields is often maintained via radio,addition, pilots willmay also state:report:

• Departure locationaerodrome

• Number of personsPersons on board

Relevant information for approaching traffic includes:

• Active runway

• Other flight operationsPilot: (e.g.CN-AKM, heavy traffic, glider/aerobatic operations, runway conditions, etc.)

Example Phraseology

AFIS:

French	English
F-ABCD, C172, VFR de Lille, 8 miles sud du terrain, 2.200ft, pour atterrissage.	F-ABCD, C172, VFR from Lille,Nador 8 miles southeast of field, 2,200ft,200 feet, for landing.
F-ABCD, piste 25, activité planeurs au nord du terrain.	F-ABCD,CN-AKM, runway 25,18, glider activity northsouth of the field.

Once the initial call is complete, no further response is required unless necessary. Pilots should continue self-announceannouncing their turns in the traffic patternpositions (downwind,during base,circuit final).operations. Callsigns may be abbreviated shortened only if first done by the ground station does so first. When reporting base, the current ground wind should ideally be provided..

Example Calls

French	English
F-ABCD, en vent de base pour la 25.	F-ABCD, turning base 25.
F-ABCD, en finale pour la 25.	F-ABCD, final 25.

Departing Traffic

Departing trafficpilots requiresmust therequest activetaxi runwayinstructions (if required) and anyreceive additional traffic information. First, the pilot makes an initial call, then requests taxi instructions if needed.information.

Example

Phraseology

Pilot:

AFIS: 36.

French	English
F-ABCD, C172, VFR vers Lille, au parking, demande informations de roulage.	F-ABCD,CN-AKM, C172, VFR to Lille,Melilla, apron, request taxi information.
F-ABCD, piste 25.	F-ABCD,CN-AKM, runway 25.

If the aerodrome operator has authorized ground movement control, is provided by the aerodrome operator, AFIS officerofficers canmay instructissue taxi movements.instructions.

Example

Taxi

AFIS: Instructions

CN-AKM, runway

French	English
F-ABCD, piste 2536 via aire en herbe sud / taxiways A et B.	F-ABCD, runway 25 via southerneastern grass area / viataxiway taxiwaysS. A and B.

OnceBefore the aircraft lines up on the runway, the AFIS officer can providetakeoff, wind conditions. are typically provided.

Example

AFIS: Wind Report

French	English
Vent 240 degrés, 9 nœuds.	Wind 240340 degrees, 9 knots.

Traffic inAwareness the& Special Operations

Traffic Circuit

Information

AircraftSince remaining in the circuit are treated similarly to arriving/departing traffic. Wind informationAFIS does not needinclude toradar be repeated every time the aircraft turns.

Special Procedures / Flight Exercises

Pilots may conductservices, practice approaches, such as simulated engine failures or spot landings. Other traffic should be informed if possible.

Example Phraseology

French	English
F-ABCD, en vent arrière piste 25, panne moteur simulée / atterrissage de précision.	F-ABCD, downwind runway 25, simulated engine failure / spot landing.

Other aircraft may delay their approach to allow for completion of the exercise (approx. 2 minutes).

Traffic Information

Traffic information is broadcastprovided whenbased twoon aircraftvisual areobservations likelyand topilot encounter each otherreports. Unlike controlled aerodromes, uncontrolled aerodromes do not have radar; instead, binoculars may be used.

Traffic information at uncontrolled fields differs because:

• No altitude or heading dataPilot: is available.

• The aircraft's last known position is used.

• Right-hand circuits must be explicitly mentioned.

Example Phraseology

AFIS: 36.
Pilot: 36.

French	English
F-ABCD, point d’arrêt piste 27, prêt au départ.	F-ABCD,CN-AKM, holding point runway 27,36, ready for departure.
F-ABCD, information trafic, Cessna 172 au décollage de la piste 27.	F-ABCD,CN-AKM, traffic information, Cessna 172 departing runway 27.
F-ABCD, trafic en vue, (roule pour alignement piste 27).	F-ABCD,CN-AKM, traffic in sight, (lining up runway 27).
F-ABCD, en vent arrière piste 27.	F-ABCD, downwind runway 27.
F-ABCD, information trafic, Piper 28 en vent de base piste 27.	F-ABCD, traffic information, Piper 28, base runway 27.
F-ABCD, surveillez le trafic.	F-ABCD, looking out.

VFR at Night (NVFR)

Night VFR (NVFR) refers& toSpecial visualProcedures

flight

Night duringVFR civil(NVFR) twilight. Pilots operating NVFR must:requires:

• A

  File afiled flight plan (if leaving the aerodrome vicinity).

• Use theof suffix "VFR Night" in all radio calls.

• Verification

  Ensurethat the aerodrome is NVFR-approvedapproved..

Example

Phraseology

Pilot:

AFIS: 36.

French	English
F-ABCD, C172, VFR Nuit vers Paris, au parking, demande roulage.	F-ABCD,CN-AKM, C172, VFR Night to Paris,Melilla, at the apron, request taxi information.
F-ABCD, piste 25.	F-ABCD,CN-AKM, runway 25.

If thetransitioning pilot continues NVFR ininto Class E airspace, theythe pilot must contact the appropriate ATC unit.

Gliders

Uncontrolled aerodromes, especially grass airstrips, are major hubs for gliderfurther operations. Unpowered gliders rely on:

• Aerotow launches

• Winch launches

These operations are coordinated locally and are not controlled by AFIS. However, traffic information is recommendedclearance.

Example Glider Calls

French	English
F-1234, position, train sorti et verrouillé.	F-1234, position, gear down and locked.

Gliders use a tighter circuit and land faster than powered aircraft.

VHF Direction Finder (VDF)

Some small aerodromes are equipped with a VHF Direction Finder (VDF), allowing controllers to assist lost pilots.

• QDM: Magnetic bearing from aircraft to the station.

• QDR: Magnetic bearing from the station to the aircraft.

Example: An aircraft north of the station has QDM 180° / QDR 360°.

Emergency Procedures

Emergencies at uncontrolled aerodromes are handledmanaged likesimilarly thoseto at controlled airports:airports:

• The aerodrome is closed to all traffic.

• Pilots are informed of the emergency.

• Once the situation is resolved, thenormal aerodromeoperations is reopenedresume..