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CAP 413

Radiotelephony Manual

Chapter 4 Page 39

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 allocated
frequency. 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 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 UK AIP 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 not more than
2000 ft above aerodrome level, or not more than 1000 ft above promulgated circuit
height (if applicable) and within 10 NM of the aerodrome of intended landing.

31 March 2011