172

SUBPART D

Operations

172.57 Operations Manuals

(a) Each holder of an air traffic service certificate shall provide, for compliance by its personnel, an operation manual or system of manuals for the services listed in its exposition;

(b) A holder certified to provide more than one air traffic service, or an air traffic service or services from more than one location, may publish a core manual together with manual supplements specific to each service or location;

(c) The operations manuals must be controlled documents and therefore the amendment process must similarly be controlled;

(d) The provider must amend the manual whenever it is necessary to do so to keep it up-to-date;

(e) Operation manual should include at least:

(1) A statement setting out the air traffic services, and the related functions, that

(2) The proposed hours of operations of each service;

(3) The airspace within which each service is to be provided;

(4) The specific location or locations in case of distributed facility;

(5) Organization structure including names, qualifications, experience and position of the principles;

(6) Duties and responsibilities of supervising positions;

(7) ATS functions and operational staff required;

(i)Aeronautical charts including maneuvering area, runways, taxiways and parking positions, and

(ii) Procedures to control service movement area;

(9) Emergency plan;

(i) Security program, and

(ii) Operational instructions:

(A) Separation methods;

(B) Coordination procedures; and

(10) Records (logbooks, videotapes, … etc.) to be kept.

172.59 Responsibility for Control

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of an air traffic control service shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that any controlled flight is under the control of only one ATC operating position at any given time;

(b) The applicant shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that responsibility for the control of all aircraft operating within a given block of airspace is vested in a single operating position. Control of an aircraft or groups of aircraft may be delegated to other operating positions provided that co-ordination between all affected operating positions is assured;

(1) Prevent collisions between aircraft;

(2) Prevent collisions between aircraft on the maneuvering area and obstructions on that area;

(3) Expedite and maintain an orderly flow of air traffic;

(4) Provide advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights;

(5) Notify appropriate organizations regarding aircraft in need of search and rescue aid, and assist such organizations as required.

172.61 Shift administration

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish a procedure to ensure that:

(1) Adequate time is provided at the beginning and end of each shift, for the performance of those duties required:

(i) Before providing an air traffic service; and

(ii) After ceasing to provide an air traffic service

(2) A minimum of 5 minutes is provided for each transfer of position responsibility at an ATS operational position.

172.63 Contingency Plan

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish a contingency plan providing for the safe and orderly flow of traffic in the event of a disruption, interruption, or temporary withdrawal of an air traffic service or related supporting service;

(b) The plan must include:

(1) The actions to be taken by the members of the provider’s personnel responsible for providing the service;

(2) Possible alternative arrangements for providing the service; and

(3) The arrangements for resuming normal operations for the service.

172.65 General information requirements

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA for the receipt of information on the following activities when the activity could affect airspace used by flights within the applicant’s area of responsibility:

(1) Release into the atmosphere of radioactive materials or toxic chemicals;

(b) The applicant shall establish systems and procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that each ATS unit, as appropriate to the applicant’s intended area of responsibility, is kept informed of the operational status of:

(2) Non-visual navigation aids;

(3) Visual aids essential for takeoff, departure, approach, and landing procedures; and

(4) Visual and non-visual aids essential for surface movement.

(c) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate for an aerodrome control unit, approach control unit, or aerodrome AIS unit shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure the unit is kept informed of operationally significant conditions on the movement area including the existence of temporary hazards and the operational status of any associated facilities at the aerodrome.

172.67 Notification of Facility Status

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to notify users of its air traffic services of relevant operational information and of any changes in the operational status of each facility or service listed in the applicant’s exposition;

(b) The procedures shall ensure that:

(1) Operational information for each of the applicants air traffic services is forwarded to the holder of the aeronautical information service certificate issued under Part 173; and

(2) The users of an air traffic service are notified without delay of any change in operational status of the facility or service that may affect the safety of air navigation, and, except where the change is temporary in nature, information concerning any change in operational status is forwarded to the holder of the aeronautical information service certificate for the NOTAM service.

(c) Operational information for each of the applicant’s air traffic services must give aeronautical information service details about the hours during which the service is available.

172.69 Meteorological information and reporting

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish systems and procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that all meteorological information provided as part of any AIS is supplied by the Egyptian Meteorological Service organization;

(b) The applicant shall establish systems and procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that ATS units are supplied with the meteorological information necessary for the performance of their respective functions, in a form that requires a minimum of interpretation by ATS personnel;

(c) The applicant shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that equipment used in the compilation of basic weather reports:

(1) Supplies data representative of the area for which the measurements are required; and

(2) Where that equipment consists of multiple wind direction and speed indicators identifies the runway, or section of the runway, monitored by each instrument;

(d) The applicant shall establish a procedure to ensure that the information contained in a meteorological bulletin remains unchanged through onward transmission.

172.71 Specifications for Flight Information Regions, Control Areas and Control Zones

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall comply with the airspace delineation, which covers the whole of the air route structure and shall comply with agreements made by ECAA in this regard, including control areas and zones.

172.73 Designation of the Portions of the Airspace and Controlled Aerodromes Where Air Traffic services will be provided

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic services certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA for the control the airspace and aerodromes designated by the ECAA:

172.75 Area and Approach Control Services

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of an area or approach control service shall establish systems and procedures acceptable to the ECAA to:

(1) Determine, from information received, the positions of known aircraft relative to each other;

(2) Provide for the issue of ATC clearances, instructions, and information, according to the airspace classification and type of flight, for the purpose of preventing collisions between aircraft under the control of the unit, and expediting and maintaining a safe and efficient flow of traffic;

(3) Coordinate clearances, as necessary, with other ATC units; and

(4) Display, in a manner that permits ready analysis, information on aircraft movements, together with a record of clearances issued.

(b) Classification of airspace:

The ECAA had selected classes A, B and D of ATS airspace’s, which are designated

in accordance with the following:

Class A. IFR flights only are permitted, all flights are provided with air traffic control service and are separated from each other;

Class B. IFR and VFR flights are permitted, all flights are provided with air traffic control service and are separated from each other; and

Class D. IFR and VFR flights are permitted and all flights are provided with air traffic control service, IFR flights are separated from other IFR flights and receive traffic information in respect of VFR flights, VFR flights receive traffic information in respect of all other flights.

(1) To all IFR flights in airspace Classes A, B, and D;

(2) To all VFR flights in airspace Classes B and D;

(3) To all special VFR flights; and

(4) To all aerodrome traffic at controlled aerodromes.

172.77 Aerodrome

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of an aerodrome control service shall establish systems and procedures acceptable to the ECAA regarding the following:

(1) Selection of runways;

(2) Wake turbulence hazards;

(3) Meteorological information;

(4) Essential local traffic;

(5) Abnormal aircraft conditions; and

(6) Aerodrome conditions including:

(i) Movement of persons;

(ii) Vehicles;

(iii) Towed aircraft;

(iv) Taxiing aircraft; and

(v) Status of navigational aids equipment.

(b) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of an aerodrome control service shall establish systems and procedures acceptable to the ECAA to be applied to separate and control traffic;

(c) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of an aerodrome control service shall establish systems and procedures acceptable to the ECAA to be followed in case of radio communication is not available by using light signals in accordance with ECAR Part 91.125;

(d) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of an aerodrome control service shall establish systems and procedures acceptable to the ECAA to be applied in low visibility; and

(e) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of an aerodrome control service shall establish systems and procedures acceptable to the ECAA for controlling the operations of aeronautical ground lights.

172.79 Operational Priorities

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of an air traffic control service shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that, providing safety is not jeopardized, ATC units apply the following priorities:

(1) An aircraft known or believed to be in a state of emergency or impaired operation has priority over all other aircraft;

(2) An aircraft landing, or in the final stages of an approach to land, has priority over a departing aircraft;

(3) An aircraft landing or taking off has priority over taxiing aircraft.

(b) The applicant shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that, where practical, following a request from the pilot, an aircraft involved in, or positioning for, the following activities is granted priority:

(1) Ambulance or mercy missions;

(2) Search and rescue;

(3) Civil defense or police emergencies; and

(4) Carriage of heads-of-state, heads-of-government, or equivalent dignitaries.

(c) The applicant shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that an aircraft at a cruising level shall normally have priority over other aircraft requesting that level;

(d) An applicant for an air traffic service certificate in respect of an area control service shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA regarding priorities to be applied in airspace designated as RNP airspace;

(e) Subject to the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b), an applicant may put in place schemes for the determination of priorities for arriving and departing flights, provided that consultation with interested parties is undertaken prior to implementing the scheme;

(f) The applicant shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that, where priorities are established under paragraphs (d) or (e), relevant information, including details regarding the handling of complaints, is published in ECAA AIP;

(g) The applicant shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that, providing safety is not jeopardized, due regard is given to those priorities determined in conjunction with the aerodrome operator for:

(1) Aircraft arriving and departing that aerodrome; and

(2) Other operations in any control zone associated with that aerodrome.

(h) The applicant shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that, except when applying priority in accordance with other provisions of this rule, priority for arriving and departing flights is allocated on a first-come first-served basis;

(i) The applicant shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that the provision of an ATC service takes precedence:

(1) Over the provision of a FIS whenever the situation so requires; and

(2) Over the performance of any other non-ATS tasks.

172.81 Flow control

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of an air traffic control service shall establish flow control procedures acceptable to the ECAA, and air traffic flow management (ATFM) shall be implemented for airspace where air traffic demand at times exceeds, or is expected to exceed, the declared capacity of the air traffic control services concerned.

Note: The capacity of the air traffic control services concerned will normally be declared by the ECAA.

(1) ATFM should be implemented on the basis of regional air navigation agreements or, if appropriate, through multilateral agreements. Such agreements should make provision for common procedures and common methods of capacity determination; and

(2) When it becomes apparent to an ATC unit that traffic additional to that already accepted cannot be accommodated within a given period of time at a particular location or in a particular area, or can only be accommodated at a given rate, that unit shall so advise the ATFM unit, when such is established, as well as, when appropriate, ATS units concerned. Flight crews of aircraft destined to the location or area in question and operators concerned shall also be advised of the delays expected or the restrictions that will be applied.

Note: Operators concerned will normally be advised, in advance where possible, of restrictions imposed by the air traffic flow management unit.

(b) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of an air traffic control service shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA regarding the following three phases of ATFM:

(1) Strategic Planning;

(2) Pre-tactical planning; and

(3) Tactical Operations.

172.83 ATC Clearances

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish systems and procedures for the provision of air traffic control clearance.

(a) The procedures shall ensure that:

(1) An ATC clearance shall be based on the requirements for providing the air traffic control services;

(2) An ATC clearance indicates:

(i) An aircraft identification;

(ii) Clearance limit;

(iii) Route of flight;

(iv) Level(s) of flight; and

(v) Any necessary instructions or information on other matters such as approach or departure maneuvers, communications and the time of expiry of the clearance.

(3) That the ATC clearance relating to the transonic acceleration phase of a supersonic flight shall extend at least to the end of that phase;

(4) The ATC clearance relating to the deceleration and descent of an aircraft for supersonic cruise to supersonic flight should provide for uninterrupted descent, at least during the transonic phase;

(5) Read back of the following items are made by the flight crew:

(i) ATC route clearance;

(ii) Clearance and instructions to enter, land on, take off on, hold short of, cross and back track on any runway; and

(iii) Runway-in-use, altimeter settings, SSR codes, level instructions, heading and speed instructions and whether issued by the controller or contained in ATIS board cast transition levels.

(6) Other clearances or instructions, including conditional clearances, is read back or acknowledged in a manner to clearly indicate that they have been understood and will be complied with;

(7) The controller must listen to the read-back to ascertain that the clearance or instructions have been correctly acknowledged by the flight crew and shall take immediate action to correct any discrepancies revealed by the read-back;

(8) Voice read-back of CPDLC messages is not required;

(9) An air traffic control clearance shall be coordinated between air traffic control units to cover the entire route of an aircraft, a specified portion through of or the aerodrome of first intended landing;

(10) A clearance issued as a down-stream clearance is clearly identified as such to the pilot. Down stream clearances does not affect the aircraft’s original flight profile; and

(11) An ATC clearance shall be obtained prior to operating a controlled flight.

(b) Deviation from an ATC clearance:

(1) The applicant shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that ATC instructions issued to restore any loss of separation do not hinder the responses of a pilot to:

(i) TCAS or GPWS alerts; or

(ii) Weather, or other emergency situations, necessitating a deviation from an ATC clearance.

(2) The procedures required by paragraph (1) shall ensure that, once the emergency situation has been resolved, if any separation has been lost is restored.

172.85 Determination of the need for air traffic services

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate, in respect of an air traffic control service, shall determine the need for ATS.

(a) The need for the provision of air traffic services shall be determined by consideration of the following:

(1) The types of air traffic involved;

(2) The density of air traffic;

(3) The meteorological conditions; and

(4) Such other factors as may be relevant.

Note. — Due to the number of elements involved, it has not been possible to develop specific data to determine the need for air traffic services in a given area or at a given location.

(b) In order to provide air traffic control service, an air traffic control unit shall:

(1) Be provided with information on the intended movement of each aircraft, or variations they’re from, and with current information on the actual progress of each aircraft;

(2) Determine from the information received, the relative positions of known aircraft to each other;

(3) Issue clearances and information for the purpose of preventing collision between aircraft under its control and of expediting and maintaining an orderly flow of traffic;

(4) Coordinate clearances as necessary with other units:

(i) Whenever an aircraft might otherwise conflict with traffic operated under the control of such other units;

(ii) Before transferring control of an aircraft to such other units.

(c) Information on aircraft movements, together with a record of air traffic control clearances issued to such aircraft, shall be so displayed as to permit ready analysis in order to maintain an efficient flow of air traffic with adequate separation between aircraft;

(d) Clearances issued by air traffic control units shall provide separation:

(1) Between all flights in airspace Classes A and B;

(2) Between IFR flights in airspace Class D;

(3) Between IFR flights and special VFR flights; and

(4) Between special VFR flights when so prescribed by the ECAA, except that, when requested by an aircraft and if so prescribed in cases listed under b) above in airspace Classes D, a flight may be cleared without separation being so provided in respect of a specific portion of the flight conducted in visual meteorological conditions.

172.87 Control of Persons and Vehicles at Aerodromes

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate, in respect of an aerodrome control service, shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to:

(a) Control the movement of persons or vehicles including towed aircraft on the maneuvering area of an aerodrome;

(b) In case of low visibility:

(1) Restrict the operations of persons and vehicles on the maneuvering area of an aerodrome to the essential minimum;

(2) Protect the ILS sensitive area(s) when category II or III precision instrument are in progress; and

(3) Ensure separation between vehicles and taxiing aircraft.

(c) Give priority to emergency vehicles proceeding to the assistance of an aircraft in distress over all other surface movement traffic;

(d) Ensure that vehicles on the maneuvering area are complied with the following rules:

(1) Vehicles and vehicles towing aircraft shall give way to aircraft, which are landing, taking off or taxiing;

(2) Vehicles shall give way to other vehicles towing aircraft;

(3) Vehicles shall give way to other vehicles in accordance with ATS unit instructions; and

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of 1), 2) and 3), vehicles and vehicles towing aircraft shall comply with instructions issued by the aerodrome control tower.

(e) Ensure those persons and vehicles authorized to operate on the maneuvering area have two-way communication with the aerodrome control tower.

172.89 Separation Minima

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of air traffic control service shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA for achieving separation by an air traffic control unit using at least one of the following:

(a) Vertical separation, obtained by assigning different levels selected from:

(1) The tables of cruising levels in ECAR Part 91.159, or

(2) A modified table of cruising levels, when so prescribed in accordance with ECAR Part 91.179 for flight above FL 410.

(b) Horizontal separation, obtained by providing:

(1) Longitudinal separation, by maintaining an interval between aircraft operating along the same, converging or reciprocal tracks, expressed in time or distance; or

(2) Lateral separation, by maintaining aircraft on different routes or in different geographical areas;

(c) Composite separation, consisting of a combination of vertical separation and one of the other forms of separation contained in b) above, using minima for each which may be lower than, but not less than half of, those used for each of the combined elements when applied individually. Composite separation shall only be applied on the basis of regional air navigation agreements;

(d) Details of the selected separation minima and of their areas of application shall be notified:

(1) To the ATS units concerned; and

(2) To pilots and operators through aeronautical information publications, where separation is based on the use by aircraft of specified navigation aids or specified navigation techniques.

172.91 Prevention of Fatigue

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that air traffic controllers are not subject to fatigue by ensuring that:

(a) The maximum continuous working period on a position shall be about two hours followed by a rest break away from the ATC environment;

(b) A rest room shall be provided for relief from operational stress, fatigue and tension; and

(c) Even with rest breaks, shift length should not exceed 8 hours.

172.93 Alerting service

(a) In this Rule:

ALERFA means the Alert phase.

DETRESFA means the Distress phase.

INCERFA means the Uncertainty phase;

(b) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish systems and procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure the provision of an alerting service within its areas of responsibility:

(1) For all aircraft provided with air traffic control service;

(2) To all other aircraft having filed a flight plan or otherwise known to the air traffic services; and

(3) To any aircraft known or believed to be the subject of unlawful interference.

(c) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that, in the event of a state of emergency described in paragraph (f):

(4) Immediate declaration of an INCERFA, ALERFA, or DETRESFA is made, in accordance with paragraph (f); and

(5) The declaration is notified to the ACC responsible, except where the emergency can be dealt with by local emergency organizations.

(d) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic services certificate in respect of an area control service shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that, in the event of a state of emergency, an ACC :

(1) Serves as the central point within the FIR concerned for collecting all information relevant to the state of emergency; and

(2) Except as prescribed in paragraph (l)(1), forwards such information without delay to the RCC.

(e) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), each applicant for an air traffic service certificate for an aerodrome control or approach control, shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that whenever the urgency of the situation so requires, those services shall first alert appropriate local emergency organizations;

(f) The declaration required by paragraph (c) shall be made in the following circumstances, and in any other circumstances that warrant such a declaration:

(1) INCERFA when:

(i) No communication has been received from aircraft within a period of 30 minutes after the time a communication should have been received, or from the time an unsuccessful attempt to establish communication with the aircraft was first made, whichever is earlier; or when;

(ii) An aircraft fails to arrive within 30 minutes of the estimated time of arrival last notified to, or estimated to, ATS units, whichever is the later; or

(iii) A VFR aircraft on a flight plan fails to arrive at a destination within a control zone, within 30 minutes of the estimated time of arrival last notified to, or estimated by, ATS, whichever is the later; or

(iv) A VFR aircraft on a flight plan fails to arrive at its final destination within 30 minutes of the estimated time of arrival last notified to ATS, or estimated by ATS, whichever is the later; or

(v) A pilot fails to report at the nominated SARTIME and immediate checks have failed to locate the aircraft:

(vi) Except when no doubt exists as to the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.

(2) ALERFA when:

(i) Following the uncertainty phase, subsequent attempts to establish communication with the aircraft or inquiries to other relevant sources have failed to reveal any news of the aircraft; or

(ii) An aircraft has been cleared to land, and fails to land within five minutes of the estimated time of landing, and communication has not been re-established with the aircraft; or

(iii) Information has been received that indicates that the operating efficiency of the aircraft has been impaired, but not to the extent that a forced landing is likely; or

(iv) An aircraft is known or believed to be subject to unlawful interference; or

(v) Except when evidence exists that would allay apprehension as to the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.

(3) DETRESFA when:

(i) Following the alert phase further unsuccessful attempts to establish communication with the aircraft and more widespread unsuccessful inquiries point to the probability that the aircraft is in distress; or

(ii) The fuel on board is considered to be exhausted, or to be insufficient to enable the aircraft to reach safety; or

(iii) Information is received that indicates that the operating efficiency of the aircraft has been impaired to the extent that a forced landing is likely; or

(iv) Information has been received that, or it is reasonably certain that, the aircraft is about to make or has made a forced landing:

Except when there is reasonable certainty that the aircraft and its occupants are not threatened by grave and imminent danger and do not require immediate assistance.

(g) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure the notification of an emergency situation required by paragraph (c)(2) includes such of the following information as is available, in the order listed.

(1) INCERFA, ALERFA, or DETRESFA as appropriate to the phase of the emergency;

(2) Agency and person calling;

(3) Nature of the emergency;

(4) Significant information from the flight plan;

(5) Unit that made last contact, time, and frequency used;

(6) Last position report and how determined;

(7) Colour and distinctive marks of aircraft;

(8) Dangerous goods carried as a cargo;

(9) Any action taken by the reporting office; and

(h) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that, following the notification of an emergency situation, the RCC is provided, without delay, with:

(1) Any useful additional information; and

(2) Notification when the emergency situation no longer exists.

(i) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure, as necessary, the use of all available means to establish and maintain communication with, and surveillance of, an aircraft in a state of emergency;

(j) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that, when a state of emergency is considered to exist, the last known position of any aircraft involved is established and recorded;

(k) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of an area control service shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that:

(1) When an ACC declares an INCERFA or ALERFA it shall, where practical, advise the aircraft operator prior to notifying the RCC; and

(2) All information notified to the RCC by an ACC shall, where practical, also be communicated without delay to the aircraft operator.

172.95 Flight Plan

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA for the acceptance and action of flight plan in accordance with ECAR 173.169, Appendix 5 and procedures for coordination with AIS certificate holder, if any.

172.97 Deviation from Flight Plan

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedure for the following cases:

(1) Aircraft deviation from its flight plan;

(2) Emergency;

(3) Deviation due to response to a traffic alert; and

(4) Collision avoidance system resolution advisory.

172.99 Altimeter setting

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish a procedure to ensure that:

(1) Current QNH altimeter settings are in hectopascals rounded down to the nearest whole hectopascal;

(2) The appropriate aerodrome or area QNH setting is provided to all aircraft on initial radio contact, including aircraft that advise having received the current applicable ATIS broadcast; and

(3) ATS units provide to an aircraft, on request, the current applicable aerodrome or area QNH altimeter setting.

172.101 Radio and Telephone Communications

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to comply with standards phraseology necessary for the provision of an air traffic service or that otherwise contribute to safety. Refer to EAC 172. (AC4)

172.103 Radar Service

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that, where radar is used, to support the provision of an air traffic control service. Radar services are provided in accordance with:

(a) Standards procedures;

(b) SSR codes allocation within Egyptian FIR;

(c) Separation regarding radar and non-radar. Refer to EAC 172-2;

(d) Requirements for carriage and operation of pressure altitude reporting transponder with defined portions of airspace; and

(e) Comply with the following SSR code table:

Code Family

Label

Allocation

SSR Codes

20(00)

70(00)

75(00)

76(00)

77(00)

HIJ

RCF

EMG

International DEP

International Over-flights

INTL ARR from ATHENS FIR

INTL ARR from TRIPOLI FIR

INTL ARR from NICOSIA FIR

INTL ARR from KHARTOUM FIR

INTL ARR from AMMAN FIR

INTL ARR from TEL AVIV FIR

INTL ARR from JEDDAH FIR

CAIRO Domestic DEP

CAIRO Domestic ARR

Domestic flights other than CAIRO

Hurghada Domestic DEP

Luxor Domestic DEP

Sharm El Sheikh Domestic DEP

Aircraft entering CAIRO with SSR code

Instructions uncontrolled flights

Hi Jacking

Radio Communication Failure

Emergency

2301-2337

2701-2737

2340-2377

2740-2777

2001-2077

4001-4077

5601-5677

6601-6677

0701-0777

6401-6477

3101-3177

6101-6177

4401-4477

1601-1677

3301-3377

4741-4777

1421-1477

4701-4737

172.105 Aircraft Emergencies and Irregular Operation

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure maximum assistance and priority is given to an aircraft known, or believed to be, in a state of emergency over other aircraft, the following aircraft shall have the priority:

(a) Strayed aircraft;

(b) Unlawful interference;

(c) Unidentified aircraft;

(d) Radio communication failure;

(e) Aircraft malfunctioning; and

(f) Interception of civil aircraft.

For more details refer to EAC 172-3

172.107 Action after serious incident or accident

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA regarding a serious incident or accident to:

(a) determine if any air navigation facilities have contributed to the event; and

(b) ensure immediate action is taken to:

(1) Warn other aircraft that may be using or intending to use the facilities; and

(2) Advise the operator of the facility of the occurrence, and that the facility may be implicated.

(c) Assist the operator of the facility with the prompt promulgation of any decision to withdraw the equipment from service;

(d) Impound and preserve all relevant documents, tapes and other records that may be of interest to investigation teams; and

(e) Collect statements by personnel involved.

172.109 Reporting incidents and accidents

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish forms and procedures acceptable to the ECAA for recording and reporting incidents and accidents and forwarding of incident and accident information to the accident/incident investigation department.

172.111 Reporting service disruptions

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to:

(1) Advise the ECAA of any planned disruption to the provision of air traffic services that could have an impact on safety;

(2) Report to the ECAA, within 48 hours of the occurrence, the circumstances surrounding any unplanned disruption to air traffic services when the disruption affected, or could have affected, the safety of air traffic;

(3) Forward to the applicable aeronautical telecommunications holder any service disruptions affecting, or having the potential to affect, the safe and expeditious operation of flight; and

(4) Investigate any unplanned disruption to the provision air traffic services.

(b) Disruptions reportable under paragraph (a) shall include, but are not limited to, any:

(1) Failure to open watch within 15 minutes of the established opening time;

(2) Any interruption, of greater than 10 minutes, to the normal provision of an air traffic service; and

(3) Curtailment of watch, by greater than 30 minutes, from the established off watch time.

172.113 Reporting deviations and / or violations

(a) Each applicant shall establish a policy encouraging the reporting of any deviations or violations or practices observed by ATC personnel not affecting safety and not intentionally made and not repetitive on a voluntary basis;

(b) Conditions reportable under paragraph (a) may include, but are not limited to:

(1) Persistent read back errors;

(2) Persistent failures to read back;

(3) Misinterpretation of ATC instructions;

(4) Failure to comply with ATC instructions;

(5) Significant altitude or airway deviations; and

(6) Procedural errors or inconsistencies that may affect the safety of flight operations.

172.115 Compliance with the Rules of the Air

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish a procedure acceptable to the ECAA to comply with the rules of the air:

(a) The operation of an aircraft either in flight or on the movement area of an aerodrome shall be in compliance with the general rules and, in addition, when in flight, either with:

(1) The visual flight rules, or

(2) The instrument flight rules.

(b) Information relevant to the services provided to aircraft operating in accordance with both visual flight rules and instrument flight rules in the Egyptian airspace classes is contained in 172.75(b).

172.117 Problematic Use of Psychoactive

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that no person shall act as an air traffic controller under the influence of any psychoactive substance by reason of which human performance is impaired, no such person shall engage in any kind of problematic use of substance.

172.119 Protection of Persons and Property

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish a procedure acceptable to the ECAA to protect persons and properties:

(a) Dropping or spraying:

Nothing shall be dropped or sprayed from an aircraft in flight except under conditions prescribed by the ECAA and as indicated by relevant information, advice and/or clearance from the appropriate air traffic service unit.

(b) Towing:

No aircraft or other object shall be towed by an aircraft, except in accordance with requirements prescribed by the ECAA and as indicated by relevant information, advice and/or clearance from the appropriate air traffic services unit.

Parachute descents, other than emergency descents, shall not be made except under conditions prescribed by the ECAA and as indicated by relevant information, advice and/or clearance from the appropriate air traffic services unit.

(d) Acrobatic flights:

No aircraft shall be flown acrobatically except under conditions prescribed by the ECAA and as indicated by relevant information, advice and/or clearance from the appropriate air traffic services unit.

(e) Formation flights:

Aircraft shall not be flown in formation except by pre-arrangement among the pilots-in-command of the aircraft taking part in the flight and, for formation flight in controlled airspace, in accordance with the conditions prescribed by the appropriate ATS authority. These conditions shall include the following:

(1) The formation operates as a single aircraft with regard to navigation and position reporting;

(2) Separation between aircraft in the flight shall be the responsibility of the flight leader and the pilots-in-command of the other aircraft in the flight and shall include periods of transition when aircraft are maneuvering to attain their own separation within the formation and during join-up and break-away; and

(3) A distance not exceeding 1 km (0.5 NM) laterally and longitudinally and
30-m (100 ft) vertically from the flight leader shall be maintained by each aircraft.

(f) Unmanned free balloons Information on an unmanned free balloon shall be broadcast in such a manner as to minimize hazards to other aircraft.

(g) Prohibited, dangerous and restricted areas:

Aircraft shall not be permitted to fly in a prohibited, dangerous or restricted area, the particulars of which are mentioned in ECAR Part 173 Appendix 1, and have been duly published in Egyptian AIP, except in accordance with the conditions of the restrictions or by permission of the appropriate Egyptian Authority having jurisdiction over these areas.

172.121 Transfer of Responsibility

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish a procedure acceptable to the ECAA for transfer of responsibility, the procedures required shall include the following:

(a) Letter of agreement:

(1) Transfer of arrangements;

(2) Place or time of transfer;

(3) To be agreed between the ATC units or the adjacent FIRs; and

(4) Should be published in operation manuals.

(b) An aircraft shall not transfer from one ATC unit to another without:

(1) Communications with appropriate ATC unit in accordance with current flight plan;

(2) Any relevant control information; and

(3) The consent of the accepting unit.

172.123 Operation On and In the Vicinity of an Aerodrome

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedure acceptable to the ECAA for an aircraft operation on and in the vicinity of an aerodrome so that:

(a) An aircraft shall not be permitted to operate in such proximity to other aircraft as to create a collision hazard;

(b) An aircraft shall not be permitted to fly over congested area settlements unless at or above the minimum height assigned for that area.

172.125 Position Reports

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures for controlled flights acceptable to the ECAA to determine:

(a) The designated compulsory reporting points;

(b) Position reports; and

Note: In the absence of designated reporting points, position reports shall be made at intervals.

172.127 Instrument Flights

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedure acceptable to the ECAA regarding IFR flights within controlled airspace:

(1) To comply with the provisions of 172.83 when operated in controlled airspace;

(2) To clear an IFR flight operating in cruising flight at one cruising level or, if authorized to employ cruise climb techniques between two levels or above a level selected from the table of IFR cruising levels indicated in ECAR Part 91.179;

(3) Except as indicated in ATC clearance according to the ATS providers or as specified by the ECAA and mentioned in the AIP.

(b) For more details about other requirements of instrument flights refer to ECAR Part 91.162 through 91.193.

172.129 Visual Flight Rules

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA for safe operations of VFR with respect of air space classifications;

(b) VFR flights shall be operated in accordance with the conditions prescribed in ECAR Part 91.156, 91.157 and 91.159;

(1) When operated, within classes B and D air space;

(2) When forming part of aerodrome traffic at controlled aerodromes, and

(3) When operated as special VFR flights.

(d) VFR flights shall comply with minima prescribed in ECAR Part 172.135;

(e) VFR flights shall comply with ECAR Part 172.139 when weather deterioration below VMC conditions.

172.131 Safety and quality assurance management system

(a) Each certificate holder shall establish, implement, maintain and adhere to a safety and quality assurance management systems that are appropriate to the size, nature and complexity of all activities authorized to be conducted under the certificate and in accordance with EAC 00-11.

(b) The results of these systems and related audits and corrective actions shall be made available to the ECAA upon request.

172.133 Inspection of License

The ECAA has the right to request any air traffic controller license for inspection from time to time. In this case the controller shall present his license without delay.

172.135 VMC Visibility and Distance from Cloud Minima

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedure acceptable to the ECAA to comply with minima contained in the following table:

Airspace classes	A**B D	F G
		Above 3000 ft AMSL or above 1000 ft above terrain, whichever is higher	At and below 3000 ft AMSL or above 1000 ft above terrain, whichever is higher
Distance from cloud	1500 m horizontally 1000 ft vertically		Clear of cloud and in sight of the surface
Flight visibility	8 km at and above 3050 m (10000 ft) AMSL, 5 km below 3050 m (10000 ft) AMSL		5 km*

Note: When the height of the transition altitude is lower than 10000 ft AMSL, FL 100 should be used in lieu of 10000 ft.

* (a) Lower flight visibility to 1500 m may be permitted for flights operating:

(1) At speeds that, in the prevailing visibility, will give adequate opportunity to observe other traffic or any obstacles in time to avoid collision; or

(2) In circumstances in which the probability of encounters with other traffic would normally be low, e.g. in areas of low volume traffic and for aerial work at low levels.

(b) Helicopters may be permitted to operate in less than 1500-m flight visibility, if maneuvered at a speed that will give adequate opportunity to observe other traffic or any obstacles in time to avoid collision.

** The VMC minima in Class A airspace are included for guidance to pilots and do not imply acceptance of VFR flights in Class A airspace.

172.137 Signals

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedure to ensure that any aerodrome control tower having a light signals to use in controlling traffic as indicated in ECAR Part 91.125.

172.139 Weather Deterioration Below the VMC

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedure for VFR flight operating in weather below the VMC conditions including:

(a) Continuing in VMC to the destination or alternate aerodrome or to leave the airspace;

(b) Operating as a special VFR – within controlled zone;

172.141 Clocks and Time Recording Devices

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish a procedure acceptable to the ECAA to ensure that ATS unit clocks and other time recording devices:

(1) Use Coordinated Universal Time and express that time in hours and minutes of the 24-hour day beginning at 0000 UTC; and

(2) Are checked as necessary to ensure the correct time within plus or minus 30 seconds of UTC as determined by reference to a standard time station or GPS time standard.

(b) Wherever data link communications are utilized, the applicant shall establish a procedure to ensure that all clocks and time-recording devices be checked as necessary to ensure correct time to within 1 second of UTC; and

(c) The applicant shall establish a procedure to ensure that the correct time, to the nearest half minute, is provided:

(1) In respect of any aerodrome control service to IFR aircraft prior to taxiing for take-off unless arrangements have been made for the pilot to obtain it from other sources; and

(2) To any aircraft on request.

172.143 Required Navigation Performance (RNP) for En-route Operations

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of an area control service shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to apply the RNP type(s) for designated areas, tracks or ATS routes prescribed by the ECAA.

172.145 Establishing Routes and Points

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish and identify procedures acceptable to the ECAA regarding:

(a) ATS routes;

(b) Change over points;

(d) Standard routes for taxiing aircraft.

172.147 Flight information service

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA to provide flight information service by air traffic control service or otherwise known to relevant to ATS units for all flights IFR or VFR;

(b) Information shall include:

(1) SEGMET and AIRMET;

(2) Radio active material;

(3) Toxic chemicals;

(4) Navigation and serviceability;

(5) Aerodrome conditions;

(6) Weather conditions at:

(i) Departure aerodrome;

(ii) Destination aerodrome; and

(iii) Alternate aerodrome.

(c) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of an aerodrome control service shall use voice automatic terminal information service broadcast (ATIS) to reduce communication load;

(d) ATIS message:

(1) Shall broadcast as a separate channel;

(2) For arriving and departing aircraft;

(3) Broadcast should not exceed 30 seconds;

(4) Shall take into consideration speed of transmission and human performance;

(5) Broadcasting should be updated; and

(6) ATIS message shall contain the following elements of information in the order listed below:

(i) Name of aerodrome;

(ii) Arrival and/or departure indicator;

(iii) Designator;

(iv) Time;

(v) Type of approach to be expected;

(vi) Runway in use, including potential hazards if any, and surface condition;

(vii) Holding delay;

(viii) Transition layer;

(ix) Surface wind direction and speed;

(x) Visibility and RVR;

(xi) Present weather;

(xii) Clouds;

(xiii) Vertical visibility when available if the sky obscured;

(xiv) Temperature;

(xv) Dew point;

(xvi) Altimeter setting;

(xvii) Any significant meteorological information; and

(xviii) Trend forecast if available.

172.149 Communication with a Provision of Air Traffic Services

(a) Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of an air traffic service certificate shall establish procedures and systems acceptable to the ECAA to apply communication for the provision of air traffic service. Air traffic control unit shall be provided with:

(1) Air-ground communication facilities to enable direct, rapid, continuos and static-free two-way communication to take place in between aerodrome, approach area and appropriate equipped aircraft flying in the area of responsibility to permit direct pilot controller voice communications other by radio telephony and/ or data link.

(2) Emergency channel (121.5 MHz) or (406 MHz).

(3) Separate communication channels for the control of traffic operating on maneuvering area should be provided.

(b) Communication within flight information region.

(1) Communications shall be provided between air traffic service unit

(i) Area control;

(ii) Approach control;

(iii) Aerodrome control tower; and

(iv) ATS reporting offices.

(2) Air traffic control unit shall have facilities for communication with:

(i) Appropriate military unit;

(ii) Meteorological office;

(iii) Aeronautical telecommunications;

(iv) Operator’s offices;

(v) Rescue coordination center; and

(vi) Flight information center.

(3) Area control center shall have facilities for communication with all adjacent area control centers through regional air navigation agreements.

(1) Direct speech;

(2) Data link; and

(3) Combination with data link:

(i) For transfer of radar control communication shall be established in instantaneously; and

(ii) For other purposes within 15 seconds.

(4) Printed (no longer than 5 minutes);

(5) Computers and automatic recording should be provided in case of automatic transfer; and

(6) Video or audio communication.

172.151 Surface movement Radar (SMR)

Each applicant for the grant of an air traffic service certificate in respect of an aerodrome control service should establish procedures acceptable to the ECAA regarding the use of Surface Movement Radar (SMR).