Ray Blaszak

I am really looking for a technical answer from somebody who has done ATC first hand. I have a few questions that I am looking to be answered:

1.First, in controller training do they give you basic explanations of pilots emergencies? I mean I watched 121.5 and the controller didn't know what a double vaccum loss what or what it meant. Yes, the pilot could of explained it to her but, thats what I am talking about.

2. Also, how does all the chaos in the air get coordinated? I know you talk to people on landlines and stuff but, how do you manage to control 50+ airplanes and talk to other controllers?

3. Also, what is a TRSA? I have a basic idea from what I learned in PPL training.

Any insight would be helpful.

USMCFLYR

RB -

"1.First, in controller training do they give you basic explanations of pilots emergencies? I mean I watched 121.5 and the controller didn't know what a double vaccum loss what or what it meant. Yes, the pilot could of explained it to her but, thats what I am talking about."

I know I teach to let controllers know what limitations or restrictions you might have because of a certain emergency. They won't know (or very likely care) what your actual emergency is. Just let them know what you can and can't do and how they might help you. IMO CRM CM/AS.

USMCFLYR

rickair7777

Not a controller (there's only one who posts here regularly I think) but my buddy is...here's what I know:

1. They did not used to get any training on pilot emegencies, but a number of accidents raised awareness on that. They learn to recognize a stressed out pilot by his radio calls, and are taught how to prioritize that guy. In some cases they might have to declare the emergency because the pilot (although obviously terrified) is reluctant to do so. They also learn about inadvertent flight into IMC/icing/heavy Wx because they can often help direct an inexperienced/overloaded pilot out of that situation.

They don't get aircraft technical details...most larger airplanes don't even have vacuum systems, and the controller could not memorize all possible accessories on vacuum sysytems or electrical buses. YOU need to tell the controller what your problem is in terms he can understand. Vacuum failure = "I have lost primary heading and attitude instruments, please monitor my heading amd altitude for deviations".

2. They are pretty good at multi-tasking, I'm impressed when I go watch them work. If needed they can ignore a radio call while coordinating something...if it's important, the pilot will try again soon. Try to get a tour of a TRACON if you can at some point.

3. TRSA= Terminal Radar Service Area. It's a leftover from the old airspace system. It is the rough equivalent of class C airspace, but it does not have enough traffic to justify becoming class C. It does however, have terminal radar, so they provide terminal radar service in the general area. Participation is voluntary, but you'd be foolish not to contact them.

WANNABE

1. NO! In fact one accident I am somewhat familiar with maybe the one you are refering to. C210 in WX reports loss of vacum pump. Controller says something about vacum cleaners or hoover or ??? Fatal but the attorneys loved it. $$$$$

2. Between transmissions. Have you heard them say " Say again, I was off line"? They were probably coordinating or ???

3. What Rickair said.

ryan12480

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...ns/atc/at-cti/

Try that. Let me know if you need more information.