Chapter 7. En Route Data
Section
1. Performance Checks
7-1-1. RADAR PERFORMANCE CHECKS
Daily
radar performance checks and special radar accuracy checks of
long-range radar (LRR) systems used by FAA for ATC must be
accomplished as follows:
a. Radar
systems performance must be evaluated by radar-qualified air
traffic controllers through daily observations and use of the
radar systems. FAA Flight Check aircraft may be used to assist
the controller in performing radar checks. Controllers should
utilize Flight Check aircraft or targets of opportunity to
verify radar video and fixed map accuracy when necessary.
NOTE-
Neither the daily radar performance checks nor the special
radar accuracy checks replace commissioning and special flight
inspection. (See para 3-7-1, Commissioning Radar Facilities.)
b. Accuracy
of radar display systems must be certified on a daily basis.
For digitized (narrowband) radar systems, this check is
performed by the computer program and is certified daily by
Technical Operations personnel. Controllers must monitor the
acceptability of the digitized system by indirect methods;
e.g., stability and accuracy of presentation, visible alarm
lights, and accuracy of registration. Sector controllers must
report radar problems to the OS/CIC.
c. Narrowband
radar systems must not be used for operational purposes unless
they are certified by the appropriate Technical Operations
personnel. Uncertified radar subsystems must be inhibited from
an operational narrowband system. The OMIC must make an entry
on FAA Form 7230-4 when the digitized radar system is
certified and/or when the display from an uncertified radar
subsystem is inhibited or restored to the operational system.
7-1-2. SPECIAL RADAR ACCURACY CHECKS
a. When
these checks are made, consider video and fixed map accuracy.
To ensure a thorough understanding of the program and its
objectives by all personnel, close coordination is required
among air traffic and technical operations personnel. Initial
coordination for common digitizer radar accuracy flight checks
is effected by the Maintenance Control Center (MCC)
coordinator with the facility's test coordinator and Technical
Operations. Effect interfacility coordination and with the
ARTCC within which the Flight Check aircraft originates. Give
special attention to assure the unique assignment of a
discrete beacon code; i.e., assure that other aircraft within
the same radar coverage as the Flight Check aircraft are not
assigned the same beacon code and that the beacon code
assigned the Flight Check aircraft is not changed.
b. The
ARTCC air traffic manager must ensure that a sufficient number
of controllers are fully qualified to participate in the
special radar accuracy check. A detailed list of minimum
accuracy requirements of the radar must be made available to
the controller/s.
c. The
controller/s assigned to participate in these checks must be
thoroughly familiar with the requirements set forth herein as
well as the commissioning flight inspection data.
NOTE-
FAA aircraft normally operate on published routes.
d. When
necessary, ARTCC controllers must:
1. Check
the accuracy of as many of the predetermined checkpoints as
possible while the Flight Check aircraft is operating within
the area of radar coverage.
2. Request
the pilot to advise when he/she is over each predetermined
checkpoint. When these checks are being conducted, the pilot
must alert the controller that the checkpoint is being
approached and state “mark” when over the point.
3. Do
not change the previously assigned discrete beacon code.
e. Satisfactory
radar performance of video and fixed map accuracy will be such
that an aircraft reporting over a checkpoint will be within a
circular area about the checkpoint, the radius of which is
3 percent of the distance from the checkpoint to the radar
antenna site or 500 feet, whichever is greater.
1. Type radar system.
2. Date.
3. Aircraft
identification.
4. Type
aircraft.
5. Altitude/flight
level.
6. Aircraft
reported position.
7. Radar
indicated position.
8. Discrepancy.
9. Primary
or secondary radar.
10. CP
or LP. |
