9
DGCA CPL / ATPL Ground School

Use of Air Traffic Services
Surveillance System

Doc 4444 (PANS-ATM) & AIP India — Complete Study Notes

Prepared by Capt. Pankaj Pahil
Subject Air Regulations
Reference Doc 4444 / AIP India
Chapter 9 — Pages 215–226

📋 Table of Contents

  1. Introduction — ATS Surveillance Overview
  2. ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance — Broadcast)
  3. ADS-C (Automatic Dependent Surveillance — Contract)
  4. Advantages of ADS-B
  5. MLAT (Multilateration) Applications
  6. Radar Applications
  7. Use of ATS Surveillance in ATC Service
  8. ATS Identification Procedures
  9. PSR Identification Procedures
  10. Separation Minima (ICAO & India)
  11. Speed Control Procedures
  12. Termination of ATS Surveillance Service
  13. SSR Transponder Operating Procedures
  14. Mode C / ADS-B Altitude Verification
  15. Practice Questions & Answers
§ 01

Introduction — ATS Surveillance Systems

📡 What is an ATS Surveillance System?

ATS Surveillance System is a generic term covering any ground-based system that enables the identification of aircraft to provide Air Traffic Services. It encompasses:

ATS Surveillance System Family ATS Surveillance PSR Primary Surveillance Radar SSR Secondary Surveillance Radar ADS-B Auto Dependent Surveillance — Broadcast MLAT Multilateration TDOA-based ⚠ ADS-C is DIFFERENT from ADS-B ADS-C is point-to-point (not broadcast)
Fig 1.1 — The ATS Surveillance System family and their key distinctions

When is PSR Used?

⚠️ PSR Usage Rule

PSR systems should be used in circumstances where other ATS surveillance systems alone would not meet the air traffic services requirements.

PSR is the supplementary backstop — not the primary tool in modern ATC.

When Can SSR Be Used Alone?

✅ SSR Alone — Conditions for Separation

SSR systems (especially those with monopulse techniques or Mode S capability), or MLAT, may be used alone — including for separation between aircraft — provided both conditions are met:


§ 02

ADS-B — Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast

📡 Definition — ADS-B

ADS-B, like PSR and SSR, is an ATS surveillance system. It allows ATC to automatically and repeatedly access data from all suitably equipped aircraft and both use and re-broadcast it to suitably equipped other aircraft within range.

🔑 Key Points — ADS-B

§ 03

ADS-C — Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Contract

📋 Definition — ADS-C

ADS-C uses the same on-board systems as ADS-B to transmit similar information (position, altitude, speed, navigational intent, meteorological data) — but only to one or more specific Air Traffic Services Units (ATSU) or Aeronautical Operational Control (AOC) facilities — for surveillance and/or route conformance monitoring.

ADS-B (Broadcast)

  • Signal goes to ALL receivers within range
  • Used by ATC and other aircraft (TCAS/traffic display)
  • No specific "contract" required
  • Suitable for busy, high-density airspace
  • Ground stations re-broadcast to other aircraft

ADS-C (Contract)

  • Signal goes to specific ATSUs / AOC only
  • Based on an ADS contract between aircraft & ground
  • Contract defines type of data and reporting conditions
  • Used for oceanic / remote area surveillance
  • Aircraft can also send unsolicited emergency reports
⚠️ Critical Exam Distinction

Although the names are similar, ADS-C and ADS-B are two different applications.

Data provision under ADS-C is only generated in response to a request within the terms of an ADS contract held by the ground system. The contract identifies the types of information and the conditions under which reports are sent.

Some information types are included in every report; others are provided only if specified in the contract.


§ 04

Advantages of ADS-B

✅ Advantages — ADS-B (The Full List)

§ 05

MLAT — Multilateration Applications

📡 Definition — MLAT

Multilateration (MLAT) is a technology to accurately locate aircraft using Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA). It employs a number of ground stations placed in strategic locations around an airport.

How MLAT Works — Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) Aircraft Station 1 Receives at T₁ Station 2 Receives at T₂ Station 3 Receives at T₃ Central Processor → Calculates Position
Fig 5.1 — MLAT calculates aircraft position by measuring Time Difference of Arrival at multiple ground stations
🔑 MLAT Key Points

§ 06

Radar Applications

🔑 Radar Vectors — Headings

Radar vectors given to an aircraft will be related to magnetic headings only.

Radar control procedures will be used by ATC in preference to non-radar control procedures whenever ATS or the aircraft served will gain operational advantage.

Types of Radar Services

🎯

(i) Radar Control Service

For aircraft operating within controlled airspaces

💡

(ii) Radar Advisory Service

For aircraft operating within Class F airspace

ℹ️

(iii) Radar Flight Information Service

For identified aircraft operating in any part of FIR

⚠️ Two-Way Communication Requirement

The provision of any of the above types of radar service requires that aircraft remain in direct two-way communication with the unit providing the service.

Exception: Radar separation may be provided between two radar-identified aircraft even when only one of the aircraft is in direct communication with the radar unit.

Radar in Approach Control Service

✅ Approach Control — Radar Uses

Surveillance Radar is extensively used in approach control to:

Radar in Aerodrome Control Service

✅ Aerodrome Control — Radar Uses

Position Indication Display Formats

📺 How Position May Be Displayed

Position indications may be displayed as:


§ 07

Use of ATS Surveillance Service in Air Traffic Control Service

✅ Primary Purposes of ATS Surveillance Service

Provide radar service to:


Provide radar vectoring to:


Provide separation and maintain normal flow when an aircraft experiencing communication failure is within area of ATS surveillance service coverage.


Monitor the progress of air traffic in order to:

Use of SSR Without Primary Radar

📡 SSR Alone — Separation Provision

SSR information may be used alone in the provision of separation between aircraft provided:

⚠️ Non-Transponder Aircraft — Non-Radar Separation

Non-radar separation will be applied between:

✅ Transponder Failure Procedures
  1. Failure detected during flight: The aircraft (for whom carriage of transponder is mandatory) will normally be permitted to continue to operate to the next point of landing.
  2. Failure detected before departure: The aircraft may be specifically authorised by ATC to operate without a serviceable transponder — provided a request is included in the flight plan.

§ 08

ATS Surveillance Service Identification Procedures

⚠️ Mandatory Rule — Identification Before Service

Before providing ATS surveillance service to an aircraft, radar identification shall be established by one of the methods in Doc 4444-PANS-ATM, and the pilot so informed.

If identification is subsequently lost, the pilot shall be informed accordingly and instructions will be issued so as to restore non-ATS surveillance service separation.

ADS-B Identification Procedures

Where ADS-B is used for identification, aircraft may be identified by:

📡 ADS-B — Identification Methods (3 Methods)

SSR and/or MLAT Identification Procedures

Where SSR and/or MLAT is used for identification, aircraft may be identified by:

📡 SSR/MLAT — Identification Methods (6 Methods)

§ 09

PSR Identification Procedures

When SSR is not available, PSR identification may be achieved by the following methods:

Method 1 — Position Report Method

✅ Position Report Method

By correlating a particular radar position indication with an aircraft reporting:

Method 2 — Departing Aircraft Method

✅ Departing Aircraft Method

By correlating an observed radar position indication with an aircraft known to have just departed, provided that:

Method 3 — The Turn Method

✅ The Turn Method

(a) An aircraft may be identified by ascertaining the aircraft heading, if circumstances require, and following a period of track observation by:

(b) When using these methods, the radar controller shall:

PSR ID Method Key Requirement Critical Limit
Position Report Aircraft reports position over / bearing & distance from a known point Track must be consistent with reported heading/path
Departing Aircraft Aircraft known to have just departed a runway Within 1 NM from end of runway used
Turn Method Aircraft executes an instructed heading change 30° or more heading change

§ 10

Separation Minima

⚠️ Separation Minima — Core Rule

The separation minima specified shall only be applied between identified aircraft when there is reasonable assurance that identification will be maintained.

When is Procedural (Non-Radar) Separation Applied?

⚠️ Procedural Separation Minima Will Be Applied In:

ICAO Separation Minima — Radar / ADS-B / MLAT

📐 Horizontal Separation Minima — Visual Scale

Condition Separation Minimum Authority Notes
Standard (Default) — Radar / ADS-B / MLAT 9.3 km (5.0 NM) ICAO Unless otherwise prescribed
Reduced — where capabilities at a given location so permit 5.6 km (3.0 NM) ICAO May be reduced but not below this minimum (unless category (b) applies)
Further Reduced — Succeeding aircraft on same final approach track within 18.5 km (10 NM) of runway end threshold 4.6 km (2.5 NM) ICAO Provided local factors permit such reduction
Horizontal Radar Separation Minima — ICAO Visual Scale A/C 1 2.5 NM 4.6 km (Final Approach) 3.0 NM 5.6 km (Reduced Min.) 5.0 NM 9.3 km (Standard Min.) Minimum gap possible
Fig 10.1 — ICAO Horizontal Radar Separation Minima (Note: values decrease from standard to final approach minimum)
⚠️ Critical Exam Values — Memorise These
MinimumNMkmCondition
Standard Horizontal 5.0 NM 9.3 km Default — Radar / ADS-B / MLAT
Reduced 3.0 NM 5.6 km Where ATS authority permits; local capabilities
Final Approach (same track) 2.5 NM 4.6 km Within 10 NM (18.5 km) of runway threshold; local factors permit
Departing Aircraft ID 1 NM PSR ID must be established within 1 NM of runway end
Turn Method heading change 30° or more

India — Separation Minima

🇮🇳 DGCA / AIP India — Separation Minima

DGCA For separation minima based on ATS surveillance systems in India, please refer to Chapter Six of the Air Regulations text.

The ICAO standard of 5.0 NM / 9.3 km applies unless otherwise prescribed by the appropriate ATS authority.

MLAT and PSR Blip Separation Application

✅ Separation Using MLAT Symbols / PSR Blips

Separation based on the use of MLAT position symbols and PSR blips shall be applied so that:

The distance between the centres of the position symbols and PSR blips, representing the positions of the aircraft concerned, is never less than a prescribed minimum.


§ 11

Speed Control Procedures

⚠️ Speed Control — Mandatory Limits (AIP India)
Speed Control — Below 10,000 ft (AIP India) Below 10,000 ft — All A/C → MAX 250 KT IAS Within 15 NM of VOR/DME Below 10,000 ft Arrivals → MAX 220 KT IAS 🛬
Fig 11.1 — Speed control zones below 10,000 ft per AIP India
✅ ATC Suspension of Speed Control

ATC may suspend speed control by using the phrase:

"NO SPEED RESTRICTION"

This suspension applies when traffic conditions permit.


§ 12

Termination of ATS Surveillance Service

⚠️ Termination — Mandatory Notification

An aircraft that has been informed it is provided with ATS surveillance service should be informed immediately when for any reason ATS surveillance service is interrupted or terminated.

✅ Automatic Termination — Arriving Aircraft

ATS surveillance service is automatically terminated when an arriving aircraft receiving ATS surveillance service has been instructed to contact tower frequency.

Important: Position of aircraft from touchdown should be given to the aircraft before changing over the aircraft to tower.


§ 13

SSR Transponder — Operating Procedures (India)

⚠️ Transponder Operation — Mandatory Rule (India)

DGCA All aircraft carrying a serviceable transponder shall operate the transponder at all times during flight within Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata and Mumbai FIR — regardless of whether the aircraft is within or outside airspace where SSR is used for ATS.

Operating Procedures — Pilots

✅ Transponder Mode & Code Procedures
🔑 Emergency / Special Transponder Codes — Memorise
CodeConditionMeaning
7700 Emergency General Emergency (distress)
7600 Communication Failure (Radio Failure) NORDO — Lost communication
7500 Unlawful Interference Hijack / Unlawful seizure of aircraft
2000 No SSR code assigned Default code before entry into Indian FIR
🧠 Memory Aid — Emergency Codes

"7700 — Sevens, SAVE ME (Distress)"
"7600 — SIXES, SILENT (Radio Failure)"
"7500 — FIVE, HIJACK ALIVE (Unlawful Interference)"

Or remember: 7700 ➜ Emergency | 7600 ➜ Comms fail | 7500 ➜ Hijack


§ 14

Mode C / ADS-B Altitude Verification

⚠️ Altitude Tolerance Values — Exact DGCA/ICAO Values
Airspace TypeTolerance (metres)Tolerance (feet)
RVSM Airspace ±60 m ±200 ft
Other (non-RVSM) Airspace ±90 m ±300 ft
ATS Authority may specify smaller criterion But not less than ±60 m (±200 ft)
🔑 Geometric Height — Separation Rule

Geometric height information shall NOT be used for separation.

Only pressure-altitude-derived level information and Mode C / ADS-B altitude data transmission are used for verification and separation.

Verification Procedure — Step by Step

✅ Mode C / ADS-B Altitude Verification Procedure
📻 ATC Phraseology — Stop Mode C

If the Mode C discrepancy continues after confirmation:

"STOP SQUAWK CHARLIE. WRONG INDICATION" "STOP ADS-B ALTITUDE DATA TRANSMISSION (WRONG)"
DIAGRAM

ATS Identification — Decision Flowchart

ATS Surveillance Service — Identification Method Selection ATS Service Required ADS-B Available? Is ADS-B equipped? YES ADS-B ID a) ADS-B label b) Transfer c) IDENT NO SSR / MLAT? Transponder equipped? YES SSR/MLAT ID a–f: Code, IDENT, Mode S, Transfer... (6 methods) NO PSR Identification Required ① Position Report Report over/bearing from a known point ② Departing A/C Within 1 NM of runway end ③ Turn Method 30° or more heading change instruction PILOT INFORMED → Service Provided
Fig — ATS Surveillance Identification Method Decision Flow

§ 15

Practice Questions & Detailed Answers

📝 Exam Practice — All 21 Questions from Chapter 9

All questions are drawn directly from the DGCA/Doc 4444 question bank. Green-highlighted options are correct answers. Review the regulatory basis after each answer.

Q.01The minimum radar separation to be provided to aircraft established on the localizer course shall be:
  • A 2.0 NM between aircraft on adjacent localizer course
  • B 2.5 NM between aircraft on the same localizer course
  • C 5.0 NM between aircraft on the same localizer course
✅ Answer: B — 2.5 NM (4.6 km) is the minimum radar separation on the same final approach / localizer track within 10 NM of the runway threshold. This is the reduced minimum permitted when local factors allow.
Q.02Unless otherwise prescribed by the appropriate ATS authority, the horizontal radar separation minimum prescribed by ICAO shall be:
  • A 3.5 NM
  • B 8 NM
  • C 5.0 NM
✅ Answer: C — Unless otherwise prescribed, the horizontal separation minimum based on radar and/or ADS-B and/or MLAT systems shall be 9.3 km (5.0 NM) per ICAO Doc 4444.
Q.03Where ADS-B is used for identification, aircraft may be identified by the following procedure:
  • A Asking him to squawk assigned Mode A code C
  • B Direct recognition of the aircraft identification in an ADS-B label
  • C Recognition of an assigned discrete code, the setting of which has been verified
✅ Answer: B — Option C is an SSR/MLAT identification procedure, not ADS-B. ADS-B identification uses: (a) direct recognition in ADS-B label, (b) transfer of ADS-B identification, (c) TRANSMIT ADS-B IDENT compliance.
Q.04An aircraft is considered to be maintaining its assigned level as long as the SSR mode C derived level information indicated that it is within:
  • A +/- 500 ft of the assigned level in non-RVSM airspace
  • B +/- 200 ft of the assigned level in RVSM airspace
  • C +/- 300 ft of the assigned level in RVSM airspace
✅ Answer: B — RVSM airspace tolerance is ±60 m (±200 ft). Non-RVSM is ±90 m (±300 ft). Note: Option B states 200 ft for RVSM which is correct per the text (±200 ft). ⚠️ Some interpretations use ±300 ft for non-RVSM. Per the source document: RVSM = ±200 ft; Other = ±300 ft.
Q.05An aircraft in climb or descent is considered to have crossed a level when the SSR mode C derived level information indicates that it has passed this level in the required direction by:
  • A +/- 300 ft
  • B More than 300 ft
  • C 300 ft
✅ Answer: B — The aircraft is considered to have crossed a level when SSR Mode C indicates it has passed through in the required direction by more than 300 ft (which aligns with the non-RVSM tolerance of ±300 ft / 90 m).
Q.06Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) information may be used alone in the provision of separation between aircraft provided:
  • A Instructions to pilot are acknowledged by him by making specific maneuver(s)
  • B Aircraft identification is established and maintained by use of discrete SSR codes
  • C It cannot be used for providing separation
✅ Answer: B — SSR alone can be used for separation provided aircraft identification is established and maintained by use of discrete SSR codes.
Q.07Radar identification of a departing aircraft can be achieved if a radar blip is observed within a certain distance from the end of the runway. Identification has to be achieved within:
  • A 1 NM
  • B 3 NM
  • C 5 NM
✅ Answer: A — PSR identification using the departing aircraft method must be established within 1 NM from the end of the runway used.
Q.08Separation based on the use of MLAT position symbols and PSR blips shall be applied so that:
  • A The distance between the centres of the position symbols and PSR blips, representing the positions of the aircraft concerned, is never less than a prescribed minimum
  • B The distance between the edges of the position symbols and PSR blips... is never less than a prescribed minimum
  • C The distance between the furthest edges... is never more than a prescribed minimum
✅ Answer: A — Separation is measured between the centres of the position symbols and PSR blips. The distance between centres must never be less than the prescribed minimum.
Q.09The air traffic control unit has reported "radar contact". What does that mean to the pilot?
  • A The aircraft is subject to positive control
  • B Position reports may be omitted
  • C The radar identity of the aircraft has been established
✅ Answer: C — "Radar contact" means the radar identity of the aircraft has been established. Further services are then provided based on this identification. Position reports may be omitted only when ATC specifically advises this.
Q.10When a RADAR operator says the following to an aircraft: "fly heading 030°", the pilot must fly heading:
  • A 030° magnetic in still air conditions (thereby flying the magnetic track)
  • B 030° compass in still air conditions (thereby flying the compass heading)
  • C 030° true, in still air conditions (thereby flying the true track)
✅ Answer: B — Radar vectors are related to magnetic headings only. The pilot flies the magnetic heading as indicated on the compass. In still air (no wind), the magnetic heading equals the magnetic track.
Q.11Which code shall be used on Mode "A" to provide recognition of an aircraft subjected to unlawful interference?
  • A Code 7700
  • B Code 7600
  • C Code 7500
✅ Answer: C — 7500 = Unlawful Interference (Hijack). 7700 = Emergency. 7600 = Radio/Communication Failure.
Q.12Upon intercepting the assigned radial, the controller advises you that you are on the airway and to "resume own navigation". This phrase means that:
  • A Radar services are terminated and you will be responsible for position reports
  • B You are to assume responsibility for your own navigation
  • C You are to contact the center at the next reporting point
✅ Answer: B — "Resume own navigation" means you assume responsibility for your own navigation (self-navigate using your instruments/FMS). Radar service itself may continue, but you navigate independently using the assigned route.
Q.13What does the ATC term "radar contact" signify?
  • A Your aircraft has been identified on the radar display and radar flight instructions will be provided until radar identification is terminated
  • B You will be given traffic advisories until advised that the service has been terminated or that radar contact has been lost
  • C ATC is receiving your transponder and will furnish vectors and traffic advisories until you are advised that contact has been lost
✅ Answer: A — "Radar contact" = aircraft identified on radar display. Radar flight instructions (which may include vectors and traffic advisories) will be provided until radar identification is terminated.
Q.14Where a "Secondary Surveillance Radar" (SSR) is not available, radar identification may be achieved by one of the following procedures:
  • A To instruct the pilot to execute one or more changes of 10°
  • B To instruct the pilot to execute one or more changes of 45°
  • C To instruct the pilot to execute one or more changes of 30° or more
✅ Answer: C — The Turn Method (PSR only) requires 30° or more heading change(s) to correlate the radar position with the specific aircraft.
Q.15When "Secondary Radar" is used, an aircraft may be identified by one of the following procedures:
  • A To request pilot to set transponder on position "OFF"
  • B To request pilot to switch from "ON" to "STBY"
  • C Observation of compliance with an instruction to operate transponder from "ON" to "STBY" and back to "ON"
✅ Answer: C — SSR identification by switching from ON → STBY → ON is equivalent to "squawk IDENT" type compliance verification. This correlates the radar response disappearance and reappearance with the specific aircraft.
Q.16The Air Traffic Control Service: do not prevent collisions with terrain.
  • A Wrong, they do prevent collisions with terrain
  • B Except when an aircraft is flying IFR in IMC
  • C Correct, except when an IFR flight is vectored by radar
✅ Answer: C — ATC does not generally prevent terrain collisions. However, when an IFR flight is being vectored by radar, the controller is responsible for providing terrain clearance, as the pilot is following ATC instructions rather than the published procedures that guarantee terrain clearance.
Q.17Which code shall be used on mode "A" to provide recognition of an emergency aircraft?
  • A Code 7600
  • B Code 7500
  • C Code 7700
✅ Answer: C — 7700 = Emergency (Distress / Urgency). This is the universal emergency transponder code recognised worldwide.
Q.18One of the functions ensured by a radar control unit for the provision of approach control service is:
  • A To conduct surveillance radar approaches
  • B To apply a horizontal separation less than 5 NM
  • C To provide instructions in order to reduce separations minima, if accepted by the pilots
✅ Answer: A — Surveillance radar is extensively used in approach control to conduct surveillance radar approaches (SRA), sequence traffic, and vector aircraft to position for approaches.
Q.19The primary duty provided by a radar unit is:
  • A To assist aircraft on the location of storms
  • B To provide radar separation
  • C To assist aircraft where navigation appears unsatisfactory
✅ Answer: B — The primary duty of a radar unit is to provide radar separation between identified aircraft — this is the core safety function of ATS surveillance service in ATC.
Q.20What is meant when departure control instructs you to "resume own navigation" after you have been vectored to an airway?
  • A Advisories will no longer be issued by ATC
  • B You are still in radar contact, but must make position reports
  • C You should maintain that airway by use of your navigation equipment
✅ Answer: C — "Resume own navigation" after being vectored to an airway means you should now maintain the airway using your own navigation equipment (VOR, FMS, GPS etc). You are responsible for staying on track.
Q.21All aircraft carrying serviceable transponder shall operate the transponder:
  • A At all times during flight, regardless of whether the aircraft is within or outside airspace where SSR is used for ATS purposes
  • B Only when the aircraft is flying within airspace where SSR is used for ATS purposes
  • C As and when required by the pilot
✅ Answer: A — Per DGCA / AIP India: All aircraft carrying a serviceable transponder shall operate the transponder at all times during flight within Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata and Mumbai FIR — regardless of whether SSR is used for ATS in that specific area.
SUMMARY

Quick Reference — All Critical Values

ParameterValueCondition / Notes
Standard Horizontal Separation (ICAO) 5.0 NM / 9.3 km Radar / ADS-B / MLAT — default
Reduced Horizontal Separation 3.0 NM / 5.6 km Where ATS authority permits; local capability
Final Approach Separation (same track) 2.5 NM / 4.6 km Within 10 NM (18.5 km) of runway threshold; local factors permit
Departing Aircraft PSR ID — limit 1 NM Must identify within 1 NM from end of runway
Turn Method — minimum heading change 30° or more For PSR identification when SSR unavailable
RVSM altitude tolerance (Mode C / ADS-B) ±200 ft / ±60 m RVSM airspace — hard limit
Non-RVSM altitude tolerance (Mode C / ADS-B) ±300 ft / ±90 m Non-RVSM airspace; ATS may specify smaller
Speed limit — below 10,000 ft (all flights) 250 KT IAS AIP India — arrivals and departures
Speed limit — arrivals within 15 NM of VOR/DME 220 KT IAS AIP India — below 10,000 ft
Emergency transponder code 7700 Distress / General Emergency
Radio failure transponder code 7600 Communication failure (NORDO)
Unlawful interference transponder code 7500 Hijack / Unlawful seizure
Default code (no SSR assigned) — India Mode A3 — 2000 Before entry into Chennai/Delhi/Guwahati/Kolkata/Mumbai FIR
Transponder on ground — when to operate? Only on/off runway Enter runway for T/O; till vacating after landing
Radar vectors — heading reference Magnetic only All radar vectoring uses magnetic headings