AMC3 ADR.OPS.B.024(b) Authorisation of vehicle drivers

RADIOTELEPHONY

(a) Any driver who will be operating on the manoeuvring area should undertake and complete a radiotelephony training, demonstrating both theoretical knowledge and practical competency in voice communication procedures.

(b) Theoretical training

The theoretical training should emphasise on the following areas:

(1) Categories of messages

Message categories and priorities; an understanding of distress, alerting, control and information messages.

(2) Use of phonetic alphabet

Correct pronunciation and transmission of letters, words and numbers.

(3) Use of standard phraseology

(i) emphasis on the need for drivers to use standard phraseology; and

(ii) the need for caution with certain phrases such as ‘cleared’ and ‘go ahead’.

(4) Use of call signs for aircraft, air traffic services, and vehicles

(i) understanding of terminology and acronyms used by air traffic services and pilots;

(ii) knowledge of the airline call signs used at the aerodrome; and

(iii) knowledge of the vehicle call signs used at the aerodrome.

(5) Read-back procedures

The need for vehicle drivers to use standard read back, in the same manner as pilots, for instructions such as ‘enter/cross the runway’, and if conditional clearances are used.

(6) Test procedures including readability scale

Understanding and use of the readability scale from 1 to 5.

(7) Transmitting techniques and use of radiotelephony

(i) understanding the reasons for listening out prior to transmitting;

(ii) use of standard phraseology and ICAO air-ground radiotelephony communication procedures;

(iii) words and sounds to be avoided;

(iv) correct positioning of microphones to avoid voice distortion;

(v) avoidance of ‘clipped’ transmissions;

(vi) awareness of regional accents and variations of speech; and

(vii) speed of delivery of RTF phraseology.

(c) Practical training

In this phase, the training should cover the use of fixed and portable radio communication devices, and the practical use of the theoretical knowledge acquired in the previous phase of the training, through the implementation of the aerodrome’s communication procedures.

The practical training on radiotelephony may be provided in the course of an overall practical training, which involves the training on the use of vehicles or specialised vehicle/equipment associated with the driver’s task, or training on the operating procedures of the aerodrome, etc.