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 shall be accomplished as follows:
a. Radar
systems performance shall 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 shall not be used for operational purposes unless they are
certified by the appropriate Technical Operations personnel. Uncertified
radar subsystems shall be inhibited from an operational narrowband system.
The OMIC shall 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 insure 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall:
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 shall 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.
|