Irish ATC Phraseology

ewan whose army

Hi

I am a GA Pilot who has recently moved to Dublin from the UK where I hold a JAA (EASA) PPL.

I am just about to start flying over here, but I can't seem to find a phraseology manual (Like the UK CAP 413), what does Ireland call Basic, Traffic services etc.

Does anyone know where I can get one from?

Bill G

Hi ewan,

This page gives a good summary:

http://johntoal.articlealley.com/air-traffic-control-services-in-ireland-2367658.html

As a GA pilot, when you are flying in uncontrolled airspace, the only service really available to you is the flight information service from Shannon or Dublin. Shannon does a good job of providing traffic information, Dublin less so since they are busier. On busy weekends if you contact Dublin ATC you will probably be handed off to a dedicated FIS frequency.

lomb

Why is foxtrot abbreviated fox here?

ewan whose army

lomb wrote: »

Why is foxtrot abbreviated fox here?

Its the same everywhere. Unofficially it shouldn't be, but I use Fox when I flew in the UK.

ewan whose army

Bill G wrote: »

Hi ewan,

This page gives a good summary:

http://johntoal.articlealley.com/air-traffic-control-services-in-ireland-2367658.html

As a GA pilot, when you are flying in uncontrolled airspace, the only service really available to you is the flight information service from Shannon or Dublin. Shannon does a good job of providing traffic information, Dublin less so since they are busier. On busy weekends if you contact Dublin ATC you will probably be handed off to a dedicated FIS frequency.

Similar to the UK , we have Air Ground, Airfield Flight Information service and obviously ATC.

Could Dublin or Shannon offer ATC outside of controlled airspace, such as a Flight Information Service en route? (Basic service in the UK) ?

LeftBase

ewan whose army wrote: »

Could Dublin or Shannon offer ATC outside of controlled airspace, such as a Flight Information Service en route? (Basic service in the UK) ?

Dublin Info 118.5

Shannon Info 127.5

lomb

There is LARS radar service in the UK for safe flight in IMC outside Controlled zones, no such service here?

nolow

In practice it's very straightforward here in Ireland. If you're not sure you can fall back on UK practices. ATC phraseology is essentially the same although you wouldn't know it when you hear some of the stuff that passes for R/T from some PPLs.:mad:

Both Shannon and Dublin can provide an FIS. As mentioned Dublin is often too busy to pay much attention to you although they will advise if the military zone R15/R16 are active. But not neccessarily any local traffic from Weston. Some local flights out of Weston don't even call Dublin.

Shannon usually has more time and will warn you of conflicting traffic if they can but they may not even have you on radar and if they're busy they simply won't have time.Some controllers are better than others particularly if they fly themselves. On initial contact with Dublin or Shannon simply call them with your call sign, altitude, position and destination adding that it's 'information only' if you're not on a flight plan. If you are on a flight plan then tell them your squawk.

Always have your ETA ready. They invariably ask and it's excruciating to hear someone call 'Stand by' following by a pregnant pause as he flaps around the cockpit in a panic trying to figure it out. :rolleyes:

Because most of the country is class G, there isn't even a requirement to call anyone and many pilots don't bother on local flights. Again Shannon will warn you if they see something on radar but don't depend on it particularly near airfields. For example Coonagh airfield is close to Shannon airport but often ATC won't be talking to them simply warning you that the see activity in the vicinity.

At regional airports with towers it's straightforward but again most don't have radar so accurate postion reports are essential for them if you're inbound or passing through.

As I said it's very straightforward and in the absence of complex airspace there's greater freedom than in Britain.

phonypony

nolow wrote: »

Always have your ETA ready. They invariably ask and it's excruciating to hear someone call 'Stand by' following by a pregnant pause as he flaps around the cockpit in a panic trying to figure it out. :rolleyes:

Not as painful as the all too often, 'Estimating ehhhhh..... Carrick-On...Ahhhhhhhh' Click. 'Standby'.