343ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS 344ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS INTRODUCTION. Even when flown for recreation andior sport, most aircraft taday, however basic thelr instrument fit, carty radios, Radiotelephony is, of course, by far the most efficient method for airoraft and Air Traffic Service Units to communicate between themselves. Indeed, for several decades past, most large aerodromes and airfields have insisted that aircraft operating into or cut of them be equipped with standard VHF radios. Nowadays, then, itis routine for a pilot to obtain information and instructions for the safe conduct of his flight aver the radio. Consequently, if a pilot suffers radio failure, he is likely immediately to find himself hindered in the progress of his flight. If either he or his aircrafts in trouble, the absence of radio may make the situation extremely critical It is, therefore, vitally important for the pilot to be able to understand the various forms and meanings of the signals that may be made by Air Traffic Control Services, or for that matter by anyone else, for the attention of aircraft. The pilot may also need to signal to people on the ground concerning his own situation andfor intentions. It is the aim of this Annex to describe the different type of signals that are used for ait-ground and ground-air communications. For the most part, the signals are visual signals in the form of lights or pictograms. Distress messages passed by Radiotelephony are dealt with fully in Volume T of this series: ‘Radiotelephony’ Signals will be presented in this Annex which cover the following situations: + Distress & Urgency Signals. + Signals For Use in the Event of Interception. + Signals Pertinent to Restricted, Prohibited and Danger Areas. + Light Signals Between Aircraft and Air Traffic Service Units. + Acknowledgement Signals by Aircraft in the Air. +The Signals Square. : Marshalling Signals ~ Marshaller to Pilot. : Marshalling Signals — Pilot to Marshaller. DISTRESS & URGENCY. ‘When an aircraft which is airborne is in distress or urgency, the situation is tense and a pilot often needs to think primarily about flying the aircraft. If he is also experiencing radio failure, the situation is made even more critical The following methods of signalling distress and urgency may seem to be desperate measures and, in the case of pyrotechnics and flares, to offer a highly impractical solution to the light aircraft pilot. However, a pilot who can signal an emergency to the ground by any means whatsoever may just manage to create the conditions which prevent disaster. Therefore, the following signals are included in this Annex. Of course, a pilot may be on the ground when he needs to make a distress or urgency signal; or else someone on the ground may wish to signal to an aircraft. In this case, a difficult situation is made slighily easier. 345ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS Even if the radio is working, it is desirable, in an emergency, that the pilot should express his predicament, at least partially, in a simple-to-understand code which is unable to be misinterpreted. And, of course, the pilot's top priority in an emergency situation is to fly the aircraft, not to worry about the words he is using on the radio. Distress Signals. The following signals, used either together or separately, mean that grave and imminent danger threatens, and immediate assistance is requested: Visual signaling, or signaling by any other meted, the leters SOS inthe Morse Code(...———.- 1). series of red pyrotechnic lights, fired one at a time at short intervals. ‘A parachute flare showing @ red light (see Figure A-1, page 344). If the pilot is able to fly a pattem which would be identified by a ground radar station, he should fly equilateral triangles to the left and watch out for the arrival of a shepherd aircraft (see Figure A-2) ALL TURNS 120° AND AS TIGHT AS PRACTICABLE Figure A-2 Distress - if you are able to fy a pattern, fly equilateral tangles to the eft If your radio has failed, but you suspect that the radio's carrier wave is still transmitting, signal the letters SOS with your microphone switch, Select the SSR Code 7700 on your transponder Urgency Signals. The following signals, used either together or separately, mean thatan aircraft wishes to give notice of difficulties which compel it to land, without requiring immediate assistance The repeated switching on and-off of the landing lights. The repeated switching on and off of the navigation lights in such a manner a to be distinct from flashing navigation lights. In order to indicate an urgency situation regarding your own aircraft or regarding another vessel, vehicle or aircraft, signal the letters XXX — . .) with your landing lights (=.= 346ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS Ground-Air Signals for use by Survivors of a Downed Aircraft. Ground to air signals for use by survivors of a dawned aircraft, or for use by rescue teams, may be constructed by any means available. These signals are depicted below. The minimum length of the arms of a signal should be 8 feet (2.5 metres). A Vi Require Assistance SK ei mosten asintanes N No or Negative Yes or Affirmative Proceeding in this direction Figure 4-2 Distress Signals - Ground ta Air, for use by survivors. Caen |_| L_ operation compitea LL weave foun ait personne! ++ We have found only some personnel SX KWo ae not abet continue. Returning to base To oz led into two groups. Each proceeding Information received that aircraft is in this direction. AN iim cece! Figure A-4 Distress Signals - Ground to Air, for use by rescue teams. 347ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS SIGNALS FOR USE IN THE EVENT OF INTERCEPTION. Introduction. The United Kingdom Air Navigation Order stipulates that on international flights all aircraft must carry a copy of ‘Signals for Use in the Event of Interception’. These are detailed in the UK AIP ENR 1- 12. The table below summarises the signals and procedures to be used, but the important point is that the law requires the pilot to carry the appropriate documentation with him. The reason why a pilot needs to know these interception signals when flying internationally is that each ICAO contracting state reserves the right, for reasons of military necessity or public safety, to restrict or prohibit the aircraft from other states from flying over certain areas of its territory. A state may , therefore, wish to investigate the identity of aircraft and perhaps lead the intercepted aircraft away from a particular area or require it to land at a particular aerodrome. Signals Initiated by intercepting Aircraft and Responses by Intercepted Aircraft. Respont 4. DAY or NIGHT Youhave | DAY or NIGHT Understood, Rocking aieraft and flashing navigation | been Rocking aircraft, lashing | wil comply lights at regular intervals (and landing igh | irtorcepted. | navigation lights at inthe case a a halcopter) rom a postion iragolarintorals and slighty above and aneed of and normally to | Fallow me. | follwing the lef of, the intercept aircraft (oro the fight if the interapad aircrat = a helicopter) and, ator acknowledgement, asiow love! um, normally to the lat. (oro the right in ‘he case ofa helicopter) onto the desired roading. 2. DAY or NIGHT Youmay | DAY or NIGHT. Undersioo, ‘An abrupt break-away manceuvee rom the | proceed. Recking the sieerat. | will comply. intercepted areraft consisting ofa climbing turn of 80 degrees or more without crossing ‘the lng of fight ofthe intercaplod aircraft 3. DAY or NIGHT Tandatthis | DAY or NIGHT Understood Lowering landing gear fed), showing | aerodreme. Lowering landing gear, | wil comply steady lancing lights and over-fiving (rtea), showing runway in use 0: the intercepted arcratt steady landing ighis ang Isa helicooter overfiving he helicopter following the ntercepting landing area. In the case of helicopters, aircraft and, ister the intercepting helcopter makes a landing ‘ver fying the runway approach, coming to over near to he Inuse or helicopter landing area. Janging area, ising Js considered sate, proceeding to land 348ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS Signals Initiated by the Intercepted Aircraft and Responses by Intercepting Aircraft. INTERCEPTED Aircraft Signals | Meaning | INTERCEPTING Aircraft| Meaning rn “4. DAY or NIGHT ‘aerodrome | DAY or NIGHT. Understood Raising landing gear i fited) and younave” | fitisdesied thatthe | follow me. flashing landing lignts while passing | designated is_| intercapted aircraft follow over runway in-use, or helicopter landing | inadequate. | the intercepting ara to area, ata height excseding ‘an aliomate aerodrome, 300 m (1 000 ft} but not exceeding 600 the interoepting airrat ‘(2000 8) (in the case of helicopter, rages ts landing gear aL height axceeding 0 m {ifite) and uses {170 nj but not exceading 100 m (330 ‘he Series 1 signals fy) above the aerodrome teve, and proscibed for ‘continuing fo ete runway in use oF Intereopting arora hellcopterlanaing area. If unable flash landing ight, flash any other lights Iris decised to release avaliable the intercepted aircraft | Understood the intercepting acre’ | you may uses tha Series 2 proceed signals prescribed for intercepting aera “5 DAY or NIGHT ‘Cannat DAY or NIGHT Undersi008 Regular switching on ane off ofall ‘comply Use Seres 2 signals availabe ights but in such a manner as preserbed for intercepting fe be distinct rom flashing ights areraft DAY or NIGHT ndsess | DAY or NIGHT Understood Irregular lashing of ail avaliable lights Use Series 2 signals preserbed for intercepting ‘reat SIGNALS FROM RESTRICTED, PROHIBITED OR DANGER AREAS. By day and by night, a series of projectiles discharged from the ground at intervals of 10 seconds, each showing, on bursting, red and green lights or stars will indicate to an unauthorized aircrafl that itis flying in, or about to enter, a restricted, prohibited or danger area, and that the aircraft is to take such remedial action as may be necessary, 349ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS LIGHT SIGNALS BETWEEN AIRCRAFT AND AIR TRAFFIC SERVICE UNITS. The following signals may be made between an Air Traffic Services Unit (ATSU) and aircraft in the air or on the ground. The meaning of signals between an ATSU and vehicles on the aerodrome is also given. [Signal Senay eign proat ovens senacares- es | fa tom over er| sos De na land Gwe way ater atcat contnun cig Flashing red igh to [Donaiens | | The corsrone ‘eunavatate fr lansing ase ince - eo LD Move ces of he Tanding 20a Signal Fiashieg green ight to larra cr voice. Ret io aerodrome await | landing dlearance 7 * o - ‘Glare wxlmove ‘onthe manoesting * - in 6. 360ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS Signal Steady oreo or ashing pfeen or green fare rom ern By Ne May Land? Lom Eee 8) Day-May ndn g | etree, so ‘rar ene? ‘rahe o Se. fs ee ie Tana here on roca of sloady seen and avat other nsttons Return he stating pont 361ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS [Sint ———* ite tac rom aera | oriregiarsvcing of | owgaton orlonng | gh j ‘olen ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY AN AIRCRAFT. ‘When an ATSU has passed a signal to an aircraft in the air or on the ground, by lights or pyrotechnics, the aircraft will acknowledge the signal in the following manner. When in flight: : During the hours of daylight: by rocking the aircraft's wings. (NB: This signal should not be expected on the base and final legs of the approach.) : During the hours of darkness: by flashing on and off twice the aircraft's, landing lights or, if not so equipped, by switching on and off twice its navigation lights, When on the ground: + During the hours of daylight: by moving the aircraft's ailerons or rudder + During the hours of darkness: by flashing on and off twice the aircraft's landing lights or, not so equipped, by switching on and off twice its navigation lights. GROUND SIGNALS. ‘At those aerodromes where there is a significant number of general aviation movements, and which allow the operation of nan-radio traffic, two basic types of ground signal are employed. These are: + The Signals Square. + ASignal Mast. 362ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS THE SIGNALS SQUARE. Where provided, the Signals Square is 12 metres square and bounded by a white border. The Signals Square is located in a position from which it can be seen by aircratt joining the circuit. (See Figure A-5), Figure A-6 A Signals Square located near the tower ‘The signals displayed in the signals square include the following: Prohibition of Landing. A horizontal, red, square panel with yellow diagonal lines indicates that landings are prohibited and that the prohibition is liable to be prolonged. Need for Special Precautions while Approaching or Landing. horizontal, red, square panel with one yellow diagonal indicates that owing to the bad state of the manoeuvring area, of for any other reasor, caution must be observed in approaching to land or in landing, 363ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS Use of Runways and Taxiways. ‘Ahorizontal white dumb-bell when displayed in a Signals ‘Square indicates that aircraft are required to land, take off and taxi on runways and taxways only. « A horizontal white dumb-bell, with a black bar placed perpendicular to the shaft across each circular portion of, the dumb-bell, indicates that aircraft are required to land and take off on runways only, but other manoeuvres need not be confined to runways and taxiways. Closed Runways or Taxiways. Crosses of a single contrasting colour, yellow (taxiways) or white (runways), displayed horizontally on runways and taxiways, or parts thereof, indicate an area unfit for the : movement of aircraft. Directions for Landing or Take-off. A horizontal white or orange landing T indicates the direction to be used by aircraft for landing and take-off, which shall be in a direction parallel to the shaft of the T towards the cross arm. Note: When used at night, the landing T is either illuminated or outlined in white ‘coloured lights. 354ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS A.white disc displayed alongside the cross arm of the T signifies that the directions of take-off and landing do not necessarily coincide. A set of two digits displayed vertically at or near the aerodrome control tower indicates to aircraft on the manoeuvring area the runway in use. Normally, the lettering is black on a yellow background. This signal indicates that Runway 12 isin use Right-Hand Traffic. When displayed in a Signals Square, or horizontally at the end of the runway or strip in use, a right-hand arrow of conspicuous colour (normally yellow and red stripes) indicates that a right-hand circult is in force and that tums are to be made to the right before landing and after take- off. Air Traffic Services Reporting Office. The letter C displayed vertically in black against a yellow background indicates the location of the Air Traffic Services reporting office 365(Gea “ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS Glider Flights in Operation. Adouble white cross displayed horizontally indicates that the aerodrome is being used by gliders and that glider flying is in progress. I Helicopter Operations. A large white H signifies that helicopters shall take off and land within the area designated by the letter H, and that the area is to be used for take-off and launching of helicopters only. Light Aircraft Operations. A red L displayed on a white dumb-bell signifies that light aircraft are permitted to take off and land either on a runway or on the area designated, usually a grass area marked with a large white letter L (see below). Area Reserved for Take-Off and Landing of Light Aircraft. ‘large white L may be located ona partofthe manoeuvring rea to be used only for the take-off and landing of light aircraft. Dropping Operations. A yellow marker in the shape of a St. George's cross: indicates an area reserved for the dropping of tow ropes: or similar articles. 356ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS SIGNALS DISPLAYED ON THE SIGNALS MAST. A Single Black Ball. single black ball hoisted on a mast, as shown, indicates that the directions for take-off and Isnding are not necessarily the same, Two Red Balls. ‘Two red balls signify that glider flying is in progress at the aerodrome. A Rectangular Green Flag. Indicates that a right-hand circuit is in force. Ke Re 387ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS MISCELLANEOUS SIGNS. Taxi According to ATC Instructions A panel or flag made up of red and yellow squares indicates that aircraft may taxi only in accordance with ATC instructions. If it is a flag, itis flown on the signals ‘mast. Ifitis the form of a panel, itis displayed and located on the Control Tower. Boundaries. Orange and white striped markers are used to delineate the boundary of an airfield where the natural boundary is insufficiently conspicuous MARSHALLING SIGNALS - MARSHALLER TO PILOT. To assist aircraft to manoeuvre on the ground, especially on the apron, a standard system of signals has been developed for use between an aircraft marshaller and the pilot. These signals are shown here. The marshaller uses a high-visibility bat during the day (or he may signal without a bat), and illuminated batons after dark “Proceed under guidance of another marshalle! Right or left arm down, the other arm moved across the body and extended to indiéate the position of the other marshaller. 358ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS “Move ahead.” Arms repeatedly moved upwards and backwards from shoulder height, beckoning onward. “Open up starboard engine” or “turn to port.” Right arm down, the left arm repeatedly moved upwards and backwards. The speed of the arm movement indicates the rate of turn 359ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS “Open up port engine” or “turn to starboard.” Loft arm down, the right arm repeatedly moved upwards and backwards. The speed of the arm movement indicates the rate of tum. “Stop.” Arms repeatedly crossed above the head. The speed of the arm movement indicates the urgency to stop.ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS “Start engine.” . circular motion of the rig! the appropriate engine. hand at head level, with the left arm pointing to Left hand over head with the number fingers extended, to indicate the number of the engine to be started and circular motion of right hand at head level. Numbering of Aireraft Engines Note: The engines of multi-engin ‘aircraft, from right to fe (ie. No. marshaller facing the 361ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS “Chocks inserted.” ‘Arms extended, the palms facing inwards, then swung from the extended position “Chocks away.” Arms down, the palms facing outwards, then swung outwards 362ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS “Cut engine(s).” fer arm and hand placed level with the chest, then moved laterally with the palms downwards. “Slow down.” Arms placed down, with the palms towards the ground, then maved up and down several times. 363ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS “Slow down engine(s) on side indicated by moving arm.” Arms placed down, with palms towards the ground, then appropriate arm moved up and down several times. “This bay.” Arms placed above the head in a vertical positionANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS “All clear — marshalling finished.” The right arm raised at the elbow, with the palm facing forward. jometimes this me: ted by the right arm raised at the elbow with thumb erec "Release brakes.” Raise arm with fist clenched, horizontally in front of body, the’ extend fingers. 365ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS “Engage brakes.” Raise arm and hand with fingers extended, horizontally in front of body, then clench fist ALL AIRCRAFT EXCEPT HELICOPTERS. “Back aircraft tail to starboard.” Pointleft arm down, move right arm down from overhead, vertical position to hor forward position, repeating right arm movement. 366ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS “Back aircraft tail to port.” Point right arm down, move left arm down from overhead, vertical position to horizantal forward position, repeating left arm movement. PILOT TO MARSHALLER. “Brakes engaged.” Raise arm and hand with fingers extended horizontally in front of face, then clench fistANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS “Brakes released.” Raise arm and hand with fist clenched horizontally in front of face, then extend fingers. “Insert chocks.” ‘Arms extended palms facing outwards, move hands inwards to cross in front of face. 368ANNEX A: GENERAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS “Remove chocks.” Hands crossed in front of face, palms facing outwards, move arms outwards. “Ready to start engine indicated.” Raise the number of fingers on one hand indicating the number of the engine to be started. 369