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FORCES COMMAND
ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

ATC COMMUNICATIONS HANDBOOK

EDITION 2.1.1

AS REQUIRED BY
WINGS BRIGADE AND 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION HIGH COMMAND
JULY THE TWENTY THIRD, 2020, 2359 EST

FOR WINGS BRIGADE & SPECIAL OPERATIONS AVIATION REGIMENT PERSONNEL.

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_________________________________________________________________________

AUTHORED BY

 
Brigadier General, Towa12345
Deputy Commanding General of 101st Airborne Division
Former Brigade Commanding Officer, Wings Brigade
Representative, Air Traffic Control (ATC) High Command
Officer in Charge of SOAR-101st ATC Joint
101st Airborne Division
_________________________________________________________________________________

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the ATC Communications document. This document exists for the purpose of
teaching and reminding all ATCs on how one should be communicating with pilots and with
each other. This document should always be at your side if you are unsure of anything.
Pilots should also have this when making contact with ATCs.
All Junior ATCs are expected to always have this during their training.
All​ pilots and Air Traffic Controllers (SOAR and FORSCOM, Wings Brigade) must adhere to
this document when communicating with one another.

DISCLAIMER

The statements below apply to any content such as pages, documents, videos, images,
sound files and computer code (the 'Material') created by the relevant authors of this
document for its handbook. The author of this document disclaims, to the extent permitted by
law, all warranties, representations or endorsements, express or implied, with regard to the
material including but not limited to, all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a
particular purpose, or non-infringement. The author of this document further does not
warrant or accept any liability in relation to the quality, operability or accuracy of the material.

CLASSIFICATION NOTICE “S’

The materials in this document are classified as “Secret”

Access to this document is restricted to members of the United States Army. If you are not
the intended reader of this document, you are legally required to destroy all traces of this
document. Failure to do so, if caught, will result in a criminal charge under the ​Defense
Secrets Act​ of 1911 (Pub. L. 61–470)​. This document is for internal circulation only. No
part of this document can be reproduced let it be electronically or through analogue means
without the permission from the said authors of this document.

Failure to do so will result in severe consequences as leaking classified information is a

punishable offence under the United States Army’s Uniform Code of Military Justice.

CLASSIFIED. FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION ONLY.

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CONTENTS PAGE

COMMUNICATIONS
Page:
● ATC Command 5
● General information 5
● Onsite communication 5
● Offsite Communication 7
● UNICOM Communications 8
● Combat Communications 9

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2.1 || ADDRESSAL OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

This is also the order of succession for Air Traffic Control Joint Command:
Chief Air Traffic Controller:
CATC
Senior Air Traffic Controller:
SATC
Air Traffic Controller:
ATC (Passed Air Traffic Controller Training)
Junior Air Traffic Controller:
JATC (Still in Training as an Air Traffic Controller - If they have passed Phase 1, they
may assist in accepting flight requests if deemed necessary)

General Flight Communications

In General, Air traffic control aims to move aircraft safely and efficiently
through the airspace of the USAR property. There should only be one Air Traffic
Controller for every pilot during a flight. The only time when there may be two Air
Traffic Controllers during a flight is when one ATC is required to leave mid-way
during a flight. In this case, rather than allowing the pilot to fly UNICOM, ATC should
attempt to find another ATC who would be able to take over. ​ANY PILOT THAT
DOES NOT COOPERATE TO YOUR ASSISTANCE TELL AN SATC+.
ALL PILOTS ARE NEVER TO FLY BELOW 200 STUDS WITHOUT ATC, NOR
FLY BEYOND 200 IPS ON FORT MARTIN. O9+ ONLY ARE ABLE TO FLY
UNICOM WITHOUT PERMISSION.

On-site Communications :
Pre-Take-off
❏ Receive a tag on ATC-requests
❏ [RANK] to [CALLSIGN] coming onsite.
❏ Then head to Fort Martin.
❏ (Establish Radio Frequency)
❏ ATC must first say ‘ [ATC] to [CALLSIGN], Radio check.’
❏ The pilot must reply ‘[CALLSIGN] to [ATC], 5 by 5.’
❏ Ask is what the ​Purpose of the Flight​.
❏ Ask the ​Aircraft name​.

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❏ Ask the ​Number of passengers​.
❏ Ask ​how long​ the pilot expects the fly.
❏ Ask the pilot to ​TELEPORT​ you to him.
Take-off
❏ Accept or decline the request to fly, depending on safety.
❏ Confirm whether all personnel are secured.
❏ Accept/Decline request to take-off.
❏ Inform the pilot of the ​take-off time​. (Use your Time zone)
❏ Immediately, inform the pilot​ the times when you will expect to be
radio-contacted​ by the pilot.
❏ Say​ “ It is your duty to notify ATC of any aviation issues which you have seen.
Use screenshots and videos for proof. Understood?”
Receive a response.
❏ Say​ “ Thank you, [Callsign], Radio-contact XX:XX. [ATC Rank] Out.”

Use !notepad so that you remember ​CALLSIGN, TIME, TIME OF ANY RADIO
CONTACTS, ANY ISSUES & AIRCRAFT NAME

During Flight
❏ Monitor​ the flight by watching the helicopter you are monitoring
❏ Receive or try to make radio contact​ with the pilot, at the necessary time.
❏ Warn​ the pilot of any threats that could cause a crash. Ask the pilot for a
status-check​: The pilot should confirm ​Speed, Location, Altitude, Issues?
❏ Say​ “ Thank you, [Callsign], Radio-contact XX:XX. [ATC Rank] Out.”
Landing
❏ Monitor​ the flight by watching the helicopter you are monitoring
❏ Receive or try to make radio contact​ with the pilot, when the flight is near
its end.
❏ Make sure the Landing Zone is clear, by going to the location.
❏ Say ​“LZ clear, [Callsign], you may land.”
The pilot should say “Engine off.”
Final
Summarise the flight. Inform them of departure time, landing time, any issues,
number of passengers, and aircraft name.
Log the flight on #flight-logs and tell them to log the flight on and on the
Google form if the pilot is in 101st.
FORMAT:
● [Tag Pilot]
● Location:

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● Aircraft:
● Purpose:
● Passengers:
● Take off time:
● Landing time:
● Issues:
● Sort of assistance: On-site

Off-site Communications:
(Via #radio-communications or PILOT-VC {Screen share or Voice})
Pre-Take-off
❏ Receive ping on #atc-tag
❏ [RANK] to [CALLSIGN] offsite #radio-comms
❏ Tag pilot on #radio-communications and ask:[CALLSIGN] What the ​Purpose
of the Flight​ is
❏ Ask the ​Aircraft name​.
❏ Ask the ​Number of passengers​.
❏ Ask ​how long​ the pilot expects the flight to be.
Take-off
❏ Accept or decline the request to fly, depending on safety. Confirm whether all
personnel are secured.
❏ Accept/Decline request to take-off.
❏ Inform the pilot of the ​take-off time​. (Use your Time zone)
❏ Immediately, inform the pilot​ the times when you will
expect to be radio-contacted​ by the pilot.
❏ Say​ “ It is your duty to notify ATC of any aviation issues which you have
seen. Use screenshots and videos for proof. Understood?”
Receive response.
❏ Say​ “ Thank you, [Callsign], Radio-contact XX:XX. [ATC Rank] Out.”
During Flight
❏ Make radio contact​ with the pilot, at the necessary time:
❏ Say ​“[Callsign], What is your current status?”​(TAG THEM IF THEY DO NOT
RESPOND WITHIN 1-2 MINUTES)​The pilot should confirm ​Speed, Location,
Altitude, Issues?
❏ Say​ “ Thank you, [Callsign], Radio-contact XX:XX. [ATC Rank] Out.
Landing
❏ Monitor​ the flight by watching the helicopter you are monitoring

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❏ Receive or try to make radio contact​ with the pilot, when the flight is near
its end.
❏ Ask whether the Landing Zone is clear
❏ Say ​“[Callsign], is LZ clear?” Once the pilot says clear, you allow the pilot to
land: “Roger, [Callsign], you may land” Pilot should say “Engine off.”
Final
Summarise the flight. Inform them of departure time, landing time, any issues,
number of passengers, and aircraft name.
“ Thank you [Callsign], [RANK] out.”
Log the flight on #flight-logs and tell them to log the flight on and on the
Google form on #flight-tracker if the pilot is 101st.
FORMAT
● [Tag Pilot]
● Location:
● Aircraft:
● Purpose:
● Passengers:
● Take off time:
● Landing time:
● Issues:
● Sort of assistance:Off-site

UNICOM communications: (WARNING SATC+ or ARMY STAFF)

Receive a tag on ATC-requests

❏ (UNICOM, Universal Communications, is where there are no available Air
Traffic controllers to assist a pilots and he/she may fly on their own. SATC+
may provide UNICOM or when there is no response from an ATC after 15
minutes ATC is requested.)
❏ [RANK] to [CALLSIGN] you may fly UNICOM, please inform me of any issues
of the flight in #radiocomms and screenshoot or video evidence of any
potential crash or reckless behaviour. Please also send details of the flight on
#radiocomms so I can log it in #flight-logs.
❏ Pilot is supposed to say ‘Copy’ or ‘Roger that’. (If you receive no reply tag
him, if no further reply has been sent he has not received the information and
Is flying without ATC clearance)
❏ Thank you [CALLSIGN], [RANK] out.

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❏ Log the flight on #flight-logs and tell them to log the flight on and on the
Google form on #flight-tracker if the pilot is 101st

FORMAT
● [Tag Pilot]
● Location:
● Aircraft:
● Purpose:
● Passengers:
● Take off time:
● Landing time:
● Issues:
● Sort of assistance: UNICOM

Combat Flight Communications

(ATC ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS SUPERVISED BY SATC+)
Combat Flight Communications should always be done ​on-site and MUST BE LED
BY AN SATC+ ONLY​. There should be ​1-2 ATCs​, who will be performing duties as
well as taking part in combat, IF the Rappel, Defense Training, Operation or Raid
requires ​more than three​ pilots ​on each side​. All other ATCs ​must​ be taking part in
the combat activity. The ​MOST SENIOR ATC​ present will decide who will be
involved.
The pilot and his/her squad should be allowed to fly ​UNICOM​. ATC Joint
Command, however, may order pilots to be under supervision. In this case, pilots
MUST comply​.

101ST COMMUNICATIONS:

Rappel (FORT SPRING & PHOENIX):

(MAX. 2 ATCs per side)
(High Command may do this by themselves)
Pre-Take-off
[MOST SENIOR ATC] Establish a Number of pilots involved.
[​BOTH​ ATC] Ask the pilot to ​TELEPORT​ you to him.
[MOST SENIOR ATC AND SQUAD LEADER] Ensure personnel board one at
a time.

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[MOST SENIOR ATC] Sit with Rappel helicopter/LEAD pilot
[​2nd​ ATC] Sit with one of the Escort Pilots
Take-off
[MOST SENIOR ATC] Accept or decline the request to fly.
[MOST SENIOR ATC] Confirm whether all personnel is secured.
[​2nd​ ATC] Confirm whether all Escort Pilots are secured.
[MOST SENIOR ATC] Confirm whether 2nd ATC’s pilots are ready(I.E. Say:
“[ATC RANK] Ready?”)
2nd ATC must reply by ​saying​:
❏ “[MOST SENIOR ATC RANK], {CALLSIGNS}, {CALLSIGNS},
{CALLSIGNS}, All Ready.”)
[MOST SENIOR ATC] Accept/Decline request to take-off.
[MOST SENIOR ATC]​ ​Use !notepad so that you remember ​CALLSIGN, TIME
& AIRCRAFT NAME
During Flight
[BOTH ATCs] Warn​ the pilot of any threats that could cause a crash.
[MOST SENIOR ATC] Ask the 2nd ATC for a ​status-check​:
[2nd ATC] “[MOST SENIOR ATC RANK], All clear.” Each ESCORT pilot
should also confirm ​Speed, Location, Altitude, Issues?
Pickup
[MOST SENIOR ATC] Make sure the Landing Zone is clear.
❏ Say ​“LZ clear, [Callsign], you may land.”
[Squad Leader] Ensure all personnel is back on board.
[Squad Leader] “Squad, Ready!”
❏ Confirm whether all personnel is secured.
❏ Accept/Decline request to take-off.
Rappel
[MOST SENIOR ATC] Say ​“Rappel Zone clear.” If safe.
[2nd ATC AND LEAD PILOT] “Roger, [Rank]” to confirm
[Escort Pilots]​ Say “Clear.” If safe Pilots should be hovering.
[Squad Leader] “Up!”
[Squad Leader] “?”
[Squad] “.”
[Squad Leader] “!”
Landing
[MOST SENIOR ATC] Make sure the Landing Zone is clear.
❏ Say ​“LZ clear, [Callsign], you may land.”
[2nd ATC for Escort] Make sure the Landing Zone is clear.
❏ Say ​“LZ clear, [Callsign], you may land.”Engine off.

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[PILOT] “Engine off”
[Squad leader, with pilot and ATC] Ensure that personnel leave one at a time
Final
Summarise the flight. Inform them of departure time, landing time, any issues,
number of passengers, and aircraft name.
Tell them to log the flight on #flight-logs and on the Google form on #flight-tracker

SOAR COMMUNICATIONS:

Phoenix:
(MAX. 2 ATCs per side)
(High Command may do this by themselves)
Pre-Take-off
[MOST SENIOR ATC] Establish a Number of pilots involved.
[​BOTH​ ATC] Ask the pilot to ​TELEPORT​ you to him.
[MOST SENIOR ATC AND SQUAD LEADER] Ensure personnel board one at
a time.
[MOST SENIOR ATC] Sit with helicopter/LEAD pilot
[​2nd​ ATC] Sit with one of the Escort Pilots
Take-off
[MOST SENIOR ATC] Accept or decline the request to fly.
[MOST SENIOR ATC] Confirm whether all personnel is secured.
[​2nd​ ATC] Confirm whether all Escort Pilots are secured.
[MOST SENIOR ATC] Confirm whether 2nd ATC’s pilots are ready(I.E. Say:
“[ATC RANK] Ready?”)
2nd ATC must reply by ​saying​:
❏ “[MOST SENIOR ATC RANK], {CALLSIGNS}, {CALLSIGNS},
{CALLSIGNS}, All Ready.”)
[MOST SENIOR ATC] Accept/Decline request to take-off.

If the flight is deemed unsafe,SATC+ may, with proof, order the flight to have an
emergency landing. (JATC and ATC should receive permission from SATC+)
If you see a pilot breaking flight regulations or ATC rules, obtain PROOF and report it
to SATC+, who will order the flight to land. SATC+ may be called upon, if absolutely
necessary.

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If a crash happens, in a location that is under ATC Authority, notify a SATC+ of it,
with PROOF. He/She will commence an investigation. Grounded role is given to
those who break the regulations. Punishments vary from a PT, suspended flight
period or suspension of PQS license.

CONCLUSION
This handbook had been solely written by Towa12345 along with
the assistance of 256right. This document was edited by
BlackJackwhight and jon1413.

Signatures,

Jon 
First Lieutenant, U.S Army
Senior Air Traffic Controller 

 
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Former - Air Traffic Specialist Controller

Sergeant Major, U.S. Army

Former - Non- Commissioned Officer In Charge Of ATC

Brigadier General, U.S. Army

Deputy Commanding General of 101st Airborne
101st-SOAR ATC Joint Command Overseer
Former/Interim - Air Traffic Control Commander - Brigade
Commanding Officer of Wings

CLASSIFIED. FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION ONLY.