Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems

Objective

Upon completion of this lesson, the student will demonstrate competency in communications, light signals, and runway lighting systems as prescribed in FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.III.B. The student will select appropriate frequencies, use standard phraseology, acknowledge radio communications, interpret ATC light signals, and apply lost communication procedures with accuracy meeting Private Pilot Helicopter ACS standards.

Content

Radio Communication Fundamentals

Radio communication is the primary method for coordinating helicopter operations in controlled airspace. Under 14 CFR 91.129, communication with ATC is mandatory when operating in Class C and D airspace, and two-way radio communication must be established prior to entry.

Obtaining Appropriate Radio Frequencies

Frequencies for airports and heliports are published in the Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD). Primary sources include:

• Tower frequencies for controlled airports
• CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency) for uncontrolled airports
• Ground control frequencies for taxi operations
• ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) frequencies
• Flight Service Station (FSS) frequencies for weather and flight plan services

The Sectional Chart depicts communication frequencies with appropriate symbols. Class D airspace shows the primary frequency in a box, while Class C airspace displays approach control frequencies.

Standard Radio Communication Procedures

Per AIM Chapter 4, Section 2, proper radio technique includes:

• Listen before transmitting to avoid frequency congestion
• Think before keying the microphone
• Use standard phraseology from the Pilot/Controller Glossary
• Speak clearly at a normal conversational speed
• Pause briefly after keying the microphone before speaking

Standard format for initial contact: Aircraft identification, location, request, and additional information if necessary. Example: “Riverside Tower, Helicopter 12345, 5 miles southeast, inbound for landing with Information Alpha.”

ATC Light Signal Recognition

When radio communication fails, ATC uses light signals per AIM 4-3-13:

• Steady Green: Cleared for takeoff (on ground), cleared to land (in flight)
• Flashing Green: Cleared to taxi (on ground), return for landing (in flight)
• Steady Red: Stop (on ground), give way and continue circling (in flight)
• Flashing Red: Taxi clear of runway in use (on ground), airport unsafe—do not land (in flight)
• Flashing White: Return to starting point on airport (on ground), not applicable (in flight)
• Alternating Red and Green: Exercise extreme caution (both on ground and in flight)

Transponder Operations

14 CFR 91.215 requires transponder operation in specific airspace. Mode C (altitude reporting) is mandatory in Class A, B, and C airspace, and above 10,000 feet MSL. Common transponder codes:

• 1200: VFR flight not in contact with ATC
• 7500: Hijacking
• 7600: Communication failure
• 7700: Emergency

Transponder phraseology includes “squawk” for code changes and “ident” for identification.

Lost Communication Procedures

14 CFR 91.185 prescribes procedures for two-way radio communication failure:

VFR Conditions: Continue flight under VFR and land as soon as practicable.

IFR Conditions:

• Route: Continue via assigned route, vectors, or expected route
• Altitude: Highest of assigned, minimum for route segment, or expected altitude
• Leave clearance limit at Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)

For helicopters in the traffic pattern, rock the aircraft wings and watch for light signals from the tower.

Equipment Issues Causing Communication Loss

Common communication failures include:

• Microphone or headset malfunction
• Radio transmitter failure while receiver functions
• Complete radio failure
• Frequency congestion preventing transmission
• Incorrect frequency selection
• Low battery power in portable radios

Always carry backup communication methods when possible, including handheld radios with appropriate frequencies programmed.

Radar Assistance

ATC radar can provide traffic advisories, vectors for navigation, and assistance during emergencies. Radar contact requires transponder operation and clear line-of-sight to radar antenna. Helicopters flying at low altitudes may be below radar coverage, particularly in mountainous terrain.

NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting

NTSB Part 830 requires immediate notification (within 24 hours) for accidents and specific incidents including:

• Flight control malfunction
• Engine failure or malfunction
• In-flight fire
• Collision with birds resulting in damage or emergency landing

Written reports must be filed within 10 days of an accident using NTSB Form 6120.1.

Runway Status Lighting Systems

Runway Status Lights (RWSL) include:

• Runway Entrance Lights (REL): Red lights at taxiway/runway intersections
• Takeoff Hold Lights (THL): Red lights embedded in runway surface
• Runway Intersection Lights (RIL): Warning of aircraft on intersecting runway

These systems activate automatically based on aircraft position and do not require pilot action. However, pilots should never cross illuminated red lights without specific ATC clearance.

Risk Management Considerations

Communication: Frequency congestion, language barriers, and unclear transmissions create collision risks. Always request clarification if uncertain about ATC instructions. Use standard phraseology to minimize misunderstanding.

Emergency Declaration: Declare an emergency (Mayday for life-threatening, Pan-Pan for urgent) when helicopter safety is compromised. Don’t hesitate—ATC provides priority handling and additional resources.

Non-Standard Phraseology: Casual or non-standard communication creates confusion and compromises safety. Military or foreign phraseology may not be understood by civilian controllers.

Schedule

Equipment

• Current sectional charts for local area
• Chart Supplement for local airports
• AIM (current edition)
• 14 CFR Parts 91 and 830
• FAA-S-ACS-15 (Private Pilot Helicopter ACS)
• Light signal chart or visual aid
• Sample radio with headset for demonstration
• Transponder operation examples
• NTSB Form 6120.1 (accident report form)
• Local frequency reference card
• Runway lighting system diagrams

Instructor Actions

1. Introduce lesson objectives and explain critical importance of effective communication in helicopter operations, emphasizing that most midair collisions occur in uncontrolled airspace due to poor communication.

2. Demonstrate frequency selection using sectional chart and Chart Supplement, showing student how to identify tower, ground, ATIS, and CTAF frequencies for local airports.

3. Model proper initial contact phraseology: “Torrance Tower, Helicopter 9876X, hovering south ramp, request taxi for departure to the west with Information Bravo.”

4. Demonstrate microphone technique, emphasizing brief pause after keying before speaking and clear, measured speech rate.

5. Show light signal chart and demonstrate each signal using flashlight or pointer, explaining appropriate pilot responses for each signal.

6. Explain transponder code selection and demonstrate mode changes, emphasizing when Mode C is required per 14 CFR 91.215.

7. Walk through lost communication scenario using 14 CFR 91.185, demonstrating route/altitude decision process for both VFR and IFR conditions.

8. Identify common equipment failures and demonstrate backup communication procedures, including use of handheld radio if available.

9. Explain radar limitations for helicopters, particularly at low altitudes, and describe available radar services.

10. Review NTSB reporting requirements using actual Form 6120.1, emphasizing 24-hour notification and 10-day written report deadlines.

11. Describe runway status lighting systems using airport diagrams, emphasizing that pilots must never proceed through illuminated red lights.

12. Facilitate discussion of communication-related risks, encouraging student to share experiences and concerns about radio procedures.

Student Actions

1. Practice frequency identification using sectional charts and Chart Supplement for assigned airports, correctly identifying all communication frequencies.

2. Demonstrate proper radio call format for various scenarios: initial contact, position reporting, and landing requests.

3. Identify and explain appropriate pilot responses to each ATC light signal when shown by instructor.

4. Practice transponder code selection and explain when Mode C operation is required.

5. Work through lost communication scenarios, selecting appropriate route and altitude per 14 CFR 91.185.

6. Identify equipment failure symptoms and describe backup communication procedures.

7. Explain radar service limitations and describe when radar contact might be lost.

8. Complete sample NTSB accident report form for hypothetical helicopter incident.

9. Describe pilot actions when encountering runway status lighting systems.

10. Analyze communication scenarios for risk factors and propose mitigation strategies.

11. Demonstrate standard phraseology for common helicopter operations including hover taxi, air taxi, and pattern operations.

12. Answer instructor questions about frequency selection, emergency procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Completion Standards

The student demonstrates competency in FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.III.B when they:

1. Select appropriate frequencies from sectional charts and Chart Supplement with 100% accuracy for assigned airports and heliports.

2. Transmit using standard phraseology per AIM Chapter 4 with proper aircraft identification, location, and request format in simulated scenarios.

3. Acknowledge radio communications using correct phraseology including readback of all hold-short instructions, runway assignments, and frequency changes.

4. Identify all nine ATC light signals correctly and state appropriate pilot responses for each signal.

5. Explain transponder operation including proper code selection for VFR flight (1200), emergency (7700), communication failure (7600), and hijacking (7500).

6. Demonstrate lost communication procedures per 14 CFR 91.185 with correct route and altitude selection for both VFR and IFR scenarios.

7. Identify at least four equipment issues that could cause communication loss and describe appropriate backup procedures.

8. Explain radar service availability and limitations for helicopter operations at various altitudes.

9. State NTSB Part 830 reporting requirements including 24-hour notification timeline and 10-day written report deadline.

10. Describe runway status lighting systems and state that pilots must never proceed through illuminated red lights without ATC clearance.

11. Identify communication risk factors including frequency congestion, non-standard phraseology, and unclear transmissions, with appropriate mitigation strategies.

12. Demonstrate understanding of emergency declaration procedures including proper use of “Mayday” and “Pan-Pan” terminology.