Originally Posted by
Stanley Eevil
Believe it or not, ab-initio ATPL groundschool students that I teach are now being quizzed on the expected ATC comms when flying the `3 Sisters` routes in the SE corner of the Shanwick OCA.
I have flown many NAT flights myself as captain, but never these 3 particular routes - so would appreciate it if anyone can help my students:
On T9 and T213 you are clearly exclusively in the Shanwick OCA, but will comms be with Shanwick on VHF or HF?
T16 will begin with Shanwick but will later go into the Santa Maria OCA; same question really: HF or VHF comms?
Many thanks in advance!
For T9 / T213:
Oceanic Clearance can be requested from Shanwick via VHF, (Shanwick VHF 'Clearance Delivery' for southbound only), HF, ACARS or via 'domestic' ATC, (Shannon or Madrid).
Southbound - Initial call to Shanwick Radio will usually be on VHF for HF allocation, followed by SELCAL check. (Shannon or Shanwick's 'Clearance Delivery' will advise the Shanwick Radio VHF for HF allocation, or the Shanwick Radio HF Primary/Secondary if VHF not being used for HF allocation).
Northbound - HF. (Madrid will advise Primary/Secondary).
T16 (Southbound):
See paras 1 & 2 above - excluding reference to Madrid.
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Carriage of HF in Shanwick is mandatory. Where equipped, CPDLC and ADS-C can also be used within Shanwick, but carriage of HF is still required.