OAC vs Radio

[Check Airman]

Hi all,

In our SATCOM menu, there's an option for GANDER OAC and one for GANDER RADIO. Where do these phones ring, and which one would be more appropriate in case of an emergency? I was unable to find the information in the Jepps. Appreciate a source I can quote.

Thanks in advance

[ScepticalOptomist]

Originally Posted by Check Airman

Hi all,

In our SATCOM menu, there's an option for GANDER OAC and one for GANDER RADIO. Where do these phones ring, and which one would be more appropriate in case of an emergency? I was unable to find the information in the Jepps. Appreciate a source I can quote.

Thanks in advance

Don’t have any references for you, however, my understanding is that RADIO is only a relay service to ATC and OAC(C) is the ATC unit, potentially housed in different locations.

Either would work in an emergency, however I believe the OACC number should put you in direct contact with ATC and would be my first choice.

[Check Airman]

Originally Posted by ScepticalOptomist

Don’t have any references for you, however, my understanding is that RADIO is only a relay service to ATC and OAC(C) is the ATC unit, potentially housed in different locations.

Either would work in an emergency, however I believe the OACC number should put you in direct contact with ATC and would be my first choice.

That’s the way I interpret it as well, but would feel a lot more confident if I could point to something in black and white. Still searching.

[Fursty Ferret]

The OACC short-code number will connect you not just to ATC, but to the controller who's working your flight.