NOTE
When in IMC, POPEYE is a mandatory report for aircraft
upon reaching assigned departure altitude or FL 180 for
fixed wing aircraft. This report alerts the departure controller
that further instructions are required.
AMPHIBIOUS ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
The most involved control procedures occur when aircraft are recovered. As an
approach, marshal, or final controller, you are a member of the AATCC team
responsible for safe and expeditious recoveries. Standardized marshal and approach
procedures for both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft assist you in performing
amphibious air traffic control duties.
Recovering Aircraft
The versatility of the tiltrotor aircraft makes flying either helicopter or fixed-wing
procedures an option. As a rule, tiltrotor aircrew prefers to remain in airplane mode as
long as possible for fuel, survivability, and crew comfort factors. Tiltrotor aircrew
specifically requesting to fly helicopter procedures shall fly at airspeeds consistent with
helicopter operations.
General Marshal Procedures for Amphibious Ops
A lot of coordination takes place between different divisions and controllers before
aircraft are recovered. Information must be obtained from inbound aircraft and relayed
to the appropriate agencies or personnel. Also, aircraft must be sequenced and
separated for a smooth and timely recovery. In the AATCC, you, as the marshal
controller, start the information gathering and initial aircraft recovery setup process.
Aircraft Initial Voice Check-in Procedures
Aircraft or flight leaders shall check in with AATCC with the following information:
Call sign
Position
Altitude
Lowest fuel state (in hours and minutes for helicopters and in pounds for fixed-
wing aircraft)
Souls on board
Other pertinent information, such as navigational aid status, ordnance status, etc.
that may affect aircraft recoveries
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