The controller acquires the aircraft between 3.5 and 8 miles, and the READY/LOCKON
discrete light illuminates. At that time, the controller must report lockon with range, verify
needles, and issue instructions as necessary for the aircraft to intercept the centerline,
and instruct the pilot to report coupled. For example: "201 lockon, 5 miles, right ten, say
needles."
Needles must be verified before the "Report Coupled" instructions are given by the final
controller. With the aircraft in straight and level flight, within 10 knots of approach speed,
and with a fly-up indication on their glide slope indicator, the pilot should engage
autopilot coupler and report "Coupled."
If the aircraft is unable to couple, the controller should continue with a Mode II or III
approach.
The controller shall report sending commands. The illumination of the COMMAND
CONTROL discrete light indicates that the aircraft is receiving command signals via
data link. The pilot shall acknowledge receipt of data link commands by reporting
"Command control." Thirty seconds of coupled flight is desired prior to intercepting the
glide path.
The controller shall advise the pilot when he or she is approaching tipover (glide path)
and should advise him or her of range each mile. The controller must advise the pilot at
minimums unless the LSO has previously assumed responsibility. The pilot responds
with a ball report and includes the word "Coupled." For example: "201 Hornet ball, five
point three coupled."
Mode IA Approach
A Mode IA approach is automatic to approach minimums with manual takeover to
touchdown. Mode IA approaches are conducted the same as Mode I except the pilot
shall uncouple at or before reaching approach minimums and reports "uncoupled." If
pilots uncouple at the ―ball‖ call, they shall include the word "uncoupling" in the ball
report. For example: "201 uncoupling, hornet, ball, five point three, manual/auto." When
the pilot reports uncoupling, the controller shall downgrade the PALS to Mode II.
Mode II Approach
A Mode II approach is a manual approach by the use of ILS-type (crossed needles)
instrument presentation. Mode II approaches are conducted the same as Mode I/IA until
receipt of the READY/LOCKON discrete light.
Then the controller shall report lockon with range, verify needle presentation, and issue
instructions as required. For example: "201 lock-on, 5 miles, right ten, say needles." The
pilot must report needle position. For example: "201 needles up and right." The
controller must concur or downgrade the approach to Mode III and advise the pilot. For
example: "201 concur" or "201 disregard needles, downgrade fly bullseye or Mode III."
The controller must monitor the approach, advise the pilot when approaching the glide
path, and inform the pilot of the range at each mile. The controller must advise the pilot
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