Non-ATC units: O/C, MFAU, PAS & apron advisory
| Unit | Where | Provides | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| APRT RDO/CARS observer-communicator (O/C) | Uncontrolled aerodrome | Weather observer and radio operator. NOTAM and weather for own aerodrome only. Altimeter setting for an instrument approach. Emergency service: responds to all emergency calls (distress, urgency, ELT) by alerting a FIC and local authorities | Not ATC. Other aerodromes' info: FIC. SVFR or IFR clearance in controlled airspace: contact ATS via RCO, PAL or telephone (RAC 1.2.2 NOTES 1, 3; 1.2.2(a)) |
| MFAU (military flight advisory unit) | Military (RAC 1.1.4) | Call: station name + "Advisory" (e.g. "Namao Advisory"). Services: en route flight info, airport advisory, ground control, field conditions, flight planning, alerting, navigation help, NOTAM, PIREPs, weather. Accepts and relays VFR/IFR position reports and ATC clearances | Relays ATC clearances, never issues them. Never "Radio" or "Control" |
| PAS (private advisory station) at a controlled airport | Controlled airport | A company's private station for its own business (servicing, fuel, lodging) | Must not carry information relative to ATC, weather reports, or condition of landing strips (RAC 1.2.3) |
| Apron advisory | Most controlled airports run by ATS, sometimes a separate apron unit | Gate assignment, push-back, other-traffic advisories. Entering apron: contact apron at the changeover point | Ground tells you to contact apron (RAC 1.2.4) |
Trap: O/C gives an altimeter setting, never a clearance, and only for own aerodrome. MFAU relays clearances, never issues them. PAS is company business only: no ATC, weather or runway condition. Calling ground or tower to enter the apron after ground said contact apron is wrong.
References
- TC AIM RAC 1.2.2
- TC AIM RAC 1.2.3
- TC AIM RAC 1.2.4
- TC AIM RAC 4.2.2
- TC AIM RAC 1.1.4