Page:CAB Accident Report, Flying Tiger Line Flight 282.pdf/20

 COPY

ATTACHMENT VI

July 23, 1965

Mr. Archie W. League

Director

Air Traffic Service

Federal Aviation Agency

Washington, D. C. 20553

Dear Mr League:

During the course of our continuing investigation of aircraft accidents, it became apparent that certain limitations pertaining to air traffic services were not clearly understood by the pilot.

When there are airspace limitations where radar vectoring service may be provided i.e., antenna coverage limitations, terrain clearance problems, etc., the extent of such limitations should be prominently displayed on appropriate aeronautical charts and disseminated through other media to the users. An example of its application of the recommendation is enclosed.

It is our belief that the use of the term "Radar Contact" tends to create a false sense of security in the mind of the pilot that navigational guidance for course correction or to avoid hazardous situations is being automatically supplied under IFP conditions. For example, it has been the belief of some pilots that when advised in "Radar Contact" that correction of errors in navigation and collision avoidance vectors are the prime functions of radar air traffic control services.

A suggested change in phraseology which would tend to eliminate recurrence of the situation could be the substitution of the term "Proceed as Cleared" until such time as it is known that the aircraft is within the useable airspace for vectoring purposes. At this time the term "Radar Contact" should then be used.

This matter has been discussed with Harold. B. Helstrom of your Airspace Regulations and Procedures Division and Mr. Joseph G. Zacko of our Investigation Division.

Sincerely yours,

/s/ Marion F. Roscoe

for B.R. Allen

Director, Bureau of Safety

Enclosure