Chapter 14: Aeronautical Communications

Section 14.1: General

14.1.1 Acknowledging Receipt of Verbal Coordination

14.1.1.1 When an ATS unit receives a verbal clearance or instruction from another ATS unit that includes any of the following, it must read back:

(a) any ATS route number or name;

(b) any tracking point;

(c) assigned level;

(d) any SID;

(e) any STAR identifier, including any runway specified;

(f) assigned SSR code;

(g) an assigned Mach No.;

(h) any heading, including direction of turn;

(i) any item notified in the clearance as “AMENDED” or “RECLEARED”;

(j) cancellation of a clearance;

(k) a level requirement/restriction;

(l) any clearance limit imposed;

(m) the word “VISUAL” when appended to level, heading, or turn instructions.

14.1.1.2 When an ATS unit receives a position report, a level check or a change of level from another ATS unit, the acknowledgment must include:

(a) the aircraft callsign;

(b) the advised level.

14.1.1.3 The originating unit must obtain a correct readback. Under no circumstances must receipt of a message be acknowledged by the callsign only of the acknowledging unit.

14.1.1.4 An acknowledgment must not be given until the receiving operator is satisfied that the transmitted information has been received correctly.

14.1.2 Telephony Protocols

14.1.2.1 The use of radiotelephony on aeronautical channels is to be in accordance with ICAO Annex 10, Vol. II, ICAO PANS-ATM and the Australian Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). However, the AIP takes precedence in the event of any inconsistency.

14.1.3 Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network

14.1.3.1 The use of the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN) must be in accordance with the provisions of ICAO.