A/C COMMS. SYS.

AVT 215 SKY WAVES

➢ Refracted by the ionosphere and returned to Earth.
BASIC KNOWLEDGE REVIEW ➢ These waves are refracted by the ionosphere,
2
allowing them to travel over long distances beyond
the line of sight.
COMMUNICATION
SPACE WAVES
➢ Exchange of information ➢ Line of sight.
➢ Paper, Floppy Disk, Wire ➢ These waves travel in a straight line and require a
clear line of sight between the transmitter and
IN AIRCRAFT receiver.
A/C COMMS. RADIO ACCIDENT Ground Wave
COMMS. ➢ Combination of a surface and a space wave.
INVESTIGATION
➢ It utilizes both ground (surface) and space wave
Interphone VHF Voice components for transmission.
System Recorder These different propagation modes are used in various
Passenger HF ELT communication systems, and their effectiveness depends on
Address factors such as frequency, atmospheric conditions, and the
terrain between the transmitter and receiver.
*CVR SYS.* ACARS
SATCOM
AUDIO COMPONENTS
FREQUENCY BANDS Communication in aircraft need 2 general
VLF 3kHz – 30kHz Military Comms components; For nearly all systems.
LF 30kHz – 300kHz ADF ➢ Microphones – transfer acoustic info.
MF 300kHz – 3MHz ADF Into electrical signal
HF 3MHz – 30MHz Long Distance Comms
➢ Area microphone - to record general
VHF 30MHz – 300MHz VOR, ILS
cockpit sounds
UHF 300MHz – 3GHz DME, GPS, ATC
SHF 3GHz – 30GHz SATCOM, WXR, RAD
➢ Hand held microphone - to make
ALT announcements to passengers
EHF 30GHz – 300GHz Research ➢ Integrated in oxygen mask - headset
(boom set)
➢ Loudspeakers – transfer electrical signal
WAVELENGTH back into acoustic information.
𝟏 𝟏 ➢ IN COKPIT
𝑻= = = 𝟏 𝐬𝐞𝐜 = 𝟏𝑯𝒛 ➢ For warning sounds
𝒇 𝟏𝒉𝒛
➢ Small types in headsets -
The shorter the wavelength, the higher the
(combined w/ microphone)
frequency. Hence, frequency and wavelength
➢ IN CABIN
are inversely proportional to each other.

WAVE PROPAGATION ➢ Loudspeakers in ceiling for -

Passenger information - Entertain
SURFACE WAVES programs
➢ Follow the contours of the Earth's surface.
➢ Crew use telephone type handsets
➢ These waves propagate along the surface of the Earth.
for - Communication and passenger
announcement
RADIO COMPONENTS: AUDIO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Radio communication needs additional ➢ Controls functions for crew communications
components: ➢ Central computer – Audio management unit
➢ Antennas (AMU)
➢ Transmit or receiver RF
➢ Size and location depend of task
▪ Most effective length greater ¼ of
wavelength
➢ Transmitter – equipped to send out RF
➢ Receiver – equipped to receive information
back from RF
➢ TRANSCEIVER - transmitter and receiver
combined
TRANSMITTER RECEIVER
Oscillator Tuning Circuit
- Generates RF - Selection of Freq.
Modulator Demodulator
- Combines AF & RF - Separate and
recover AF from RF
Power Amplifier Audio Amplifier
- Generate power to - Generates power
transmit signal for the loud
- 25W – HF speaker ➢ Connects audio equipment - Capt., F/O, 3rd
- 400W - VHF crew member - w/ radio communication and
navigation systems
 AUDIO CONTROL PANEL AIRCRAFT INTERPHONE SYSTEMS:
➢ Each crew member has an Audio Control
Panel (ACP) to manage audio channels. A. FLIGHT INTERPHONE SYSTEM
➢ ACPs are found on the pedestal, overhead ➢ Facilitates communication between cockpit
panel, or avionic compartment, with some crew members.
aircraft having up to four ACPs. ➢ Mechanics use boom set connection near the
➢ The crew's audio equipment includes nose gear for communication.
headsets, boom sets, and microphones,
both inside oxygen masks and handheld
B. MECHANIC COMMUNICATION WITH COCKPIT
versions.
➢ Mechanic presses the call pushbutton near the
Loudspeakers in the cockpit make audio audible,
jack.
with volume control near the loudspeaker or on the
➢ Illuminates the MECH call light and produces a
ACP.
short audio tone.
The Audio Control Panel allows separate selection
of reception and transmission channels
To connect a microphone to the Flight Interphone
➢ with transmission selection via pushbuttons.
System, select FLT position or set the R/T switch into
Sidetone enables monitoring of transmitted audio
INT position. Headphones connect by releasing the
with the reception channel.
corresponding knob. Mechanic calls reset after a
time limit or with a reset pushbutton.
For communication systems, both reception and
transmission functions exist, while navigation
When the ATT light illuminates on the ACP:
systems only allow reception.
1. Indicates a cabin attendant's desire to
Audio information from navigation systems
communicate with the cockpit crew, accompanied
➢ Morse code identification, by a short audio tone.
➢ additional voice information
2. Pushing the CAB pushbutton connects the
➢ filter selector options for VOR or ADF and ILS.
microphone to the cabin interphone system.
3. Releasing the knob connects the headphone to the
The ACP's radio transmission (R/T) switch has three cabin interphone system.
positions:
4. Reset is automatic or done by selecting the reset
➢ Center for reception, pushbutton.
➢ Up for transmission (push-to-talk)
➢ INT for communication through the flight
C. SERVICE INTERPHONE SYSTEM
interphone system.
➢ Primarily used by maintenance to connect to
Modern ACPs in long-distance Boeing and Airbus
the cockpit.
aircraft share similar functions, with differences in
➢ Utilizes cabin interphone channels with similar
audio filter controls.
selections.

IN CASE OF A MALFUNCTION in the captain's or first

SERVICE JACKS, often in areas with high moisture
officer's circuits, audio equipment can be transferred
and dirt, are only connected to the interphone
to the third crew member's circuits using a transfer
system on the ground. This connection occurs
switch usually located on the overhead panel.
automatically through an air-ground sensing circuit
or manually by the switch on the overhead panel.
 PASSENGER ADDRESS (PA) SYSTEM
A. PURPOSE
➢ Provides information to passengers from the
cockpit or cabin crew.
➢ Uses a tape player for pre-recorded
announcements and boarding music.
➢ Generates chimes as attention getters.
B. PA SYSTEM COMPONENTS
➢ Utilizes PA amplifiers, either in a separate unit
or as part of the modern cabin communication
system (CIDS/ACESS).
➢ Assigns different priorities to inputs to prevent
mixing:
▪ 1st priority: Input from cockpit crew.
▪ 2nd priority: Purser.
▪ 3rd priority: Other cabin crew members.
▪ 4th priority: Pre-recorded announcements.
▪ 5th priority: Boarding music.
C. CHIMES
➢ Generated independently of the priority circuit.
➢ Used as attention getters in addition to other
audio.
D. PA AMPLIFIER FUNCTION
➢ Increases audio volume to ensure
announcements are heard clearly by
passengers.
➢ Further increases volume during specific
events like engine start or cabin
decompression.
E. PA ANNOUNCEMENT PROCESS
➢ Cockpit crew initiates PA announcements by
pressing the PA pushbutton on the Audio
Control Panel (ACP).
➢ Some aircraft may require holding the
pushbutton.
➢ An additional handset may be used exclusively
for PA, bypassing the ACP.
➢ The pilot hears the announcement when the PA
knob is released (sidetone), ensuring proper
transfer to cabin loudspeakers.
➢ Cabin crew announcements are not interrupted
by pilot announcements.
COCKPIT VOICE RECORDER (CVR)
SYSTEM
➢ Crucial for incident/accident evaluation.
➢ Records all cockpit crew communications and
sounds.
➢ ANALOG TAPE recorder stores last 30 min;
DIGITAL RECORDER stores the last 120 min,
automatically overwriting previous recordings.
CVR SYSTEM COMPONENTS
➢ Recorder located near flight data recorder in
the tail section.
➢ Control panel on the overhead panel.
➢ Area microphone on the control panel or a
separate location.
➢ Underwater locator beacon (ULB).
CVR AUDIO INPUTS
➢ Three inputs from the audio management unit
for flight crew communication.
➢ Audio flight crew hear in headphones
➢ All transmissions repeated in headphones
➢ Recording contains reception and transmission
➢ Fourth input captures general cockpit sounds
from an area microphone.
VOICE RECORDER OPERATION
➢ Automatically starts recording when an engine
starts or in flight at the latest.
➢ Stops 5 min after the last engine shuts down on
the ground.
➢ Erase switch on the control panel deletes the
complete recording, respecting crew privacy.
VOICE RECORDER TESTING
➢ Test pushbutton on the control panel starts
recording a test signal on all channels.
➢ Modern aircraft often use the Central
Maintenance Computer System (CMCS) for
testing.
VHF COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
➢ Enables short-distance voice and data
communication with ground stations and other
aircraft.
➢ Frequency range: 117.975 MHz – 137 MHz, with
121.5 MHz as the international emergency
frequency.
VHF COMMUNICATION CHANNEL SPACING
➢ Typically, 25 kHz, with modern systems using
8.33 kHz spacing in high flight levels.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
➢ Modern aircraft have three independent VHF
systems.
➢ Two systems for voice communication (captain
and first officer) and a third for ACARS.
VHF SYSTEM COMPONENTS
➢ Each VHF system has a transceiver in the avionics
compartment.
➢ Antennas are usually on the fuselage, with VHF 1
& 3 on the upper fuselage and VHF 2 on the lower
fuselage.
CONTROLLED BY
➢ RADIO MANAGEMENT PANELS (RMP) for
frequency selections.
➢ AUDIO CONTROL PANELS (ACP) for audio
selections.
TRANSCEIVER FUNCTION
➢ Acts as both a transmitter and receiver.
➢ Allows listening to received signals with the
frequency selection knob.
➢ Always listen before transmitting to avoid
interruptions with other aircraft.
TRANSMITTING INFORMATION
➢ Pushing the radio transmission switch on ACP or
push-to-talk switch on the control wheel.
➢ Transmission works with normal output power
(25W), with sidetone allowing the pilot to hear
their voice.
➢ Missing sidetone indicates a system failure.
RADIO MANAGEMENT PANEL (RMP)
➢ Used for frequency selections in VHF and HF
radio communication systems.
➢ Can control any system, with the selected system
indicated by a light in the pushbutton.
➢ In normal operation, the captain's panel controls
VHF & HF 1, while the first officer's panel controls
VHF & HF 2.
RMP FREQUENCY WINDOWS
➢ Active Window: Displays the operating
frequency of the selected system.
➢ Standby Window: Shows the new selected
frequency.
➢ Displays "ACARS" or "DATA" for VHF 3, where
manual frequency selection is not necessary for
ACARS.
TRANSFER PUSHBUTTON ON RMP
➢ Changes frequencies; standby frequency
becomes active, and vice versa.
➢ RMPs constantly update each other.
➢ Activating a frequency on one RMP makes it
visible on others when the same system is
selected.
➢ Some RMPs, like those in modern Airbus
aircraft, include an area for selecting navigation
 system frequencies, used when normal tuning
via FMS is not available.
SYSTEM OPERATION - CONNECTING TO VHF
FREQUENCY OF GROUND STATION
➢ Cross-check audio equipment selection on the
Audio Control Panel (ACP).
➢ Select the required VHF COM system on the RMP.
➢ Turn the frequency selector knob to choose the
frequency in the standby window.
➢ Activate the frequency for VHF 1.
➢ Listen to reception to ensure no ongoing
communication.
➢ Start transmission by activating the Push-To-Talk
(PTT) switches.
HF COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
➢ Used for long-distance communication.
➢ On long-distance aircraft, it enables worldwide
communication, utilizing the ionosphere as a
reflector for radio signals, reaching areas outside
line of sight.
➢ Modern aircraft types may replace HF systems
with SATCOM, but HF is valued for guaranteeing
long-distance communication.
TWO INDEPENDENT HF SYSTEMS
➢ Each system includes a transceiver in the avionics
compartment, an antenna in the leading edge of
the vertical stabilizer, and on older aircraft types
or as a third system, a rod-type antenna at the
wingtip.
➢ An antenna coupler tunes the antenna to the
selected HF frequency, usually installed near the
antenna.
HF SYSTEM COMPONENTS
➢ The transceiver, with both transmitter and
receiver functions, operates similarly to the VHF
transceiver.
➢ Frequency and system selection are done on the
Radio Management Panel (RMP), with the HF
frequency range from 2 MHz – 25 MHz in steps of
1 or 0.1 KHz.
OPERATIONAL MODES
➢ The AM pushbutton on the RMP selects the
operational mode for HF, switching between AM
mode (transmits modulated signal via carrier)
and SSB mode (transmits modulated signal
without carrier, offering better transmission
efficiency).
SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT
➢ The HF SENS knob on the RMP adjusts the
sensitivity of reception, while some RMP types
may have an SQL knob to select the squelch level
for noise suppression.
➢ Older aircraft types may have a separate HF
control panel with the same controls as
described for the RMP.
ANTENNA COUPLER TUNING
1. Before starting transmission, reception is always
possible without new tuning.
2. Briefly pressing the Push-To-Talk (PTT) switch the
first time starts tuning, accompanied by a 1kHz tone
as long as tuning lasts (very fast in modern systems;
older systems may need less than 10 seconds).
3. The 1kHz tone stops.
4. Starting transmission by pressing the PTT switch a
second time.
5. Monitoring correct transmission with sidetone
when normal transmitting power is available.
STEPS TO ESTABLISH HF COMMUNICATION
1. Connect audio equipment to HF 1.
2. Select HF system and mode.
3. Select a new frequency, shown in the standby
frequency window.
4. Choose a new frequency and activate
transmission, checking if the frequency is busy
before transmission.
5. When the tuning tone stops, start the transmission
with the selected ground station.
SELCAL SYSTEM
➢ Selective calling system providing visual and
aural indication of calls from ground stations
with a coding device.
➢ Ground station tone generator modulates VHF or
HF transmitter with the assigned aircraft code.
➢ To receive a SELCAL call, the same frequency as
on the ground must be activated in the aircraft.
➢ Integrated into the Audio Management Unit
(AMU), and the aircraft code can be set on the
SELCAL code panel in the avionics bay.
SELCAL OPERATION
➢ SELCAL call reception activates the CALL light,
flashes amber on the corresponding transmission
key, and triggers a buzzer sound.
➢ Buzzer signal generated by the Flight Warning
Computer (FWC).
➢ CALL flashes amber on all Audio Control Panels
(ACPs) when a SELCAL call is received.
➢ CALL indication can be manually cleared by
pressing RESET on any ACP or automatically
cleared upon transmission on the called channel.
SELCAL AND COCKPIT CALL SYSTEM
➢ SELCAL and CALL functions performed in the
AMU by the SELCAL/CALL card.
➢ The card receives SELCAL calls, SELCAL code, and
CALLs, providing visual and aural warnings.
➢ SELCAL/CALL card has inputs connected to
communication receiver SELCAL outputs.
➢ Comparison with the programmed SELCAL code
results in visual and aural alerts on ACPs and
buzzer signal through the loudspeakers.
GROUND CALL
➢ Two types of calls: ground call and cabin
attendant call.
➢ Cockpit call pushbutton on the external power
control panel sends ground information to
SELCAL/CALL card and FWC.
➢ FWC activates the buzzer signal; SELCAL card
sends a signal to ACPs.
➢ MECH legend flashes amber for 60 seconds on
ACPs for a ground call.
➢ Visual call automatically cancels and circuit
reinitializes after 60 seconds or manual reset.
➢ Automatic reset can be canceled with AMU pin
programming.
ATTENDANT CALL
➢ When a call is made from a cabin attendant
station, the Cabin Intercommunication Data
System (CIDS) generates ground information to
the SELCAL/CALL card and the Flight Warning
Computer (FWC).
➢ FWC activates the buzzer signal through the
loudspeakers for one second.
➢ SELCAL/CALL card sends a signal to ACPs through
various audio cards.
➢ The ATT legend flashes for 60 seconds on the
ACPs for an attendant call.
➢ Visual call is automatically canceled, and the
circuit reinitializes after 60 seconds or when the
RESET pushbutton is pressed on any ACP.
➢ Information is also sent to CIDS for
reinitialization.
➢ Automatic reset may be canceled with AMU pin
programming.
 AIRCRAFT COMMUNICATION
ADDRESSING AND REPORTING
SYSTEM (ACARS)
➢ Datalink communication system facilitating
message and data transfer between aircraft and
ground entities such as airline operation centers,
ATC, VHF3, or SATCOM.
DATA SENT BY ACARS
➢ DOWNLINK - Data sent from the aircraft,
received by the ground station or network
provider, and transported via the network to
users.
➢ UPLINK - Data transfer from the ground to
the aircraft.
ACARS TRANSMIT AND RECEIVE
1. AUTOMATIC REPORTS dependent on the flight
profile.
➢ OFF report: Transmits aircraft information
and time when the aircraft lifts off, detected
by landing gear air/ground switches.
➢ Aircraft Condition Monitoring System
(ACMS) Automatically transmits engine
reports during each flight or whenever an
engine problem is detected.
➢ Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
Automatically transmitted 120 minutes, 20
minutes, and 7 minutes before arrival.
➢ ON report Transmits aircraft information and
time when the aircraft touches down,
detected by landing gear/ground switches.
➢ IN report Transmits aircraft information and
time when the first aircraft door is opened.
2. MANUAL REPORTS independent of the flight
profile.
➢ Load sheet report Uplink from ground to aircraft
during takeoff preparation.
➢ Call request Transmit to communicate if the
ground station wants to communicate with the
flight crew via voice communication.
➢ ATC use in Future Air Navigation System (FANS)
Used by ATC to send requests to aircraft, e.g.,
maintain speed.
➢ Report request Downlink when flight crew
requires specific information, e.g., airport or
weather data.
➢ Information for crew or passengers Uplink as a
response to report requests, providing
information about departure gates, next flights,
etc.
➢ Maintenance reports: Started from the Central
Maintenance Computer System (CMCS),
transmitting test results or maintenance reports
to the airline maintenance center.
ACARS System Components
1. Central Computer - Management Unit (MU) Links
between aircraft or SATCOM, VHF. Manages ACARS
data transfer.
2. VHF COM 3 (center system) Activated for voice
communication.
ACARS OPERATION
➢ Possible with VHF COM system 3 (DATA, ACARS
in the window of the active frequency).
➢ MU automatically selects the required VHF
frequency.
➢ Uses SATCOM if the VHF ground station is not
usable, depending on the aircraft's position
provided by FMC sys. or IRS.
➢ ACARS gets maintenance-related data from
CMC and ACMS, aircraft status information
from discrete signals, and its software is
updated with a data loader when required.
➢ Operation controlled from the Multi-Function
Control and Display Unit (MCDU), and a printer
allows the crew to get a hardcopy of reports.
ACARS MAIN MENU FUNCTIONS
➢ Request reports for an uplink.
➢ Create reports for downlink (choices depend
on flight phase, e.g., pre-flight).
➢ Write telex to ground or request voice
contact.
➢ Select a list of uplink messages and
miscellaneous pages.
MISCELLANEOUS PAGES PROVIDE INFORMATION
ABOUT
➢ ACARS frequencies for different areas of the
world.
➢ 0001 - out, off, on, and in downlinks, checking
and editing status conditions.
➢ VHF and satellite statistics - how many
transmissions and receptions happened.
ACARS MAINTENANCE PAGE PROVIDES
INFORMATION ABOUT
➢ Part numbers of all system components.
➢ ACARS system status.
➢ Information about the status of VHF and
satellite communication systems.
➢ Different types of system tests.
SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
(SATCOM)
SATCOM SYSTEM COMPONENTS
➢ Satellites.
➢ Aircraft Earth Stations (AES).
➢ Ground Earth Stations (GES).
SATCOM SYSTEM
➢ Provides reliable worldwide digital data
transfer for ACARS, cockpit voice, telex
communications, passenger voice, telex, and
fax communications simultaneously.
➢ Transmission and reception work
simultaneously, allowing normal telephone
conversations.
SATCOM USES
➢ Four satellites in geostationary orbit at
about 23,000 miles (36,000 km) above Earth's
surface, providing coverage from latitude 75
degrees north to 75 degrees south.
➢ 255 SATCOM ground earth stations
worldwide transmit and receive data to and
from satellites.
SATCOM SYSTEM COMPONENTS (AES)
➢ Architecture varies by manufacturer and
airline needs.
➢ Typical system includes:
▪ Satellite Data Unit (SDU).
▪ Radio Frequency Unit (RFU).
▪ High Power Amplifier (HPA).
▪ Low Noise Amplifier and Diplexer
(LNA/DIP).
▪ Beam Steering Unit (BSU).
▪ Antenna.
SATELLITE DATA UNIT (SDU)
➢ Controls connections to other aircraft
systems, such as ACARS, pilot's audio system,
and passenger telephone system.
➢ Stores satellite positions and frequencies.
➢ Automatically selects the best satellite based
on the aircraft's position.
➢ Various functions and tests can be performed
from the Multi-Function Control and Display
Unit (MCDU) via the SATCOM menu.
SATELLITE COMMUNICATION PROCESS
➢ SDU sends data to RFU, generating a carrier
frequency of 1.6 GHz and modulating it with
data.
➢ Signal is amplified in high power and low
noise amplifiers.
 ➢ Signal reaches the Beam Steering Unit (BSU)
and antenna.
SATCOM ANTENNAS
➢ Top-mounted or two side-mounted antennas
on the upper fuselage.
➢ High-gain antennas with several elements
transmit a steerable beam towards the
satellite, controlled by the BSU based on
aircraft position and heading.
➢ Allow high data transmission rates necessary
for normal SATCOM operation.
➢ Low-gain antenna on top of the fuselage
transmits a fixed beam for data rate
communication (e.g., ACARS) without voice
communication, not requiring BSU or aircraft
position data from the Inertial Reference
System (IRS).
SAFETY NOTES
➢ The concentrated beam of SATCOM antennas
is high-powered, so use caution if there are
no personnel or metal parts near the
antenna.
➢ Refer to the maintenance manual for detailed
information.
RECEIVED SIGNAL
➢ Signal travels from the antenna to the
diplexer, separating transmission and
reception signals.
➢ From the diplexer, the signal goes via RFU to
SDU, where it is demodulated and distributed
to related systems.
EMERGENCY LOCATOR
TRANSMITTER (ELT)
➢ Assists search and rescue crews in finding
aircraft that landed away from airports or
ditched into water.
➢ Fixed ELT transmitter located in the upper aft
fuselage.
➢ Portable buoyant type placed near life rafts in
the cabin ceiling.
ELT RADIO SIGNALS
➢ Transmits two radio signals on international
emergency frequencies:
o VHF frequency of 121.5 MHz.
o UHF frequency of 243 MHz.
o Modulated with a swept-tone signal.
➢ UHF and VHF frequencies are only received
within a distance of 200 nautical miles.
➢ Additional 406 MHz Signal (Fixed ELT)
➢ Fixed ELT transmits an additional signal at
406 MHz via a small antenna near the
vertical stabilizer.
➢ This signal can be received by satellites,
enabling worldwide location of the aircraft.
➢ Contains information about the aircraft
type, tail sign, and, if available, the last
known aircraft position.
ELT POWER SOURCE
➢ ELTs are powered by an internal battery
designed to last for at least 48 hours.
➢ Portable ELT becomes active when its battery
comes in contact with water or a small pin is
removed from the battery.
➢ Fixed ELT is automatically activated when the
internal G-switch detects forces exceeding 5G in
the longitudinal axis.
MANUAL ACTIVATION OF FIXED ELT
➢ Can be manually activated from the control
panel on the cockpit overhead panel.
➢ Manual activation is performed for testing only
during the first 5 minutes of every hour for less
than 15 seconds.
➢ All transmissions during the test activate search
and rescue.
➢ The swept-tone signal can be heard.
➢ VHF communication is tuned to 121.5 MHz
during the test