Air Traffic Control

This guide provides detailed explanations for essential ATC commands and clarifies the "The Aviation Act 2023" radio requirement, emphasizing seamless communication and in-game flight safety.

General Chat

Command: /atc [message]

Purpose: This command allows players piloting an aircraft in FiveM to send a message in a dedicated chat for pilots. This chat is not exclusive to just pilots; airlines can also view this chat. It's useful for communicating flight intentions, inquiring about conditions, or simply engaging in pilot banter.

Usage Example:

• To communicate with other pilots and ask about their status, you might enter: /atc how are you travelling today?

This will broadcast the message "how are you travelling today?" to all pilots and relevant airline personnel in the server who are using the ATC (Air Traffic Control) channel.

Initial Flight

Planes:

Before departing, all pilots operating planes must provide the following details using the /atc command:

1. Operator's Name: The individual or company operating the aircraft.

2. Aircraft Details: The model and registration number of the plane.

3. Purpose & Destination: Specify the intent behind the flight and its destination (if known).

4. Souls Onboard: The total number of people aboard the aircraft.

Example: /atc [Operator's Name] flying a [Model - Registration], heading to [Destination] for [Purpose], with [Number] souls onboard.

Helicopters:

Before takeoff, all helicopter pilots must provide the following information using the /atc command:

1. Operator's Name: The individual or company piloting the helicopter.

2. Helicopter Details: The model and registration number of the helicopter.

3. Purpose & Destination: Declare the reason for the flight and where you're headed (if known).

4. Souls Onboard: The total number of passengers and crew inside the helicopter.

Example: /atc [Operator's Name] piloting a [Model - Registration], en route to [Destination] for [Purpose], carrying [Number] souls onboard.

Landing / Taking Off

Command: /atc [area code]

Purpose: The /atc command, when used with an area code, is designed to automate communications with the ATC tower for takeoff and landing procedures. The system will check your current ground height and, based on whether you're piloting a helicopter or plane, determine the appropriate action for that specific area code.

How it works:

• When a player inputs an area code (e.g., AIRP), the system verifies their current altitude.

• Based on the aircraft type (plane or helicopter) and the ground height, the ATC tower will generate an automated response guiding the pilot for takeoff or landing.

Usage Example:

• If you're in an aircraft near the AIRP zone and ready for takeoff or landing, you'd type: /atc AIRP.

This will prompt an automated message from the ATC tower providing instructions specific to your aircraft type and current altitude.

Note: Each area code has predefined actions associated with it, ensuring pilots receive accurate guidance.

Mayday

Command: /atc Mayday

Purpose: The /atc Mayday command is a critical distress call used by pilots to alert emergency services of an impending crash or serious in-flight emergency. It serves as a beacon for search and rescue operations, providing emergency personnel with crucial details to locate and assist the pilot in distress.

How it works:

• Once the command is activated, it pings the emergency services with the pilot's last known location and bearing.

• The system has a built-in safety feature ensuring the distress call can only be sent if the player is alive, preventing misuse after a crash has already occurred.

• It will automatically set squawk to 7700

Usage Example:

If you encounter an in-flight emergency and fear a crash is imminent, quickly type: /atc Mayday.

This will immediately notify emergency services, giving them vital information to initiate a search and rescue operation.

Limitations & Consequences:

1. Cool-off Period: There's a cool-off period of ten minutes between each use of the /atc Mayday command to prevent spam and misuse.

2. Abuse & Punishment: Misuse of the /atc Mayday command can result in consequences both within the roleplay (in-character) and outside of it (out-of-character). Players are urged to utilize this command responsibly, reserving it for genuine emergencies.

Radar Basics

1. Transponder Toggle:

• Button: Numpad 7

• Description: By pressing the number 7 on the numpad, users can turn the transponder on or off. When the transponder is off, the aircraft's blip will still be visible on the radar, but the callsign associated with that aircraft will disappear. This simulates the aircraft going off the grid, making it harder to identify but not entirely invisible.

---

2. Changing Squawk Code:

• Command: /squawk [code] (e.g., /squawk 1200)

• Description: This command allows pilots to set or modify their aircraft's squawk code. A squawk code is a 4-digit number that is used by air traffic control to identify individual aircraft on the radar.

• Important: Squawk codes must be exactly 4 numbers long. The default squawk code is 1200. --- 1200: Civilian Aircraft.

  --- 6000: Government Aircraft.

  However, there are certain emergency codes which are standardized for specific situations:

  --- 7500: Indicates a Hijacking situation.

  --- 7600: Indicates that the aircraft has Lost Communication.

  --- 7700: Indicates a General Emergency situation.

  Note: If a pilot uses the /atc mayday command during an emergency, the system will automatically set the squawk code to 7700 for them, alerting the ATC about the nature of the emergency.

---

3. Portable Radar:

• Description: A specialized radar tool designed for use by police and airline personnel. This portable radar enables users to have an expanded view of air traffic, providing them with a larger radar screen to monitor the air traffic more effectively. The portable radar is especially useful in scenarios where enhanced situational awareness is needed, such as during police operations or heavy air traffic conditions at an airport.

Radio Channel

Requirement: As per The Aviation Act 2023, all aircraft operators in the game are mandated to tune their radios to channel 11. This ensures a centralized communication platform for aviation activities, enhancing coordination and safety.

Details:

1. Mandatory Frequency: All aircraft, barring a few exceptions, should be tuned into radio frequency 11. This channel serves as the primary means of communication for flight operations.

2. Responsiveness: Operators are not merely expected to tune in; they are required to actively respond to all calls directed at them. Ignoring or missing communications can have in-game repercussions.

3. Exemptions: Government aircraft are exempted from this requirement. However, it's important to note that even though they're not mandated to be on channel 11, it's highly recommended. This encouragement stems from the broader goal of ensuring safety and seamless coordination in the skies.

Recommendation for Players:

• Always ensure your radio is set to channel 11 before takeoff. Regularly check during flight to avoid any accidental changes.

• Stay attentive. Prompt responses to calls can avoid confusion and potential in-game conflicts.

• Even if you're piloting a government aircraft, consider tuning into channel 11 for the sake of collaborative gameplay and enhanced realism.

Scenario:

Pilot with Player ID "123" wants to check the air traffic situation near the Vinewood Hills from another pilot with Player ID "456".

• Pilot (Callsign-123): "Callsign-456, this is Callsign-123, are you currently near the Vinewood Hills area?"

• Pilot (Callsign-456): "Affirmative, Callsign-123. I'm circling around the Vinewood sign. Air traffic seems light at the moment."

• Pilot (Callsign-123): "Thanks for the heads up, Callsign-456. I'm heading that way from the east. I'll keep an eye out for you."

• Pilot (Callsign-456): "Roger that, Callsign-123. Safe flying!"

ATC Tower

Command: /atctower [message]

Purpose: The /atctower command is exclusively used by the Air Emu personnel (or those roleplaying as Air Traffic Control tower operators) to communicate directly with individual aircraft in the skies. This command allows the ATC tower to issue flight directives, provide updates, or respond to pilot inquiries.

Usage:

When acting as the ATC tower, you can communicate with pilots by entering: /atctower [Your message here].

Usage Example:

• If a pilot is approaching the runway and the tower wishes to give landing clearance, the tower operator might type: /atctower Flight 123, you are cleared to land on Runway 27.

This would transmit the message directly to Flight 123, informing them of the clearance to land.