Specific Situations
Not every visual flight follows the script. This page brings together the situations that come up most often in day-to-day VFR operations, in catalogue format, for quick reference.
Touch and go and full stop landing
Circuit training is the reason for much of the VFR traffic. Each lap ends with a touch and go, and the last one with a full stop landing.
Touch and go clearance
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, perna do vento da pista UNO TRÊS, para toque e arremetida.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, avistado, reporte perna base.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, na final.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, pista UNO TRÊS, autorizado toque e arremetida, vento UNO TRÊS ZERO graus, ZERO OITO nós.
Autorizado toque e arremetida, pista UNO TRÊS, VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, downwind leg runway ONE THREE, for touch and go.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, I have you in sight, report base leg.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, on final.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, runway ONE THREE, cleared for touch and go, wind ONE THREE ZERO degrees, ZERO EIGHT knots.
Cleared for touch and go, runway ONE THREE, VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, tramo con viento en cola de la pista UNO TRES, para toque y despegue.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, a la vista, reporte tramo base.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, en final.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, pista UNO TRES, autorizado toque y despegue, viento UNO TRES CERO grados, CERO OCHO nudos.
Autorizado toque y despegue, pista UNO TRES, VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO.
Routine variations
| Situação | Fraseologia (TWR) |
|---|---|
| Determinar pouso completo | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, faça pouso completo." |
| Negar o toque e arremetida | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, negativo toque e arremetida devido tráfego local." |
| Autorizar baixa passagem | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, autorizada passagem baixa, pista UNO TRÊS, não toque." |
| Verificação de trem de pouso | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, faça passagem baixa para verificação de trem de pouso." |
| Resultado da verificação | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, trem de pouso aparenta baixado e no lugar." |
| Situation | Phraseology (TWR) |
|---|---|
| Require full stop | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, make full stop landing." |
| Deny touch and go | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, unable to approve touch and go due to local traffic." |
| Approve low pass | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, cleared low approach, runway ONE THREE, no touchdown." |
| Landing gear check | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, make a low pass for landing gear check." |
| Check result | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, landing gear appears to be down and in place." |
| Situación | Fraseología (TWR) |
|---|---|
| Determinar aterrizaje completo | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, efectúe aterrizaje completo." |
| Negar el toque y despegue | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, negativo toque y despegue debido a tráfico local." |
| Autorizar pasada baja | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, autorizada pasada baja, pista UNO TRES, no toque." |
| Verificación de tren de aterrizaje | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, efectúe pasada baja para verificación de tren de aterrizaje." |
| Resultado de la verificación | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, el tren de aterrizaje aparenta abajo y en su lugar." |
Go-around
A go-around may be initiated by the pilot or by the controller. When initiated by the controller, it comes with the reason and the instructions for the new climb.
| Situação | Fraseologia |
|---|---|
| Piloto arremetendo | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, iniciando arremetida." |
| Instrução simples | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, arremeta em frente." |
| Arremetida com retorno ao circuito | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, arremeta e circule." |
| Arremetida por pista ocupada | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, arremeta, pista ocupada." |
| Arremetida com perfil definido | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, arremeta, mantenha a proa da pista, suba para UNO MIL pés, ingresse na perna do vento." |
| Situation | Phraseology |
|---|---|
| Pilot going around | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, going around." |
| Simple instruction | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, go around straight ahead." |
| Go around back into the circuit | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, go around and circle." |
| Go around due occupied runway | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, go around, runway occupied." |
| Go around with defined profile | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, go around, maintain runway heading, climb to ONE THOUSAND feet, join downwind leg." |
| Situación | Fraseología |
|---|---|
| Piloto frustrando | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, iniciando aproximación frustrada." |
| Instrucción simple | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, frustre aproximación en línea recta." |
| Frustrada con regreso al circuito | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, frustre aproximación y circule." |
| Frustrada por pista ocupada | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, frustre aproximación, pista ocupada." |
| Frustrada con perfil definido | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, frustre aproximación, mantenga rumbo de la pista, ascienda a UN MIL pies, ingrese al tramo con viento en cola." |
Absolute priority
A go-around instruction takes priority over any other transmission in progress. When issuing it, be short and direct, and only then follow up with the desired profile.
Spacing in the circuit
When the circuit starts to get crowded, the Tower has several tools to create space without taking anyone out of the pattern.
| Situação | Fraseologia (TWR) | Observação |
|---|---|---|
| Alongar a perna do vento | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, alongue a perna do vento, aguarde instruções para girar base." | Ferramenta mais comum e mais previsível |
| Curva de 360 graus | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, faça 360 graus pela esquerda, reporte novamente na perna do vento." | Sempre especifique o lado |
| Circular o aeródromo | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, circule o aeródromo novamente." | Cria um circuito adicional |
| Outro circuito | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, faça outro circuito." | Usada após arremetida |
| Aproximação curta | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, confirme possibilidade de aproximação curta." | É uma pergunta, não uma instrução |
| Manter fora do circuito | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, mantenha fora do circuito a oeste do aeródromo, UNO MIL E QUINHENTOS pés, reporte pronto para ingressar." | Define área e altitude |
| Situation | Phraseology (TWR) | Observation |
|---|---|---|
| Extend downwind | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, extend downwind leg, standby for further instructions for turning base." | Most common and most predictable tool |
| Three sixty turn | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, make a three sixty turn left, report downwind leg again." | Always specify the side |
| Circle the aerodrome | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, circle the aerodrome again." | Creates an extra circuit |
| Another circuit | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, make another circuit." | Used after a go around |
| Short approach | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, confirm if you are able to make a short approach." | It is a question, not an instruction |
| Remain outside circuit | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, remain outside the circuit west of the aerodrome, ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED feet, report ready to join." | Defines area and altitude |
| Situación | Fraseología (TWR) | Observación |
|---|---|---|
| Extender el tramo con viento en cola | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, extienda el tramo con viento en cola, espere instrucciones para virar base." | Herramienta más común y más previsible |
| Viraje de 360 grados | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, efectúe un viraje de 360 grados por la izquierda, reporte nuevamente en el tramo con viento en cola." | Siempre especifique el lado |
| Circular el aeródromo | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, circule el aeródromo nuevamente." | Crea un circuito adicional |
| Otro circuito | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, efectúe otro circuito." | Usada después de una frustrada |
| Aproximación corta | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, confirme posibilidad de aproximación corta." | Es una pregunta, no una instrucción |
| Mantenerse fuera del circuito | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, manténgase fuera del circuito al oeste del aeródromo, UN MIL QUINIENTOS pies, reporte listo para ingresar." | Define área y altitud |
Choosing the tool
Extending the downwind leg is almost always the best option, because it keeps the aircraft on the circuit track and does not create unpredictable turns. Save the 360-degree turn for when the required spacing is large.
Crossing the aerodrome
An aircraft arriving from the side opposite the circuit may need to cross the field to position itself.
Torre Pampulha, PAPA TANGO VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, para cruzamento do aeródromo.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, avistado, setor sul do aeródromo, autorizado cruzamento, chame na perna do vento da pista UNO TRÊS.
Autorizado cruzamento, chamará na perna do vento da pista UNO TRÊS, VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO.
Pampulha Tower, PAPA TANGO VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, for crossing the field.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, I have you in sight, south of the aerodrome, cleared for crossing the field, report downwind leg runway ONE THREE.
Cleared for crossing the field, will report downwind leg runway ONE THREE, VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO.
Pampulha Torre, PAPA TANGO VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, para cruce del campo.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, a la vista, sector sur del aeródromo, autorizado el cruce del campo, llame en el tramo con viento en cola de la pista UNO TRES.
Autorizado el cruce del campo, llamará en el tramo con viento en cola de la pista UNO TRES, VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO.
Traffic information and sequencing
VFR sequencing relies on visual separation. The Tower assigns a number in the sequence and indicates whom to follow.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, tráfego à sua frente na perna do vento, um Cessna 182, confirme visual com o tráfego.
Tráfego à vista, VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, é o número DOIS para o pouso, siga o tráfego, reporte perna base.
Número DOIS, segue o tráfego, reportará perna base, VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, traffic ahead of you on downwind leg, a Cessna 182, report in sight.
Traffic in sight, VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, number TWO for landing, follow the traffic, report base leg.
Number TWO, following the traffic, will report base leg, VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, tráfico adelante en el tramo con viento en cola, un Cessna 182, confirme contacto visual con el tráfico.
Tráfico a la vista, VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, es el número DOS para aterrizar, siga al tráfico, reporte tramo base.
Número DOS, sigue al tráfico, reportará tramo base, VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO.
Negative contact
If the traffic is not in sight, say so plainly. The controller needs to know in order to provide another form of separation.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, tráfego não avistado.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, negative contact.
VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, tráfico no a la vista.
Priority traffic
Aeromedical flights, organ transport and police operations have priority. The ATS unit informs and the pilot gives way.
| Situação | Fraseologia |
|---|---|
| Prioridade para decolagem | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, tráfego do PAPA TANGO MIKE LIMA OSCAR iniciou táxi realizando aeromédico, com prioridade para decolagem." |
| Resposta do piloto | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO ciente, cederá passagem ao aeromédico." |
| Prioridade para pouso | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, tráfego do PAPA ROMEO VICTOR JULIETT OSCAR, na perna do vento da pista UNO DOIS, realizando transporte de órgão vital, com prioridade para pouso." |
| Resposta do piloto | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO irá reduzir e ceder passagem." |
| Situation | Phraseology |
|---|---|
| Priority for take-off | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, PAPA TANGO MIKE LIMA OSCAR traffic started taxiing for aeromedical service, with priority for take-off." |
| Pilot response | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO roger, will give way to the aeromedical service." |
| Priority for landing | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, PAPA ROMEO VICTOR JULIETT OSCAR traffic, on downwind leg runway ONE TWO, performing vital organ transport, with priority for landing." |
| Pilot response | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO will reduce and give way." |
| Situación | Fraseología |
|---|---|
| Prioridad para el despegue | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, el tráfico PAPA TANGO MIKE LIMA OSCAR inició el rodaje realizando servicio aeromédico, con prioridad para el despegue." |
| Respuesta del piloto | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO recibido, cederá el paso al aeromédico." |
| Prioridad para el aterrizaje | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO, el tráfico PAPA ROMEO VICTOR JULIETT OSCAR, en el tramo con viento en cola de la pista UNO DOS, realizando transporte de órgano vital, con prioridad para aterrizar." |
| Respuesta del piloto | "VICTOR BRAVO ROMEO reducirá y cederá el paso." |
Helicopters in the circuit
Helicopters usually operate at a lower profile and on dedicated routes, so as not to conflict with the fixed-wing circuit.
| Situação | Fraseologia (TWR) | Observação |
|---|---|---|
| Circuito baixo | "PAPA ROMEO HOTEL LIMA X-RAY, autorizado circuito baixo, mantenha CINCO ZERO ZERO pés ao sul do aeródromo, reporte perna base." | Evita cruzar a final da asa fixa |
| Cruzar a final | "PAPA ROMEO HOTEL LIMA X-RAY, cruze a final após o pouso do tráfego, reporte cruzando." | Somente com a final livre |
| Situation | Phraseology (TWR) | Observation |
|---|---|---|
| Low circuit | "PAPA ROMEO HOTEL LIMA X-RAY, cleared for low circuit, maintain FIVE HUNDRED feet south of the aerodrome, report base leg." | Avoids crossing the fixed wing final |
| Cross final | "PAPA ROMEO HOTEL LIMA X-RAY, cross final after the landing traffic, report crossing." | Only with the final clear |
| Situación | Fraseología (TWR) | Observación |
|---|---|---|
| Circuito bajo | "PAPA ROMEO HOTEL LIMA X-RAY, autorizado circuito bajo, mantenga CINCO CERO CERO pies al sur del aeródromo, reporte tramo base." | Evita cruzar la final del ala fija |
| Cruzar la final | "PAPA ROMEO HOTEL LIMA X-RAY, cruce la final después del aterrizaje del tráfico, reporte cruzando." | Solamente con la final libre |
Change of flight rules
A change of flight rules is a simple communication, but it must be explicit, because it changes the service provided to the aircraft.
From IFR to VFR
PAPA TANGO LIMA PAPA PAPA, cancelando meu voo IFR, mantendo VFR para Ipatinga.
PAPA TANGO LIMA PAPA PAPA, voo IFR cancelado às UNO DOIS TRÊS CINCO, descida a seu critério, mudança de frequência a critério.
PAPA TANGO LIMA PAPA PAPA, canceling my IFR flight, maintaining VFR to Ipatinga.
PAPA TANGO LIMA PAPA PAPA, IFR flight canceled at ONE TWO THREE FIVE, descent at your discretion, frequency change at your discretion.
PAPA TANGO LIMA PAPA PAPA, cancelando mi vuelo IFR, manteniendo VFR para Ipatinga.
PAPA TANGO LIMA PAPA PAPA, vuelo IFR cancelado a las UNO DOS TRES CINCO, descenso a su discreción, cambio de frecuencia a su discreción.
From VFR to IFR
Informação Brasília, PAPA SIERRA SIERRA INDIA UNIFORM, informo mudança para IFR, destino Confins, via GNV BAG CIA, MEIA MIL pés.
PAPA SIERRA SIERRA INDIA UNIFORM, ciente, a critério. Plano de voo modificado às UNO TRÊS CINCO SETE.
Brasília Information, PAPA SIERRA SIERRA INDIA UNIFORM, reporting change to IFR, destination Confins, via GNV BAG CIA, SIX THOUSAND feet.
PAPA SIERRA SIERRA INDIA UNIFORM, roger, at your discretion. Flight plan modified at ONE THREE FIVE SEVEN.
Brasília Información, PAPA SIERRA SIERRA INDIA UNIFORM, informo cambio a IFR, destino Confins, vía GNV BAG CIA, SEIS MIL pies.
PAPA SIERRA SIERRA INDIA UNIFORM, recibido, a su discreción. Plan de vuelo modificado a las UNO TRES CINCO SIETE.
Visual flights do not enter instrument conditions
If visual conditions deteriorate, report it immediately and state your intentions. Requesting a change to IFR, returning, diverting or landing at another aerodrome are all valid decisions, and all of them depend on clear and timely communication.