blocked transmissions / Undetected Simultaneous Transmissions (USiT)

Feature Desk, Aviation Gurukul, GOLN

3 years ago

Blocked Transmissions

Blocked Transmissions / Undetected Simultaneous Transmissions (USiT)

Definition

Simultaneous radio transmissions (SiT) are described as:

“Situations arise when two or more radio transmissions occur, simultaneously, on the same frequency. In this context, ‘simultaneous’ is defined as two or more transmissions that overlap in such a way that the controller is not aware that more than one transmission has occurred leading to a potential safety hazard.”

(VoIP – Air Traffic Management (ATM) system operational and technical requirements, EUROCAE, 2009-02)

Description

Simultaneous transmission by two stations results in one of the two (or both) transmissions being blocked and unheard by the other stations (or being heard as a buzzing sound or as a squeal).

With the steady growth of air traffic worldwide there is a corresponding increase in the incidence of blocked or simultaneous transmissions. These frequently result in dangerous situations developing, especially when they go undetected.

Sources

Properties of the receiver to eliminate the weaker signal
“Best Signal Selection” (BSS) filters out only one signal
Cross-coupled frequencies

Signal overlap

As signals overlap, the system is naturally making a selection on the type of overlap, the relative strength of the signals, the frequency variation, distance between transmitters and receivers, and the use of one or multiple ground receivers.

Lost Signal/Overlap and Detection Mechanisms

Garbled – Signals are of equivalent strength and they are both transmitted with (detected) garbling. The phenomenon is most probably detected as the garbling is heard by the ATCO.
Partial Overlap – The weaker signal is not covered by the stronger one. This could lead to acoustic differentiation (also called “clipping”) and, in some cases, detection of the phenomenon depending on how much longer the weaker signal is than the stronger one.
Full Overlap – The stronger signal covers the weaker one. Although both signals are transmitted, physical laws cause the receiver to eliminate the weaker signal leading to only one signal being transmitted to (or received by) the ATCO. Although some garbling may be heard in these circumstances depending on the type of RT equipment/architecture, no (or little) detection can be expected.

Scenarios

Several scenarios have been identified as related to the occurrence of simultaneous radio transmissions:

Scenario 1: Two pilots transmitting simultaneously

on the same frequency with one ground receiver (also known as “stepped on transmission”)
on the same frequency with two or more ground receivers being connected to a “Best Signal Selection” (BSS) system (also known as “call swamping”)
on 2 frequencies that are cross-coupled by the controller (also known as “call-blocking”)

Scenario 2: Simultaneous transmissions by the ATCO and a pilot (also known as “stepped on transmission”):

on a single frequency
on frequencies that are in a cross-coupled group at the CWP; (the pilot makes a transmission on a coupled frequency while the Controller is transmitting to frequencies in the cross-coupled group).

Scenario 3: “Multi-receiver Blindspot” is another source of loss of signal (or transmission) which could also be considered in the context of Undetected Simultaneous Transmissions.

It corresponds to a wide range of radio field operations used in difficult terrain leading to a lack of reception for some pilots and the signal being lost.

Either of these scenarios or any combination of them could result in the occurrence of Undetected Simultaneous Transmission (USAT).

Related Accidents and Incidents

The following events include “Blocked Transmission” as a contributory factor:

Effects

Some of the effects of the blocked transmissions might include:

All or part of a message is blocked;
A pilot does not act on a clearance intended for him/her;
A pilot acts on a clearance intended for another aircraft;
Unacceptable delay in establishing RTF contact or in issuing a clearance or passing a message;
The workload of controllers and pilots is increased due to the need to resolve the confusion.

Contributory Factors

The following parameters or factors are linked to the phenomenon, either as contributors or as an ‘inherent’ system characteristics:

Similar Sounding Callsigns (callsigns confusion) – Use of very similar callsigns leading to limited/no detection by the ATCO
Expectation Bias – The pilot or ATCO has a strong belief/mindset towards a particular outcome and therefore misjudges the aural information
R/T discipline (e.g.: a/c calling “too” early on a given frequency, pilot not monitoring the R/T exchange on the frequency, and “cutting” the transmission exchange)
Traffic load and frequency use – increased workload and breakdown of performance in terms of detecting USiT
Use of frequency coupling – frequency coupling during collapsing/grouping of sectors (single sector operation)
Frequency conditioning – The high quality of current frequency conditioning by the transmitters is responsible for the accurate compliance of the generated signal. Hence, no audible feedback (voice-over) is generated during simultaneous transmissions. (improved transmitters accuracy)
Elimination of the weaker signal – amplitude modulation (AM) receivers eliminate a second weaker signal at the output because of their technical features.
Distance factor – Significant differences in the received signals due to long distances
Equipment factor – Significant differences in the received signals due to aircraft equipment
Areas with wide coverage to deal with or condition of environment and landscape (mountains, valleys). Super refractions leading to reception of calls using the same frequency in another (far away) area (incl. propagation)
Use of several receivers to cover a wide sector

Defenses

Systemic solutions:

Ground ATM communication system technical solution for detection and alerting, for example by re-inserting the ‘noise’ on the frequency to alert the controller that a USAT had taken place
Airborne radio anti-blocking devices
Optimizing and limiting frequency coupling in terms of both period and number of coupled frequencies

As an ATCO:

Use good R/T practices (as recommended by Doc-4444). Be vigilant and have in mind that for many reasons (e.g.: Call Sign Similarity, expectation bias…), several pilots might consider a clearance to apply to them
Monitor for overlapping or garbled transmissions and immediately ensure that the instruction/clearance is received by its recipient only if overlapped and garbled readback is detected
Monitor for erroneous or lack of readback
Monitor for erroneous maneuvering of aircraft
Before reading back and eventually applying any instruction, it should make sense in the context of the current flight. Although the efficiency of this barrier is highly dependent on the environment and traffic configuration, it is understood that if the instruction or the communication itself is unclear, the pilot and ATCO will in most cases question the instruction/request.
Be aware of the fact that coupled frequencies might increase the chance of simultaneous transmissions. The transmissions made on the Frequency 1 will be retransmitted after a variable (short) delay on Frequency 2.

As a pilot:

Use good R/T practices (as recommended by Doc-4444)
Question the instruction/clearance if unsure that you are its proper recipient
Inform the ATCO of blocked transmission as soon as you identify it
Allow some time as appropriate to monitor the transmission exchange upon the initial contact in order not to block the RT exchange
Keep a good situational awareness; try to note similar-sounding callsigns (if exist on frequency)

Editor’s Note

^ Frequency coupling is a facility allowing 2 or more frequencies to be operated as a single one. All users will receive transmissions made on all coupled frequencies (F1 and F2 are coupled, TX made on F1 are retransmitted after a variable (short) delay on F2). This functionality is required when sectors are merged (or coupled) when military a/c using UHF frequency are operating within a sector (applicable only to some countries/ANSP)

Related OGHFA Material

Attention and Vigilance (OGHFA BN)
Communication: Linguistic Factors (OGHFA BN)
Hearing and Noise (OGHFA BN)
Pilot-Controller Communications (OGHFA BN)