Single Frequency Approach
Encyclopedia
In aviation
, a Single Frequency Approach (SFA) is a service for a military single-piloted turbojet aircraft
to use a single UHF frequency during their landing approach. Circumstances permitting, pilots will not be required to change their frequency when they switch from ARTCC to terminal facility
control when conducting an SFA.
In the U.S.
, per the FAA, controllers
are not allowed to require a frequency change from aircraft conducting an SFA unless:
If a change of control is necessary, controllers will hand off the frequency to each other, instead of having the pilots change the frequency on their radio.
Aviation
Aviation is the design, development, production, operation, and use of aircraft, especially heavier-than-air aircraft. Aviation is derived from avis, the Latin word for bird.-History:...
, a Single Frequency Approach (SFA) is a service for a military single-piloted turbojet aircraft
Aircraft
An aircraft is a vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air, or, in general, the atmosphere of a planet. An aircraft counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or in a few cases the downward thrust from jet engines.Although...
to use a single UHF frequency during their landing approach. Circumstances permitting, pilots will not be required to change their frequency when they switch from ARTCC to terminal facility
Terminal Control Center
A terminal radar approach control is an air traffic control facility usually located within the vicinity of a large airport. Typically, the TRACON controls aircraft within a 20-50 nautical mile radius of the major airport and a number of "satellite airports" between surface and up to between and...
control when conducting an SFA.
In the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, per the FAA, controllers
Air traffic controller
Air traffic controllers are the people who expedite and maintain a safe and orderly flow of air traffic in the global air traffic control system. The position of the air traffic controller is one that requires highly specialized skills...
are not allowed to require a frequency change from aircraft conducting an SFA unless:
- Pilot has completed landing or low approach
- Aircraft is in VFRVisual flight rulesVisual flight rules are a set of regulations which allow a pilot to operate an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going. Specifically, the weather must be better than basic VFR weather minimums, as specified in the rules of the...
conditions during daylight hours - Pilot requests a frequency change
- Emergency situation exists
- Aircraft is cleared for a visual approach
- Pilot cancels their IFR flight planhttp://www.faa.gov/ATPUBS/ATC/Chp5/atc0510.html#5-10-15
If a change of control is necessary, controllers will hand off the frequency to each other, instead of having the pilots change the frequency on their radio.