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Safety Regulation Group

CAP 452 Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Guide

www.caa.co.uk

Safety Regulation Group

CAP 452 Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Guide

October 2005

CAP 452

Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Guide

Civil Aviation Authority 2005 All rights reserved. Copies of this publication may be reproduced for personal use, or for use within a company or organisation, but may not otherwise be reproduced for publication. To use or reference CAA publications for any other purpose, for example within training material for students, please contact the CAA at the address below for formal agreement. ISBN 0 11790 452 X First published December 1982 Second edition January 1984 Third edition November 1984 Fourth edition February 1986 Fifth edition September 1987 Sixth edition July 1991 Seventh edition July 1993 Eighth edition July 1994 Ninth edition December 1996 Tenth edition June 2000 Eleventh edition 6 March 2002 Twelfth edition January 2005 Thirteenth edition October 2005

Enquiries regarding the content of this publication should be addressed to: Air Traffic Standards Department, Safety Regulation Group, Civil Aviation Authority, Aviation House, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR. The latest version of this document is available in electronic format at www.caa.co.uk, where you may also register for e-mail notification of amendments. Published by TSO (The Stationery Office) on behalf of the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Printed copy available from: TSO, PO Box 29, Norwich NR3 1GN Telephone orders/General enquiries: 0870 600 5522 Fax orders: 0870 600 5533

www.tso.co.uk/bookshop E-mail: book.orders@tso.co.uk Textphone: 0870 240 3701

CAP 452

Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Guide

List of Effective Pages


Chapter Page iii iv v vi vii viii ix Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Appendix A Appendix B Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D 1 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 Date October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 Chapter Page Date

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Contents

List of Effective Pages Revision History Foreword Glossary of Aeronautical Terms Chapter 1 Communications Technique
Reference material Interference

iii vi vii viii

1 1

Chapter 2

Aeronautical Radio Stations


Introduction Identification Transmission of Messages Categories of Messages Documentation Radio Operators Certificate of Competence Offshore Certificate of Competence 1 1 1 1 1 2 2

Chapter 3

Aerodrome Air/Ground Communications Service


Introduction Identification Phraseology 1 1 1

Chapter 4

Operational Control Communications


Introduction Limitations Content of Transmissions 1 1 1

Chapter 5

Offshore Communication Service


Introduction Identification Phraseology 1 1 1

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Chapter 6 Appendix A

Distress and Urgency Procedures Syllabus for the Examinations for the Issue of a Certificate of Competence Examination Details
Examination Arrangements Examination Failures: Resit Arrangements 1 1

Appendix B

Appendix C Appendix D

Units of Measurement Pressure Settings

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Revision History
12th Edition January 2005

The principal change incorporated in this edition is the transfer to CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual, of text relating to phraseology and procedures. Minor changes include revised references to forms to be used for applications for a Certificate of Competence and contact information for enquiries. 13th Edition October 2005

This edition incorporates the amendment to the criteria for the issue of a Certificate of Competence. These changes are marked with a change bar in the left-hand margin.

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Foreword
1
1

Introduction
This publication is intended as a guide for persons who operate or wish to operate aeronautical radio stations. It is based on International Standards and Recommended Practices contained in relevant ICAO Annexes. The United Kingdom complies as far as is practicable with these standards but differs from the ICAO requirements in respect of the experience required for an aeronautical station operator licence as detailed in Annex 1, 4.7.1.4. CAP 452 is a reference document for air/ground communication service radio station operators, offshore communication service radio station operators and radio operators at other locations where a radio operators certificate of competence is required. If there is doubt as to the level of service that is appropriate or whether an Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Certificate of Competence is required, please contact the CAA ATS Department (telephone 01293 573355 or e-mail ats.licensing@srg.caa.co.uk).

1.1 1.2

1.3

Gender
In the interests of simplicity, any reference to the masculine gender can be taken to mean either male or female.

Clarity and Readability


In this document the following protocol is used: a) The words must or shall indicate that compliance is compulsory. b) The word should indicates a recommendation. c) The word may indicates an option. d) The word will is used to express the future.

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Glossary of Aeronautical Terms


In addition to the terms that can be found in CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual, the terms shown below may be relevant to the operation of an aeronautical radio station. Terms annotated (A) are defined fully in The Air Navigation Order. Those annotated (ICAO) have been taken from ICAO documents and those annotated (B) have a different interpretation to ICAO. Those which have not been annotated are terms which are frequently used and are considered to need clarification or explanation.
AERODROME ELEVATION ALTERNATE AERODROME The elevation of the highest point of the landing area. (ICAO) An aerodrome specified in the flight plan to which a flight may proceed when it becomes inadvisable to land at the aerodrome of intended landing. (ICAO) The part of an aerodrome provided for the stationing of aircraft for the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers, the loading and unloading of cargo, refuelling and for parking. (B) A rectangular area of land at the end of the take-off run available, selected or prepared as a suitable area over which an aircraft may make a part of its initial climb to a specified height. (ICAO) In relation to an aerodrome, means the vertical distance from the elevation of the aerodrome to the lowest part of any cloud visible from the aerodrome which is sufficient to obscure more than one half of the sky so visible. (A) A four letter code group formulated in accordance with rules prescribed by ICAO and assigned to the location of an aeronautical fixed station. (ICAO) That part of an aerodrome provided for the take off and landing of aircraft and for the movement of aircraft on the surface, excluding the apron and any part of the aerodrome provided for the maintenance of aircraft. (A) The time between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise, sunset and sunrise being determined at surface level. (B) A structure which is, will be or has been, used while standing in relevant waters, or on the foreshore, for the exploitation of mineral resources by means of a well; for the storage of gas; for the conveyance of things by means of a pipe or for the provision of accommodation for persons who work on or from a similar structure. Communications required for the exercise of authority over the initiation, continuation, diversion or termination of a flight in the interest of the safety of the aircraft and the regularity and efficiency of a flight. NOTE: Such communications are normally required for the exchange of messages between aircraft and aircraft operating agencies (e.g. company frequencies). Specified cruising levels determined in relation to magnetic track within quadrants of the compass. (B)

APRON

CLEARWAY

CLOUD CEILING

LOCATION INDICATOR

MANOEUVRING AREA

NIGHT OFFSHORE INSTALLATION

OPERATIONAL CONTROL COMMUNICATIONS

QUADRANTAL CRUISING LEVEL

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RADIAL RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE VISIBILITY

A magnetic bearing extending from VOR/VORTAC/ TACAN. (B) A unit responsible for promoting efficient organisation of search and rescue service and for co-ordinating the conduct of search and rescue operations within a search and rescue region. (ICAO) The ability, as determined by atmospheric conditions and expressed in units of distance, to see and identify prominent unlighted objects by day and prominent lighted objects by night. a) Flight Visibility: The visibility forward from the flight deck of an aircraft in flight. (ICAO) b) Ground Visibility: The horizontal visibility at ground level. (B)

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Chapter 1
1
1.1 1.2

Communications Technique

Reference material
Information about communications techniques, procedures and phraseology are contained in CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual. Operators of aeronautical radio stations are reminded that only the phraseology appropriate to the service being provided is to be used. Not all phraseology shown in CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual is available to station operators.

Interference
Radio station operators should be aware that when using Very High Frequency (VHF) transmissions, communication is achieved over the direct line path between aircraft and ground station aerials. The radio horizon, like the visual horizon, will therefore increase as the aircrafts height increases. For an aircraft flying at 3000 feet, the radio horizon is 67 nautical miles, which means an aircraft transmitting at that height can be heard by any ground station listening on the same frequency and located within 67 nm of the aircrafts position. Sharing of frequencies is often necessary. In order to reduce the possibility of interference, pilots should be discouraged from calling an aerodrome at range/heights exceeding 10 NM/3000 feet or outside the Designated Operational Coverage of the ground station.

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Chapter 2
1
1.1 1.2

Aeronautical Radio Stations

Introduction
Aeronautical radio stations are radio stations on the surface of the Earth which transmit or receive signals for the purpose of assisting aircraft. It should be noted that an aeronautical radio station shall not be established or used unless it has been licensed by Ofcom. The conditions of that licence shall be observed in addition to the requirements of the service being provided.

2
2.1

Identification
Aeronautical radio stations shall identify themselves using callsigns allocated by the Civil Aviation Authority. Station callsigns commonly comprise the location followed by a suffix to enable pilots easily to identify the type of service they are receiving. Further information about the levels of service that may be provided and procedures for identification of the station can be found in CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual. Radio station operators are reminded that it is an offence to use a callsign for a purpose other than that for which it has been notified.

2.2

Transmission of Messages
Radio frequencies assigned for use by aeronautical radio stations are shared between a number of locations.

4
4.1 4.2

Categories of Messages
Information about the categories of messages that may be passed by a radio station operator can be found in CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual. Public correspondence messages are not permitted on any of the VHF frequencies in the aeronautical mobile service.

5
5.1

Documentation
International Radio Regulations require that all operators of radios utilising aeronautical frequencies, except those used solely for company use for Operational Control Communications (OPC), shall be in possession of a qualification recognised by the relevant government. For frequencies approved for use to provide an air ground communication service, the necessary qualification is an Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Certificate of Competence. For offshore operations, individuals must be in possession of an Offshore Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Certificate of Competence. In either case, the holder of the particular radio station licence, as issued by Ofcom, is responsible for ensuring that all individuals using the radio are in possession of the correct certificate (even when under training), and are competent in both the operation of the equipment and local procedures.

5.2

5.3

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5.4

When competence has been demonstrated, the radio station licensee shall sign the authorisation on the reverse of the Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Certificate of Competence. When the radio operator is no longer required to operate at the station, the licensee shall cancel the authorisation on the Certificate by signing and dating the expiry column of the entry for that radio station. Radio station operators should have access to the UK Aeronautical Information Publication, Aeronautical Information Circulars and relevant CAA publications where details of new and changed procedures and requirements will be promulgated.

5.5

6
6.1

Radio Operators Certificate of Competence


Application for a certificate of competence shall be made on form SRG 1413 to the CAA ATS Department at the address shown below: ATS Licensing Section ATS Department Safety Regulation Group Civil Aviation Authority Aviation House Gatwick Airport South West Sussex RH6 0YR

6.2 6.3

The minimum age for the issue of an Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Certificate of Competence is 18 years. A certificate will be issued if the applicant is at least 18 years old and: a) holds an air traffic controllers licence with a current unit licence endorsement; or b) holds a flight information service officers licence with a current validation; or c) holds an ATC certificate of competence issued to a member of HM Forces; or d) passes a written examination and RTF practical test associated with the air ground service.

6.4 6.5

The UK CAA does not approve any training courses associated with the Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Certificate of Competence. No medical certificate is required in order for the holder of an Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Certificate of Competence to operate an aeronautical radio station.

7
7.1

Offshore Certificate of Competence


Application for an Offshore Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Certificate of Competence shall be made on form SRG 1412 to the CAA ATS Department at the address shown at paragraph 6.1. The minimum age for the issue of an Offshore Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Certificate of Competence is 18 years. The qualifications listed at a) to d) of paragraph 6.3 are also accepted for the issue of an Offshore Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Certificate of Competence.

7.2 7.3

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7.4

Individuals in possession of one of the following marine qualifications: a) GMDSS general operators certificate; b) GMDSS restricted operators certificate; c) restricted radiotelephony operators certificate (the restricted (VHF only) radiotelephony operators certificate is not acceptable); d) long range radiotelephony operators certificate (LRC); e) radiocommunication operators general certificate for the mobile maritime service; f) first and second class radiotelegraphy operators certificate; shall sit a written examination based on this document. A photocopy of the marine qualification must accompany the application form.

7.5

Individuals who do not hold any of the above qualifications are required to take a written and practical RTF examination. Details of approved examiners can be found on the CAA website or by contacting the CAA ATS Department (telephone 01293 573355 or e-mail ats.licensing@srg.caa.co.uk). The UK CAA does not approve any training courses associated with the Offshore Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Certificate of Competence. No medical certificate is required in order for the holder of an Offshore Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Certificate of Competence to operate an offshore aeronautical radio station.

7.6 7.7

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Chapter 3

Aerodrome Air/Ground Communications Service

1
1.1 1.2

Introduction
An air/ground communications service (AGCS) is one of three air traffic services, detailed in the UK AIP, which can be provided at an aerodrome. The AGCS, which may include alerting emergency and rescue services, is to be made available to aircraft during the notified hours.

Identification
Radio operators shall ensure that the full callsign, including the suffix RADIO, is used in response to the initial call from an aircraft and on any other occasion that there may be doubt about the service being provided.

3
3.1 3.2

Phraseology
The phraseology specific to an AGCS can be found in CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual (Chapter 4). From time to time air traffic controllers and flight information service officers are invited by aerodrome authorities to provide an AGCS. They are permitted to do so in certain circumstances provided they hold an Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Certificate of Competence. However, air traffic controllers, in particular, must appreciate that there is a considerable difference between the service they normally provide and the AGCS described above. Therefore they must be careful not to lapse into giving an air traffic control service. Personnel providing an AGCS shall ensure that they do not pass a message which could be construed to be either an air traffic control instruction or an instruction issued by Flight Information Service Officers (FISOs) for specific situations. Clearances initiated by an air traffic control unit may be relayed but the name of the authority must be included in the message, e.g.: London control clears you to join controlled airspace . . . NOTE: Air Traffic Control clearances passed to radio operators to be issued on behalf of the ATC unit are to be read back in full to the issuing authority. The pilot is to readback, in full, the clearance relayed by the radio operator.

3.3

3.4

AGCS radio station operators are reminded that they must not use the expression at your discretion as this is associated with the service provided by a Flight Information Service Officer.

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Chapter 4
1
1.1

Operational Control Communications

Introduction
An aeronautical radio station which is licensed and established for company operational control communications (OPC) shall be used only for communication with company aircraft or aircraft for which the company is the operating agency. The aeronautical radio station may not be established or used unless it has been licensed by Ofcom. A radio operators certificate of competence issued by the UK CAA is not required in order to use an OPC radio station.

1.2 1.3

2
2.1

Limitations
Personnel authorised to use an aircraft operating agency radio must not hold themselves out as providing an air traffic service of any sort i.e. they must not make transmissions to aircraft which could be construed in any way to be an air traffic control service, Flight Information service or Air/Ground Communication service. Flight safety messages shall be confined to messages originated by the agency which are of immediate concern to an aircraft in flight or just about to depart. This may include meteorological information.

2.2

Content of Transmissions
The main bulk of transmissions between operating agencies and their aircraft will comprise flight regularity messages i.e.: a) Messages regarding the operation or maintenance of facilities essential for the safety or regularity of aircraft operation. b) Messages concerning the servicing of aircraft. c) Instructions to aircraft operating agency representatives concerning changes in requirements for passengers and crew caused by unavoidable deviations from normal operating schedules. INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS OF PASSENGERS OR CREW ARE NOT ADMISSIBLE IN THIS TYPE OF MESSAGE. d) Messages concerning non-routine landings to be made by the aircraft. e) Messages concerning aircraft parts and materials urgently required. f) Messages concerning changes in aircraft operating schedules.

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Chapter 5
1

Offshore Communication Service

Introduction
Aeronautical radio stations located offshore on rigs, platforms and vessels provide an Offshore Communication Service (OCS) (also known as an Offshore Aeronautical Service) to helicopters operating in the vicinity.

Identification
Radio operators shall ensure that the full callsign specified by the CAA is used in response to the initial call from an aircraft and on any other occasion that there may be doubt about the service being provided.

3
3.1 3.2

Phraseology
The phraseology specific to an OCS can be found in CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual (Chapter 4). The radio operator must be ready to volunteer information which may affect the safety of helicopter operations e.g.: Caution flare venting, or I am shipping light/heavy spray on deck.

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Chapter 6

Distress and Urgency Procedures

Information about emergency procedures and phraseology can be found in CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual (Chapter 8).

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Appendix A Syllabus for the Examinations for the Issue of a Certificate of Competence
Section A Practical Communications Test Candidates will be required to have a knowledge of standard phraseology and procedures and to carry out typical RTF communications including the following: Use of RTF phonetic alphabet. Giving information to aircraft prior to departure. Typical standard RTF phraseology appropriate to the service being provided as contained in CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual. Relevant elements of the procedures and regulations tested in the written paper. Distress and Urgency procedures. Section B Procedures and Regulations (Written Paper) The examination will include questions on the following: Communication technique. Standard phraseology. Distress and Urgency procedures. Effect of aircraft height on range. Typical abbreviations used in RTF communications (as described in CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual). Use of relevant aeronautical terms (as described in the Glossary to this document and to CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual). Guidance to candidates As an aid to candidates for the examinations for the issue of a Certificate of Competence, the topics listed below are considered to reflect the range of knowledge expected to be demonstrated in the examinations. The level of knowledge required is equivalent to that contained in this document and CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual. Speech technique ICAO word spelling alphabet Transmission of numerals Transmission of time Standard speech abbreviations and phraseology used in the AGCS or OCS (as appropriate) Identification of radio stations and aircraft Establishment of RTF contact Readability of transmissions Continuation of transmissions Acknowledgement and read-back of messages Transfer of communications Transmission of frequency information Potential for interference between radio stations Categories of messages Content of messages Qualifications required by ground radio station operators Emergency procedures (including distress and urgency messages, imposition and termination of radio silence, actions by other stations in the event of an emergency, the VHF Emergency Service) Typical abbreviations and terminology used in the AGCS or OCS (as appropriate)

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Appendix B Examination Details


1
1.1

Examination Arrangements
Candidates may enter the examination leading to the issue of either an Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Certificate of Competence or an Offshore Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Certificate of Competence. The practical communications test and written paper leading to the issue of a radio operators certificate of competence must, at all times, be conducted by an examiner approved by the CAA. Details of approved examiners can be found on the CAA website (www.caa.co.uk) or by contacting the CAA ATS Department (telephone 01293 573355 or e-mail ats.licensing@srg.caa.co.uk). Applicants should make their own arrangements with the approved examiner. It is recommended that providers of courses preparing candidates for the practical and written examinations should make arrangements with approved examiners in good time to ensure that they will be available to conduct the examinations. The written test takes the form of a test paper of approximately 25 questions to which the candidate provides a written answer. The time allowed for the written paper is one hour and the pass mark is 70%. The practical test takes the form of simulated exchanges of communication between the candidate acting as an AGCS radio station operator at an aerodrome or an OCS radio station operator at an offshore installation and the examiner acting as aircraft stations (and other agencies). The test is normally split into a number of sections in which various scenarios are simulated. The result of the test is PASS or FAIL. The written and practical examinations will be conducted in the English language. The use of reference material such as notes, dictionaries and translators is not permitted during either of the examinations. The written and practical examinations are designed to test candidates knowledge and understanding of the appropriate contents of CAP 452 Aeronautical Radio Station Operators Guide and CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual only. Unsatisfactory conduct during the examination may result in the candidate being disqualified. Applicants who are claiming exemption from the written and/or practical tests should submit details of their licence to the CAA ATS Department. Holders of military certificates of competence should submit a copy of the complete certificate to the CAA ATS Department.

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7 1.8

2
2.1

Examination Failures: Resit Arrangements


Candidates must pass both the written and practical examination for the issue of a radio operators Certificate of Competence. A resit examination may be taken if the candidate fails the written examination, practical test, or both. In order to allow for additional training or instruction and, subject to examiner availability, at least three days should elapse before a candidate retakes the written or practical test. However, in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the approved examiner, candidates may be allowed to resit the examinations within this period.

2.2

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2.3

Failure in six sittings will result in a one year exclusion from the examinations leading to the issue of a radio operators certificate of competence. A sitting is any attempt at the written examination and practical test, either taken together or singly, depending on the individual circumstances.

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Appendix C Units of Measurement


The units of measurement to be used in connection with aircraft are:
Measurement of Distances used in navigation Altitude, elevation and heights Relatively short distances (e.g. runway lengths distances of obstructions from runway) Depths of snow and slush Horizontal speed including wind speed Wind direction (for landing or take-off) Air temperature Barometric pressure Visibility Cloud base Cloud cover In relation to non-static, offshore locations: Roll Pitch Heave Yaw Heading Sea state
1.

Units Nautical miles and tenths but spoken as miles Feet Metres Centimetres or millimetres Knots Degrees magnetic Degrees celsius
Millibars1

Metres/Kilometres Height in feet above aerodrome elevation Oktas (eighths) or few, scattered, broken and overcast

Degrees from vertical (left and right) Degrees from vertical (up and down) Metres Degrees Degrees magnetic On scale 09

The standard international unit of barometric pressure is the hectopascal, the numerical value of which is identical to that of the millibar (i.e. 1013.2 hectopascals equals 1013.2 millibars). The UK will continue to use the millibar for the foreseeable future.

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Appendix D Pressure Settings


A pilot normally assesses the height of his aircraft above obstacles by using an accurately set altimeter. It is imperative therefore that he is given the correct pressure setting and the read back from the pilot is checked as correct. Pressure settings may be expressed as QFE, QNH or QNE. QFE QNH Refers to the atmospheric pressure at aerodrome elevation (QFE aerodrome), runway threshold (QFE threshold) or helideck (QFE helideck). Refers to the barometric pressure at mean sea level at the aerodrome, i.e. an altimeter on the ground or helideck with subscale set to the QNH would indicate height above mean sea level. Altitude indicated on the ground (or helideck) with subscale set to 1013.2 millibars.

QNE

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