11. Separation Flashcards
How is aircraft separation governed?
Governed by internationally agreed standards.
How is aircraft separation achieved?
by allocating aircraft different heights or by issuing headings (vectors) so that the aircraft be at the same height but minimum horizontal distance apart.
In the LTCA, by how many miles apart horizontally can aircraft that operate under radar at the same height be?
In the London Terminal Control Area, aircraft operating under radar control must be separated by 3 nautical miles from other aircraft at the same height. If they are less than 3 miles apart they must be separated by a minimum of 1,000 feet.
How many nautical miles apart must aircraft be outside the LTCA?
Outside of London Terminal control airspace, aircraft operating under radar control must be kept 5 nautical miles apart if they are at the same level or 1000ft vertically up to FL290. Above this, 1000ft vertical separation may continue to be provided up to FL410, subject to aircraft being suitably equipped to comply with Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) rules, other wise 2000ft should be applied.
what is RVSM and why is it useful
NATS was at the forefront of introducing Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM). Aircraft that have had their altimeters checked to a high degree of accuracy and which can comply with other strict criteria are allowed to fly across the Atlantic track structure with only 1000 feet separation above FL290 and below FL 410. This separation standard allows many more aircraft to fly through airspace where RVSM is allowed.
What is the primary reason why controlled airspace is provided?
To protect users (mostly commercial airliners).
ACFT which fly into controlled airspace must be __________________ and their pilots must hold the necessary _____.
- ) Equipped to certain standard.
2. ) Qualifications.
Pilots must obtain _____ to enter controlled airspace and must follow ATC instructions _____ except in __________.
- ) Clearance.
- ) Implicitly.
- ) Emergency Situations.
Describe Class A airspace (4)
- ) It is the most strictly regulated airspace where ACFT must comply with ATC instructions at all times.
- ) Only IFR flight is permitted.
- ) ACFT are separated from all other traffic.
- ) Users are mainly airliners and business jets.
Describe Class C airspace (3)
- ) In the UK it extends from FL195 to FL660.
- ) Both IFR and VFR flights are permitted.
- ) Clearance is required to enter and compliance with ATC instructions is mandatory.
Describe Class D airspace (3)
- ) Both IFR and VFR flights are permitted.
- ) Clearance is required to enter and compliance with ATC instructions is mandatory.
- ) Control Areas around ADs are Class D and in Class D airspace, a speed limit of 250 knots applies to all ACFT below FL100.
Describe Class E airspace (3)
- ) Both IFR and VFR flights are permitted.
- ) IFR traffic requires clearance to enter and compliance with ATC instruction is mandatory for separation purposes.
- ) VFR traffic does not require clearance to enter.
Controlled airspace is also divided by type depending on the function it provides. These types are…(5)
- ) Aerodrome Control Zones.
- ) Aerodrome Traffic Zones.
- ) Control Areas.
- ) Terminal Control Area.
- ) Airways.
- ) Upper Air Routes (UARs)
What is the purpose of an Aerodrome Control Zone?
To afford protection to ACFT in the immediate vicinity of aerodromes.
What is the purpose of a Control Area and where are they situated?
They afford protection over a large area to a specified upper limit. They are situated above Aerodrome Traffic Zones (ATZ).
Where are Terminal Control Areas normally established?
At the junction of airways in the vicinity of 1 or more aerodromes.