12. UK ATM - Airspace Flashcards
UK ATS Airspace Classifications
CLASS A - Controlled Airspace
CLASS C - Controlled Airspace
All UK Airspace above FL195 is Class C up to FL660
CLASS D - Controlled Airspace
CLASS E - Controlled Airspace (Cannot be a CTR)
CLASS G - Other Airspace
UK only up to FL195 maximum
Class E+ Routes
Classification of Airspace
Where volumes of airspace adjoin vertically
(i.e. one above the other)
flights at a common level should comply with
the requirements of, and be provided with air
traffic services applicable to, the less restrictive
class of airspace (AMC1 SERA.6001).
Where controlled airspace is adjoined vertically
by Class G airspace, aircraft may operate at the
lower limit of control areas (including TMAs and
airways), or at the upper limit of a control zone
or control area (including TMAs) and are
deemed to be operating outside controlled
airspace.
With the exception of VFR flights operating into or out of
Class E airspace and complying with any applicable TMZ
requirement, flights without an ATC clearance and
observed to be operating:
• immediately above the lower limit of a control area
(including a TMA or airway); or
• immediately below the upper limit of a control zone
or control area (including a TMA),
are to be considered an infringement of controlled
airspace.
UK FIR
What is an ATZ?
Aerodrome Traffic Zone
An ATZ extends from the surface to a height of 2000’ above
aerodrome level (aal).
Centred on the mid-point of the longest runway.
Radius of either 2 or 2.5 nm. If the longest runway is
1850m or less in length, radius is 2 nm, over 1850m 2.5 nm.
If the end of any runway is less than 1.5 nm from the edge
of the ATZ, its radius is usually extended to 2.5 nm.
An ATZ at a civil aerodrome does not exist outside the
notified hours of operation of the A/G, AFIS or ATC Unit.
2000ft AAL (Above Aerodrome Level)
Aerodrome Traffic Zones conform to the
class of airspace in which they are situated.
What is a MATZ?
Military Aerodrome Traffic Zone
Inside the MATZ is an ATZ.
MATZ rarely operate 24 hours a day, but the ATZ
within is usually active 24 hr.
Although it is not compulsory to ask permission
before entering a MATZ, permission must
always be sought before entering the ATZ inside.
Unmanned Aircraft (Drones)
The use of unmanned aerial systems/vehicles (i.e. drones) has
increased exponentially in recent years and will continue to grow
both for commercial and recreational use. This includes BVLOS
(Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, where the drome
operator is remote from the take off location or destination and
drones are used, for example, to deliver items to remote
locations.
The CAA has developed and implemented a ‘Drone Code’ and
‘dronesafe’ website to educate the public and enable operators
to request permissions when needed.
Flight restrictions around aerodromes:
Flights of unmanned aircraft around aerodromes that are
designated as ‘protected aerodromes’ are restricted. Unmanned
aircraft of any size must not be flown within the Flight
Restriction Zone (FRZ) of a protected aerodrome, without
appropriate permission.
What is a FRZ?
The Flight Restriction Zone consists of the following three
elements:
- A zone with the same dimensions as the Aerodrome
Traffic Zone:
- Runway Protection Zones: A rectangle extending 5Km
from the threshold of each runway away from the
aerodrome, along the extended runway centreline, and
500m either side - also to a height of 2000 ft above ground
level.
- Additional Zones: In the case where a line that is drawn
1Km beyond the boundary of an aerodrome extends
beyond the Aerodrome traffic zone, and so would not be
protected by it, the flight restriction zone will include a
‘bump’ (the airfield boundary + 1KM) to protect this part
of the aerodrome.
Permission requirement
Oceanic Airspace
Controlled from Prestwick Oceanic Area Control Centre (OACC)
Responsibility shared by UK and Ireland (Shannon)
Callsigns -
‘Shanwick Oceanic’ & ‘Shanwick Radio’
FIR = Flight Information Region
OCA = Oceanic Control Area
What is NAT Organised Track System?
Organised tracks are formulated and published
as a Track Structure Message.
Daytime structure, 1130-1900 UTC at 030°W
published by Shanwick.
Night-time structure, 0100-0800 UTC at 030°W
by Gander (Canada).
Pilots are encouraged to flight plan on published
NAT tracks when appropriate, although it is not
mandatory to do so.
Other UK Airspace
Temporary Reserved Airspace (Gliders)
– TRA(G) – above FL195.
Temporary Restricted Airspace – RA(T).
Temporary Danger Area – TDA.
When and to what shall the 250kt speed limit not apply to?
250 kt speed limit shall not apply to:
Flights in A airspace.
IFR in class C airspace.
Exempted VFR in class C airspace or exempted flights
in class D, if authorised by ATCU and MATS Pt 2.
Test flights (specified conditions).
Flying displays when authorised by the CAA.
Aircraft with CAA written permission.
State aircraft (military aircraft).
Define Basic Service
Basic Service
Similar to an ICAO-mandated FIS, however,
traffic information is only passed if a definite
risk of collision exists.
Define Traffic Service
Traffic Service
Traffic identified using surveillance means and
traffic information given where possible.
Pilots must request the service required.
