4. NOTIFICATION AND LOW FLYING Flashcards
a. What is ATC clearance?
b. When should pilots wishing to join CAS file a flight plan?
a. Authorisation for an AS to proceed under conditions specified by an ATC unit.
b. Pilots wishing to join an Airway are required to file a flight plan either before departure or when airborne, and to request joining clearance when at least 10 minutes flying time from the intended joining point. If the destination or any part of the route is subject to Air Traffic Flow Management, pilots must have received the required authorisation/approval from the appropriate Air Traffic Flow Management Unit.
a. What is the maximum height of the UKLFS?
b. What is the composition of the UKDLFS?
a. The UKLFS comprises Class G airspace vertically from surface to 2000ft AGL/AMSL.
b. The UKDLFS is divided into 20 LFAs, 6 of which have Dedicated User Area (DUA) status; 3 Tactical Training Areas (TTA); the Highlands Restricted Area (HRA); and the Thames Valley Avoidance Area (TVAA).
(1) Three TTAs (7T, 14T and 20T) enable operational low flying by C-130 ASs and are activated by NOTAM. When active all other AS are subject to additional height restrictions.
(2) The HRA within LFA 14 is an area where IMC Terrain Following Radar is permitted.
(3) The TVAA limits LF in the Greater London area.
a. When is a military fixed wing AS considered to be low flying?
b. With respect to low flying, what is the definition of MSD?
a. Military AS are considered to be low flying as follows:
(1) Fixed Wing AS (including Tucano). Fixed Wing (FW) considered to be low flying when operating below 2000ft AGL/AMSL except when directed by Air Traffic Control, or during departure and arrival at an airfield, or during an emergency, or when making a precautionary or forced landing.
(2) Light Propeller Driven ASs (not Tucano) and helicopters are considered to be low flying when operating below 500ft MSD, except when directed by Air Traffic Control, or during departure and arrival at an airfield or helicopter landing site, or during an emergency, or when making a precautionary or forced landing.
b. Minimum Separation Distance (MSD). When flying at less than 2000 ft above the surface, MSD is the authorized minimum separation, in all directions, between any part of an AS in flight and the ground, water or obstacle. MSD does not apply during take-off or landing or to the separation between ASs in the same formation.
