41. Separation Provision

Question 1

According to MATS 1, when shall standard separation be increased?

Answer 1

Separation standards are minima and shall be increased when:

1) Requested by the pilot.
2) A controller considers it necessary.
3) Directed by the CAA.

Question 2

According to MATS 1, when may standard separation be reduced? (Ignore in the vicinity of aerodromes)

Answer 2

Standard separation may be reduced in the following circumstances:

1) When authorised by the CAA and published in MATS 2.
2) When a SAR aircraft is escorting an aircraft in an emergency. A minimum is not laid down in UK FIRs and separation may be reduced to that which can be maintained visually or with airborne radar.
3) During surveillance equipment failure, reduced vertical separation may be applied.