45. Lateral and Longitudinal Separation

Question 1

State the minimum time separation as specified in MATS 1, that may be used between aircraft at the same cruising level and on the same track and detail any associated provisions.

Answer 1

Aircraft En Route - same cruising level and same track

Minimum Separation** / Provisions

2 minutes* / Provided the 2 minute departure separation has been applied.

3 minutes* / When specifically authorised by the CAA Provided both aircraft are:

1) equipped with functioning transponders; and
2) continuously monitored by radar and the actual distance between them is never less than 20 miles.

5 minutes* / Provided the preceding aircraft has filed an airspeed of 20 knots or more faster than the following aircraft.

5 minutes* / When specifically authorised by the CAA, Provided both aircraft are:

1) equipped with functioning transponders; and
2) monitored by radar and the actual distance between them is never less than 30 miles.

10 minutes / -

• This separation should be based on actual aircraft position reports or through the use of ATS surveillance to observe aircraft overfly the appropriate exact reporting point, as forward estimates are not sufficiently reliable for this purpose.

** Separation minima based on time cannot be achieved unless the whole sixty seconds of each minute specified is permitted to elapse.