Air Traffic Control over the Atlantic

Question 1

Who has responsibility for ATC over the North Atlantic?

Answer 1

Shanwick Oceanic Control Area (based in Prestwick).
This is shared by
- the UK
- Portugal,
- the USA,
- Canada
- Iceland

Question 2

How do pilots and ATC communicate?

Answer 2

• Voice comms maintained through HF (High Frequency) radio (based in Shannon in the west of Eire).
• Pilots position reports every 10 degrees of longitude.

Question 3

How is it controlled?

Answer 3

A system of organised tracks is constructed by the relevant Oceanic Area Control Centre (OACC) every 12 hours.
Prestwick OACC is responsible for the westbound track system (usually through UK airspace between 1000hrs and 1600hrs)
Gander OACC, Canada - for the eastbound track system.
When organising the track structure the prevailing wind is taken into account to take advantage of a tailwind.

Question 4

What information will be included in clearances to cross the ocean?

Answer 4

• The track
• FL
• Speed
• Any time restrictions for entry on to the track structure

Question 5

What is Oceanic Control Tracks and Separation?

Answer 5

There are 5 tracks (A, B, C, D, E)

• 60 NM lateral separation between aircraft at the same level
• 10 minutes longitudinal separation between aircraft at the same level on the same track
• 1,000ft vertical separation in Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) airspace above FL290 and FL410, otherwise 2,000ft.