Airspace Flashcards
What are the FIR’s and UIR’s and what are their dimensions?
Flight Information Regions
Scottish and London FIR’s, surface to FL245
Upper Information Regions
Scottish and London UIR’s, FL245 to FL660
Whom do we separate in Class A airspace and who is allowed in it?
IFR only
All flights separated
Whom do we allow in Class C airspace and what are the separations?
IFR and VFR
IFR separated from IFR and VFR
VFR separated from IFR, TI given on other VFR
Whom do we allow in Class D airspace and what are the separations?
IFR/SVFR and VFR
IFR separated from IFR, TI on VFR
VFR given TI on IFR and other VFR
SVFR treated as IFR for all intents and purposes
Whom do we allow in Class E airspace and what are the separations?
IFR and VFR
IFR separated from other IFR, given TI on participating and non participating VFR traffic
Participating VFR traffic given TI on IFR and other participating and non partcipating VFR flights, BS
What is a MATZ?
Military Aerodrome Traffic Zone
Airspace around an ATZ that also has stubs either side to protect arriving/departing a/c.
Military ATZ’s which sit inside the MATZ are active 24hrs
Permission not required to enter an MATZ but is required to enter the ATZ which sits inside
What is Shanwick?
The Shanwick Oceanic Control Area and the Shanwick FIR
Controlled from Prestwick Oceanic Area Control Centre (OACC) Responsible for both UK and Ireland (Shannon) Callsign ‘SHANWICK’ vertical division is at FL55
What are the NAT?
North Atlantic Tracks
Organised tracks are formulated and published as a Track Structure Message. Daytime structure, 1130-1900 UTC at 030°W published by Shanwick, Nighttime 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.
What are the ASR’s and how many of them are there in the UK?
Altimeter Setting Regions
20
Units within an ASR must have the Regional Pressure Setting (RPS) available for that ASR
Define QFE
Atmospehric pressure at offical aerodrome level. When QFE is set on the subscale of a pressure altimeter, the altimeter will read zero when the a/c is on the ground at the station.
Define QNH
Atmospheric pressure at mean sea level. When set on the subscale of a pressure altimeter it will read aerodrome elevation when the aircraft is on the ground at the station.
Define QNE
Height indicated on a pressure altimeter when the aircraft is on the ground at an airfield with a setting of 1013.2hPa set on the subscale.
Define Height
The vertical distance of a level, point or object considered as a point measured from a specified datum.
Define Altitude
The vertical distance of a level, point or object considered as a point measured from mean sea level.
Define Elevation
The vertical distance of a point or level, on or affixed to the surface of the earth, measured from mean sea level.
- NOTE - Aerodrome elevation is the elevation of the highest point on the landing area.*
- A separate threshold elevation is published if it is 7ft or more BELOW aerodrome elevation and for precision approach runways.*
Define a flight level
A surface of constant atmospheric pressure related to the specified pressure datum of 1013.25hPa and separated from other such surfaces by specific pressure intervals.
Define the Transition Altitude
The altitude at or below which the vertical position of an aircraft is controlled by reference to altitudes. The transition altitude is located at a fixed level and published in aeronautical information publications.
In the UK within CAS the TA is normally 5,000ft or 6,000ft
Define the Transition level
The lowest Flight Level available for use above the Transition Altitude.
Located at least a nominal 1000 ft above the Transition Altitude to permit the TA and TL to be used concurrently in cruising flight, with vertical separation ensured.
Determined by;
- In CAS, based on the QNH of the major aerodrome
- Outside CAS, based on the QNH of the local aerodrome
Define the Transition Layer
The airspace between the transition altitude and the transition level. (from 2017 at least 1000 feet courtesy of SI 2016/01)
When is an a/c’s level defined using FL?
When at and above the Transition Level,or when cleared to climb to a level above the TL.
When is an a/c’s level defined using Altitude?
When flying at and below the Transition altitude, or cleared to descend to a level below the TA.
Define an ATZ and its dimensions
Aerodrome traffic zone An airspace of defined dimensions established around an aerodrome for the protection of aerodrome traffic (that being traffic manoeuvring in the aerodrome or flying in the vicinity). From the surface to 2000ft AAL with a radius of 2nm from the centrepoint of the main runway if that runway is less than 1850m otherwise 2.5nm. Conforms to airspace classification which it sits in.
Define a CTR
Control Zone, Controlled airspace which has been further notified as a control zone and which extends from the surface. No standard dimensions.
Define CTA
Controlled airspace which has been further notified as a control area and which extends upwards from a notified altitude or flight level.
Define an Airway
A control area or portion thereof established in the form of a corridor.
Define an ATS route
An ATS route is a designated route for channeling the flow of traffic as necessary for the provision of air traffic services.
What is an MATZ and what must a civil a/c do before entering?
Military aerodrome traffic zone, an area established around a military ATZ designed to offer some protection to military traffic entering or leaving the ATZ. A civil aircraft does not need to do anything to enter the MATZ, does need permission to enter the ATZ though.
What is a prohibited area?
Airspace of defined dimensions within which the flight of aircraft is prohibited.
What is a restricted area?
Airspace of defined dimensions within which the flight of aircraft is restricted in accordance with certain specified conditions.
What is a danger area?
Airspace which has been notified as such within which activities dangerous to the flight of aircraft may take place or exist at such times as may be notified.
Where would you find extra details on prohibited, danger and restricted areas?
The AIP
What is an area of intense aerial activity?
An airspace within which aircraft, singly or in combination with others, regularly participate in unusual manoeuvres.
What is a HIRTA?
High intensity Radio transmission area. Airspace of defined dimensions within which there is radio energy of an intensity which may cause interference with, and on rare occasions damage to, communications and navigation equipment.
What is a TMZ
A Transponder Mandatory Zone is airspace of defined dimensions wherein the carriage and operation of pressure altitude reporting transponders is necessary.
What is an RMZ?
A Radio Mandatory Zone is airspace of defined dimensions wherein the carriage and operation of suitable/appropriate radio equipment is Mandatory.
What is a UAA
A Unusual Aerial Activity is any event such as air exercise, display, formation, balloon etc.
What is the AIS
The UK aeronautical Information Service is responsible for the collection and dissemination of information/data necessary for the safety, regularity and efficiency of air navigation throughout the entire territory and airspace of the UK and the airspace over the high seas under the jurisdiction of the UK They do not create the material only collate and disseminate
