General: Royal Flights

Question 1

What is a Royal Flight?

Answer 1

The movement of an aircraft specifically tasked to carry one or more members of The Royal Family afforded such status by the Head of Royal Travel, The Royal Household.

Flights in UK airspace by members of other Royal Families/Reinging Sovereigns/Prime Ministers/Heads of State of Commonwealth/Foreign Countries, may also be afforded Royal Flight status by the CAA.

Question 2

Where shall Royal Flights in fixed-wing aircraft be planned to take place?

Answer 2

• Within the national ATS route structure.
• Standard ATC procedures shall be applied when operating in permanent Class A, C, and D.
• All other instances the airspace around the route will be designated CAS-T

Question 3

What Class of airspace is CAS-T?

Answer 3

Will be notified as Class D - standard criteria and separation apply.

Question 4

What are Temporary Control Zones?

Answer 4

• Class D temporary CTRs established around aerodromes with no permanent CTRs for Royal Flights.
• Between 5 & 10 NM radius from the centre of the aerodrome from ground level to upper level designated for each RF dependent on aircraft type & surrounding airspace.
• Estabished 15 mins before, 30 minutes after flights has arrived / departed.

Question 5

What are Temporary Control Areas?

Answer 5

• Class D temporary CTAs will be established to meet specific requirements of RF.
• Established in shape of a corridor to join temporary / permanent CTRs / CTAs as appropriate for 15 minutes before until 30 minutes after.
• Dimensions of such areas 5NM each side of intended track of RF.

Question 6

How do Radar Control Services work with regards to Royal Flights?

Answer 6

• Civil ATSUs with ATS Surveillance systems shall, subject to coverage, provide a Radar Control Service en-route for all Royal Flights.
• Where ATS Surveillance coverage is not available, the ATC Supervisor at the civil ACC (or notified unit) shall co-ordinate with SWK Mil as appropriate (to determine whether a RCS can be provided by a military ATS unit)

Question 7

How is Royal Flight Information Promulgated?

Answer 7

• Via a Notification Message on a Royal Flight Collective, giving full details.
• Info on the establishment of CAS-T, including vertical limits, is promulgated by NOTAM

Question 8

What callsigns are used for Royal Flights?

Answer 8

• The flight plan identification & RT designators for Royal Flights can be found in the UK AIP (ENR) Section

Question 9

How do Royal Flights in Helicopters work?

Answer 9

• CAS-T is not normally established for Royal Flights in helicopters
• Normal ATC procedures apply to a Royal helicopter within / wishing to join CAS.
• For Royal Helicopter flights outside CAS a Royal Low-Level Corridor will be promulgated by NOTAM (See UK AIP ENR for details)

Question 10

What SSR Code is used for Royal Flights?

Answer 10

• SSR Code 0037 has been allocated for the exclusive use of helicopters engaged on Royal Flights.
• Treated as unvalidated & verified.

Question 11

What happens when a Royal Flight diverts?

Answer 11

• The operational control of Royal aircraft of the No. 32 Squadron is vested in the RAF.
• The pilot retains authority to deviate from the flight plan when necessary.
• The operational control of civilian chartered aircraft being used for a Royal Flight remains with the company & diversions will be arranged in accordance with normal civil practices.

Question 12

What happens when an ATSU receives info that a Royal Flight has been involved in an incident giving rise to public comment?

Answer 12

The senior ATCO is to pass the details immediately to the parent ACC.