Section 1, Chapter 11 - Special Categories Of Flight

Question 1

What is the procedure for handling requests for aerial events or non-standard flights?

Answer 1

Requests for aerial events or non-standard flights must be handled as detailed in:
* MATS Part 1, Section 1, Chapter 2, Paragraph 15
* AIP ENR 1.1 Chapter 4

The sponsor should be directed to apply for the appropriate authorisation.

The Special Flight Notification Folder (AA/MANUAL/061) in the VCR contains:
* Special Flight Notifications
* Airspace Coordination Notices
* Non-standard flight Notifications

Coordination with the Watch Manager/Deputy Watch Manager is required to determine any special precautions/restrictions.
An ATC Clearance indicates approval of only the ATC aspects of the proposed flights.

Question 2

What are the requirements for coordinating parachute displays within the CTR and/or the airfield?

Answer 2

• Parachute displays within the CTR and/or airfield must be coordinated on an individual basis with the Watch Manager/Deputy Watch Manager.
• The Watch Manager/Deputy Watch Manager will determine any special precautions/restrictions.
• Refer to NATS Policy NON 07/2020 (Airspace Buffer Policy for Air Displays, Flypasts, and Parachute Displays) to develop Operational Instructions.
• Outside the CTR and airfield, ATC should pass relevant traffic information whenever possible.

Question 3

What is the procedure for handling requests for the operation of unmanned free balloons?

Answer 3

• Refer to NATS Policy NON 09/2023 for guidance on the operation of unmanned free balloons.
• A TOI (Temporary Operating Instruction) should be produced for any temporary launches of unmanned free balloons.

Question 4

What actions should be taken when a captive balloon breaks free?

Answer 4

• Follow procedures in MATS 1, Section 1, Chapter 2.
• Warn all aircraft that may conflict with the balloon’s projected track.
• Notify adjacent ATSUs (Air Traffic Services Units), PSNI Flight Ops (Police Service of Northern Ireland), and Military Ops.

Question 5

What are the procedures for handling Royal Flights in Northern Ireland?

Answer 5

• Procedures for Royal Flights are detailed in MATS 1, Section 1, Chapter 9.
• In Northern Ireland, Royal status is not applicable for security reasons.
• Royal Flights are not notified to ATC, and no special arrangements exist unless requested.
• All such flights use standard RTF (Radio Telephony) callsigns.

Question 6

What is the procedure for handling VIP Flights?

Answer 6

• VIP Flights are notified through Flight Plan details.
• These flights should be given relevant priorities as per MATS 1, Section 1, Chapter 4.

Question 7

How should Ambulance Flights be handled?

Answer 7

• Operators may be granted ambulance status for specific flights (e.g., kidney flights, Military CASEVAC).
• These flights are usually notified by flight plan or RTF.
• Annotate the strip in the remarks field to indicate ambulance status.