Section 1, Chapter 2 - Light Aircraft & Unmanned Aircraft Procedures

Question 1

What are the procedures for light aircraft and the handling of potential hazards within the Belfast TMA?

Answer 1

The procedures for light aircraft and handling potential hazards within the Belfast TMA are:

• Instrument Training Flights: Pilots must telephone to request approval, which must be authorized by the ATC Watch Manager.
• Potential Hazards: When ATC is aware of a potential hazard within the CTR (e.g., model aircraft, bad weather), pilots should be warned as soon as possible and offered an alternative route if required.
• Warnings: Relevant warnings will be broadcast on ATIS.

Question 2

What are the procedures for managing Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) flights within the Belfast TMA and controlled airspace?

Answer 2

Procedures for managing UAS flights are:

Categories of UAS:

Open Category:
* 400ft or below
* Less than 25kgs
* Within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

Specific Category:
* Requires CAA Operational Authorisation (OA) when Open Category criteria cannot be met.

Approval Process:

• UAS operators must request approval for flights within the FRZ or CAS above 400ft at NATS NSF.
• Completed applications are sent to EGAA ATC via automated email.
• Approval in principle does not constitute permission to fly. Operators must contact ATC on the day of flight for confirmation.

Notification Requirements:

• No need to notify ATC for Open Category or VLOS Specific Category flights in CAS outside the FRZ below 400ft, unless required by OA.
• Operators may still choose to submit a notification.

Review and Response:

• EGAA ATC reviews applications and responds to UAS operators.
• For flights within the FRZ, operators must confirm permission on the day of flight.
• For flights within CAS outside the FRZ, ATC may advise against the flight for safety or operational reasons.

Documentation and Communication:

• Applications and OA references are stored in the AA/MAN/061 Special Flight Notifications Folder.
• Details recorded in the BFSATC Outlook Calendar.
• Applications forwarded to BIAL ADM by email; ADM notified on the day of flight.
• Appropriate phraseology read to UAS operators before flight, as per NON 05/2019.

Question 3

What actions should ATC take upon receiving a report of unauthorized UAS activity that could endanger flight safety?

Answer 3

Upon receiving a report of unauthorized UAS activity, ATC should:

• Note the time of the encounter
• Note the altitude and position of the UAS as notified to ATC
• Note the description of the UAS (shape/colour) as notified to ATC
• Note any avoiding action taken by the pilot

Additional actions include:

• After any ATC closure, check with the Aerodrome Authority for any UAS activity reports when reopening
• Do not presume the reported UAS is the same as one ATC may have permitted
• Report the UAS presence and notify other pilots; pilots are responsible for subsequent actions
• Assess flight safety significance and provide traffic avoidance advice if necessary
• Advise other aircraft in the vicinity for 30 minutes using specific phraseology
• File a CA4114 (MOR) on all reported events
• Notify other ATC units or external organizations based on the unit receiving the information and the reporting party