Section 1, Chapter 23 - PSNI Operations

Question 1

What are the procedures for PSNI operations regarding the parking area and Juliet taxiway at Aldergrove?

Answer 1

Parking Area:

• Aircraft park adjacent to the PSNI hangar.
• Helicopters lift directly to/from these pans without using runways or taxiways.

Juliet Taxiway:

• Unlicensed taxiway.
• ATC treats the area as an apron due to lack of monitoring for vehicles and personnel.
• Control ensures separation of moving aircraft.
• Personnel accessing the area must be properly briefed by Aldergrove FS Ops or BIAL.
• ATC will pass information on known vehicles, aircraft, and obstructions when possible.

Question 2

What are the procedures for PSNI fixed-wing operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 2

General Information:

Purpose: Aerial support to ground-based personnel.
Priority Categories: A/B/E/Z
Operating Hours: As required, H24
Validity Dates: Refer to LOA File
Operator: Police Service of Northern Ireland Air Support Unit (PAOC 015)
Aircraft: X2 BN2T Islander: G-BSWR & G-CGTC
Call-Sign & Squawk:
* ‘Scout 1’ (Squawk 7044)
* ‘Scout 2’ (Squawk 7040)

Altitude Range: Below 500ft up to FL100.
Contact Numbers:
* Base Operations Room: 02894-422217
* Fax: 02894 481680
* NATS SFN Co-ordinator: 01489 612030, 7-200-2030
Authorisation: CAA Directorate of Airspace Policy

Operational Procedures:

• When flying under ATC clearance, the pilot will not change altitude or route without further ATC clearance.
• Terrain clearance remains the responsibility of the flight crew.
• ATC should not question the purpose of or discuss details of the flight over the R/T; queries should be addressed to the Base Operations Room by landline.
• Details of all Category A/B flights should be entered in the ATC log.

Controller Requirements:

• Identify, validate, and verify mode A and C.
• Ensure no confusion exists regarding:
• Whether a radar service is being provided.
• The type of service being provided.

Question 3

What are the priority levels and procedures for PSNI fixed-wing operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 3

Priority Procedures:

• PSNI flights should be given priority as per the established categories, subject to overall flight safety.
• Operations are generally flexible in altitude and area, allowing for tight orbits over specific targets with ATC approval.
• The Captain will notify ATC of any changes in priority immediately.
• Pilots of ‘Scout 1/2’ will annotate the category of the flight in the remarks field of the flight plan. If not provided, ATC must ascertain the category.
• During Category Z operations, ATC can restrict altitude and change location as necessary.
• Priority Levels (MATS Part 1, Section 1, Ch. 4):

Category A:

• Declared “Police Emergency”.
• Operates regardless of disruptions to normal operations in cases of danger to life.
• Responsibility lies with the Police Authority.

Category B:

• Police flight authorized by the Directorate of Airspace Policy.
• Efforts should be made to avoid disruption to traffic and drawing attention to the flight.
• If delays to scheduled traffic occur or are anticipated, ATC should suggest a new altitude or minor changes to the operating area.

Category E:

• Applicable to time-critical test and training flights only.

Category Z:

• All other flights.

Question 4

What are the communication and SSR procedures for PSNI fixed-wing operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 4

Communications:

• The aircraft is equipped with all necessary VHF/UHF R/T frequencies.
• Includes a link to the Police Operations Room.
• In the event of an aircraft radio failure, contact can be maintained with the Police Operations Room independent of the aircraft’s electrical power.

SSR (Secondary Surveillance Radar):

• The aircraft carries a 4096 code transponder with Mode C.
• Standard SSR code allocation procedures apply.

Question 5

What are the notification and coordination procedures for PSNI fixed-wing operations intending to operate within Controlled Airspace at Aldergrove?

Answer 5

Notification Procedures:

• Operators must notify ATC of their intentions by filing an electronic flight plan quoting the Special Flight Notification Serial number.
• Notifications should outline the area of operation, confirm the departure point, and include the aircraft type, call-sign, priority, and any other relevant information.
• Special operating requirements and loss of R/T procedures should be agreed upon at this time.
• Notifications should be made via telephone, keeping in mind that the telephone is not secure.

Pilot Responsibilities:
* a. Obtain an ATC clearance on the appropriate R/T frequency before entering Controlled Airspace.
* b. Notify ATC of any change to the priority.
* c. Notify ATC of the termination of the flight.

Question 6

What are the general procedures and callsigns for PSNI helicopter operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 6

General Instructions:

• Designed to permit PSNI helicopters freedom of movement within designated parameters.

Callsigns:

• UKP441: EC135, G-PSNI, Squawk 7041
• UKP442: EC145, G-PSNO, Squawk 7042
• UKP443: EC145, G-PSNR, Squawk 7043

Usage of Callsigns:

• UKP 441/442/443: Used for all operational flights.
• UKP 441A/442A/443A: Used for Category ‘A’ flights.

Priority:

• As per the fixed-wing priority detailed in 23.2.2.

Question 7

What are the operational airspace procedures for PSNI helicopter operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 7

General Instructions:

• Designed to allow PSNI helicopters freedom of movement within designated parameters.
• Not always desirable for helicopters to operate at low levels or hold in certain geographical positions for operational reasons.

Caution:

• Helicopters on a northwest departure may follow the Lough Shore to avoid over-flying Lough Neagh.

Identification and Terrain Clearance:

• Helicopters operating VFR/SVFR may be identified by the turn method.
• If flying below the minimum sector altitude, terrain clearance responsibility remains with the pilot accepting the turn onto a radar heading.

Controller Guidelines:

• Controllers should not ask for geographical positions, but pilots may offer this information.
• Helicopters typically require clearance to fly at heights up to 2000ft QNH between the aerodrome traffic zone and the CTR boundary, weather permitting.

Sectors and Areas:

• Designed to permit flexible operation for helicopters.
• Ensure separation from fixed-wing operations on runway extended centrelines.
• Helicopters must adhere to sector reporting points (SRPs) and clearance limit lines (CLLs).

Question 8

What are the helicopter sectors and their descriptions for PSNI operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 8

Helicopter Sectors Description:

North East:

• A straight line joining crossroads at Kells to point 1J 177877 (half nm west of Rathmore roundabout).
• From that point North East through Holestone crossroads to CTR boundary (1 nm southwest of Trenchill).

South East:

• From Hightown Bridge school (1J 311817) on the CTR boundary to Ballykennedy (1J 214771) due east of Nutts Corner.
• From that point to the CTR boundary at point (1J 250670).

South West:

• From CTR boundary at (1J 028681) to north of Sandy Bay point (1J 113723).
• From that point to south CTR boundary (1J 145634) at Broadwater.

North West:

• A straight line from Clonkeen (NW CTR boundary) to point 1J 077828.
• From that point to Western CTR boundary at 1H 979781.

Question 9

What is the description of areas for PSNI helicopter operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 9

Areas Description:
* An area is defined as two adjacent sectors plus the CTR in between, covering the approach to a runway.
* The airspace between adjacent sectors extends 3nm either side of each extended centreline from the control zone boundary to a clearance limit line joining appropriate sector reporting points.

Question 10

What are the Sector Reporting Points (SRP) for PSNI helicopter operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 10

Sector Reporting Points (SRP):

North East:

• “Rathmore” M2 Motorway 1/2 nm North West of Rathmore roundabout.

South East:

• “Thompson Bridge” 1/2 nm NE of Dundrod crossroads.

South West:

• “Sandy Bay” 1/2 nm North of Portmore Lough.

North West:

• “Cranfield” Abeam Cranfield Bay within the sector.

Question 11

What are the Clearance Limit Lines (CLL) associated with ‘Areas’ for PSNI helicopter operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 11

Clearance Limit Lines (CLL):
* Northern Line: From NW SRP to NE SRP
* Eastern Line: From NE SRP to SE SRP
* Southern Line: From SE SRP to SW SRP
* Western Line: From SW SRP to NW SRP

Note: All helicopters routing to Lisburn must be transferred to Belfast City during City’s opening times, unless prior coordination has taken place for Aldergrove APR to retain control.

Perimeter Checks:

• Helicopters may request permission to carry out perimeter checks (peri checks) in areas Bravo, Charlie, and Delta when inbound to or outbound from the airfield.
• These requests should be facilitated whenever possible, subject to prevailing weather and traffic conditions.

Question 12

What are the procedures for VFR/SVFR departures for PSNI helicopter operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 12

Departure Instructions:

• Helicopters are instructed to report ready for departure following start or taxi clearance, as applicable.
• Clearance to leave the CTR VFR/SVFR is given immediately before take-off clearance.

VFR/SVFR Clearance:

• ATC clears the helicopter to leave the CTR via the requested sector/area not above altitude 2000ft.

SVFR/IFR Clearance:

• If requested, ADC will request a release from APC.
• If APC cannot release the helicopter via the requested sector/area, an alternative will be offered if possible.

Routing:

• Helicopters should route direct to the respective SRP/CLL unless directed by ATC.
• After passing the SRP/CLL, any track within the cleared sector/area may be flown.

ATC Procedures:

• ADC will transfer outbound helicopters to APC/APR ‘clean’ of conflicting traffic as soon as possible.
• At the CTR boundary, the helicopter pilot will report ‘Zone Boundary’ with ATC.

Question 13

What is the amendment to clearances for PSNI helicopter operations when runway 07 is in use at Aldergrove?

Answer 13

Outbound Aircraft:

• Requesting to depart to the South West will be instructed to route to the South.
• They should then request to route South West when in contact with APC/APR.

Inbound Aircraft:

• Will be instructed to join from the South.

Question 14

What are the procedures for wake turbulence and rotary wash for PSNI helicopter operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 14

Wake Turbulence Separation:

• Applied between helicopters crossing runways and other fixed-wing aircraft by treating the helicopter as a departure from a cross runway.
• Separation between a light helicopter crossing behind a medium wake turbulence category departure is 3 minutes if the projected flight paths will cross.

Controller Responsibilities:

• If no separation is applied due to the assumption that the flight paths will not cross, the controller must ensure that the actual flight paths do not cross.

ATCOs Reminder:

• Wake Turbulence Separation Requirements in MATS Pt 1, Section 1, Chapter 3 apply equally to rotary wing and fixed-wing aircraft.
• Extra care and attention are required when helicopters fly alongside active runways.

Procedure Applicability:

• Applies irrespective of the helicopter’s category of flight.

Question 15

What are the procedures for VFR/SVFR arrivals for PSNI helicopter operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 15

Inbound Clearance Request:

• Before crossing the CTR boundary, the helicopter pilot will request inbound clearance specifying:
• Requested inbound sector/area
• Requested altitude/level
• VFR or SVFR
• ATIS letter/QNH

APC/APR Clearance:

• Subject to traffic, APC/APR will clear the aircraft to enter the CTR via the requested sector/area not above altitude 2000ft VFR/SVFR.
• Aircraft operating outside the CTR above 2000ft (e.g., over Belfast) may be cleared to enter the CTR in descent VFR/SVFR.
• SVFR arrivals must still hold at the SRP/CLL.
• If APC cannot clear the helicopter via the requested sector/area, an alternative will be offered if possible.
• Any track within the cleared sector/area may be flown before reaching the SRP or CLL.

ADC Responsibilities:

• Responsible for onward clearance from the SRP/CLL.
• A direct track should be flown to the airfield boundary unless directed by ATC.
• ADC will inform APC when the SRP/CLL has been vacated.

Question 16

What are the procedures for practice instrument approaches for PSNI helicopter operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 16

Practice Instrument Approaches:
* Helicopter pilots may request to join controlled airspace not above 3000ft VFR to maintain instrument flying competency/currency.
* They will follow an instrument approach procedure appropriate to their direction of arrival.
* Radar will provide ADC with a 10nm check and coordinate a clearance limit.
* Controllers should not clear VFR flights for published instrument approaches to avoid ambiguity.

Question 17

What are the procedures for SVFR longitudinal separation for PSNI helicopter operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 17

Outbound Procedures:

• Subsequent outbound police helicopters may be cleared to a sector reporting point/clearance limit line (SRP/CLL) after APC/ADC coordination confirms the preceding helicopter has reported passing the same SRP/CLL outbound.
• Onward clearance from the SRP/CLL may only be given by APC when the preceding helicopter reports crossing the CTR boundary.

Inbound Procedures:

• Subsequent inbound police helicopters may be cleared from the CTR boundary to the SRP/CLL after APC/ADC coordination confirms the preceding helicopter has reported passing the same SRP/CLL inbound.
• Onward clearance for succeeding helicopters may be given by ADC when the preceding helicopter crosses the aerodrome boundary.

Note:
These separations may be as per MATS 1, Chapter 3, Paragraph 3 - Reduced Separation in the Vicinity of Aerodromes.

Question 18

What are the separation procedures from runway extended centrelines for PSNI helicopter operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 18

Separation Conditions:

• Separation exists between PSNI helicopters in adjacent sectors and aircraft established on the Final Approach Track (FAT).
• Separation does not exist between aircraft on closing headings with FAT and the adjacent sector.

Inbound IFR Aircraft:

• Must be monitored by radar when utilizing this separation.

Acceptable FATs:

• All FATs are acceptable for this separation except:
• VOR/DME approach to runway 25.
• VOR/DME approach to runway 07.

Question 19

What are the holding procedures for PSNI helicopter operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 19

Blocked Sectors for Holding Helicopters:

• NW Sector: Blocked if holding at Randalstown.
• NE Sector: Blocked if holding at Rathmore roundabout or Templepatrick.
• SE Sector: Blocked if holding at Stoneyford reservoir or Templepatrick.
• SW Sector: Blocked if holding at Portmore or Langford Lodge (Gartree Point).

Blocked Areas for Special VFR Routes:

• North Area: Blocks the NW/NE Sectors.
• East Area: Blocks the NE/SE Sectors.
• South Area: Blocks the SE/SW Sectors.
• West Area: Blocks the SW/NW Sectors.

Routing Guidelines:

• Helicopters should be routed via a Sector whenever possible due to the restrictiveness of Area clearances.
• Area clearances do not permit aircraft to fly within 3 nm of any active Final Approach/Climb out.

Fuel Management Note:

• If a PSNI pilot reports “managing fuel,” it indicates the aircraft is approaching minimum fuel reserves, and any holding will result in the pilot declaring an emergency.

Question 20

What are the procedures for handling potential hazards for PSNI helicopter operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 20

Hazard Awareness:

• When ATC becomes aware of a potential hazard within a sector (e.g., model aircraft flying at Nutts Corner, Langford Lodge, bad weather, bird concentrations), they will:
• Immediately warn the affected helicopter pilots.
• If requested, offer an alternative sector.

Broadcasting Warnings:

• Relevant warnings will be broadcast on ATIS.

Special Emphasis:

• Special emphasis must be placed on reports of bad weather (e.g., low cloud, heavy showers) especially over the hills to the southeast.

Question 21

What are the procedures for handling bird hazards for PSNI helicopter operations at Aldergrove?

Answer 21

Bird Hazard Awareness:

• Aerodrome controllers must be aware of the dangers associated with bird activity around regular approach paths to helicopter dispersals, specifically Juliet, DA2, Foxtrot, and Echo.

Actions for Bird Concentrations:

• If bird concentrations are observed in these areas, controllers should:
• Inform the RFFS.
• Inform arriving or departing helicopters.

Question 22

What are the general procedures for PSNI operations at Langford Lodge (EGAL) and the associated considerations?

Answer 22

Permission and Restrictions:

• Langford Lodge permits aircraft from Aldergrove FS Ops to use areas of the airfield for flying training.
• This procedure is not permitted when landing on runway 07.
• There is a possibility that aircraft inbound to land on runway 07 may mistake EGAL for EGAA during military movements.

Responsibility and Coordination:

• NATS does not accept responsibility for security, safeguarding, or the use of the airfield by third parties (e.g., Model Flying, Ejector Seat Trials).
• Aldergrove FS Ops and the PSNI must ensure their movements at EGAL are coordinated directly with EGAL estates.

Activity Awareness:

• Pilots must be aware of regular activities at EGAL, including Model Aircraft Flying, Ejector Seat Trials, and use of the airfield by Martin Baker.
• ATC may not always be aware of these activities.

Question 23

What are the operating procedures for PSNI aircraft at Langford Lodge (EGAL)?

Answer 23

Deconfliction and Communication:

• Aircraft must first deconflict their request to use Langford Lodge with the other operator, as only one aircraft at a time is permitted.
• On ‘Start Up,’ aircraft Captains must inform ATC of their intention to operate at Langford Lodge and provide a brief description of the intended activity. Example:
• “Aldergrove Tower, this is (Callsign), request Engine and Rotor Start with (ATIS) copied intending to operate at Langford Lodge for the next hour not above 700ft QNH.”

Departure and Routing:

• When ready to depart Aldergrove, aircraft must request a departure for Langford Lodge.
• Once ATC gives clearance, aircraft should route directly from Aldergrove to Langford Lodge not above 700ft QNH.
• Aircraft must squawk 7010 with Mode C, where available.

Operational Areas and Procedures:

• Aircrew should operate on a sympathetic heading to the runway in use at BIAL.
• Runway 25 in use:
• Use Areas C, D, and the southern half of Area B.
• Circuits to be flown to the South.
• Runway 07 in use:
• Procedure not permitted (possibility of an aircraft mistaking EGAL for EGAA).
• Runway 35/17 in use:
• Use Areas A, B, C, and D.
• Circuits to be flown to the West.

Altitude Restrictions:

• Aircraft must operate not above 700ft QNH unless coordinated with Aldergrove Tower.

Question 24

What are the communication procedures for PSNI aircraft operating at Langford Lodge (EGAL)?

Answer 24

Communication Requirements:

• Aircraft operating at Langford Lodge must maintain communications with ATC.
• Aircraft are to monitor Aldergrove Tower frequency.

Transmission Guidelines:

• Once established at Langford Lodge, aircraft do not need to make further transmissions unless intending to depart Langford Lodge Airfield, provided they remain within the designated operational area.

Question 25

What are the procedures for departing Langford Lodge Airfield for PSNI aircraft?

Answer 25

Returning to Aldergrove:

• Upon completing flying training, aircrew must first gain permission from Aldergrove Tower.
• Proceed directly to Aldergrove not above 700ft QNH.

Departing the Zone:

• Upon completing flying training, aircrew wishing to depart the zone must first gain approval from Aldergrove Tower.

Question 26

What are the circuit procedures for PSNI helicopters at Aldergrove?

Answer 26

Circuit Operations:

• Helicopters may fly circuits independent of movements on runway 25/07.
• Take off and land from the grass area east or west of the runway 35 numbers to ensure clearance from the 17 ILS Critical Area.

Circuit Direction:

• Runway 25 in use: Left-hand circuit direction.
• Runway 07 in use: Right-hand circuit direction.
• In both cases, the upwind and final legs will be parallel to runway 25/07.
• Circuit height shall be not above 1000ft QFE.

Reporting and Squawk:

• Helicopters will report ready for departure and on final for each circuit.
• Squawk 7010 for the duration of the circuit detail.

Restrictions:

• This procedure is not available when runway 17/35 is in use.
• Not available for a period following the annual airfield grass bottoming out.
• If any doubt exists whether circuits will cause a FOD issue, the request shall be forwarded to the ADM for approval.

Question 27

What are the procedures for PSNI helicopters operating over Belfast City at 3000ft and above when SSR data is not available?

Answer 27

Separation Procedure:

• Ensure separation between PSNI helicopters operating over Belfast City at 3000ft and above and Aldergrove arrivals and departures using primary radar only.

Position Verification:

• It is not acceptable to establish the helicopter’s position using VOR Radial and DME only.
• Position must be verified by matching Radial/DME with a Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR) Echo.

Radar Identification:

• The helicopter will be required to take up a heading and be identified on radar.
• Maintain radar identification until vertical separation is established between the helicopter and Aldergrove inbounds/outbounds.

Question 28

What are the procedures for PSNI helicopters using hospital HLSs or nearby airfields?

Answer 28

List of Hospital HLSs or Nearby Airfields:

• Antrim Area Hospital
• Coleraine Causeway Hospital
• Craigavon Hospital
• Enniskillen Hospital
• Londonderry Hospital
• Newry Daisy Hill Hospital
• Newtownards Airport (for Ulster Hospital)
• Royal Victoria Hospital
• South-West Acute Hospital Enniskillen

Operational Procedures:

• PSNI helicopters must contact Aldergrove Approach Control before entering the Belfast TMA.
• When necessary, coordination will be effected with Belfast City ATC before the helicopter enters the greater Belfast area or Belfast City airspace.

Note:
Belfast City Hospital does not have an HLS.