Section 1, Chapter 5 - Integration Of VFR Flights With IFR Traffic In Class D CTR/CTA/TMA

Question 1

What is the purpose of Chapter 5, Section 1 in CAP 493?

Answer 1

This chapter provides advice and guidance to controllers on the safe integration of VFR flights with IFR traffic flow within Class D CTA, CTR, and TMA.

Question 2

Who is responsible for determining the flight rules (VFR or IFR) for a flight, and what visibility measures are used in Class D airspace?

Answer 2

• Pilot Responsibility: The pilot determines the flight rules (VFR or IFR) based on prevailing flight meteorological conditions, airspace classification, and their licence/qualifications.
• Visibility Measures:
  1. Ground Visibility: Used for aircraft taking off from or approaching to land at aerodromes, or entering the aerodrome traffic zone or aerodrome traffic circuit.
  2. Flight Visibility: Used for transiting aircraft.
• Controller Limitation: Controllers must not declare control zones to be ‘IFR’ or ‘IMC’.

Question 3

What are the minimum services provided to VFR flights in Class D airspace, and how does ATC manage traffic?

Answer 3

• Minimum Services: Specified in Section 1, Chapter 2, paragraph 2.
• Separation Standards: Not prescribed for VFR flights or between VFR and IFR flights in Class D airspace.
• ATC Responsibility: Prevent collisions between known flights and maintain a safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of traffic.
• Objective: Achieved by passing sufficient traffic information and instructions to assist pilots in ‘seeing and avoiding’ each other, as specified in Section 3, Chapter 1, paragraph 2A.2.

Question 4

What type of instructions issued to VFR flights in Class D airspace are mandatory, and what are their purposes?

Answer 4

Types of Mandatory Instructions:

• Routeing instructions
• Visual holding instructions
• Level restrictions
• Information on collision hazards

Purpose:

• Establish a safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of traffic
• Provide for the effective management of overall ATC workload

Question 5

What is the purpose of routeing instructions for VFR flights in Class D airspace, and how are they implemented?

Answer 5

Purpose:

• Reduce or eliminate points of conflict with other flights, such as final approach tracks and circuit areas.
• Reduce the workload associated with passing extensive traffic information.

Implementation:

• VRPs (Visual Reference Points): Established to assist in defining frequently used routes and avoiding instrument approach and departure tracks.
• Holding Instructions: When controllers require VFR aircraft to hold at a specific point pending further clearance, this must be explicitly stated to the pilot.

Question 6

What must controllers consider when issuing instructions to VFR flights in Class D airspace, and what might this result in?

Answer 6

Controller Considerations:

• The pilot must remain in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).
• The pilot must avoid obstacles.
• The pilot must remain within the privileges of their licence.

Possible Outcome:

• The pilot may request an alternative clearance, especially in marginal weather conditions.

Question 7

What should approach surveillance controllers consider when vectoring VFR flights, and what is preferable to vectoring?

Answer 7

• Caution with Vectoring: Approach surveillance controllers should exercise extreme caution in vectoring VFR flights.
• Preferable Method: A geographical routeing instruction is preferable.
• Establishing Pilot Needs: Before vectoring, controllers must establish with the pilot the need to report if headings are not acceptable due to:
  1. Remaining in VMC
  2. Avoiding obstacles
  3. Complying with low flying rules
• Pilot Experience: Controllers should be aware that pilots of some VFR flights may lack sufficient experience to comply accurately with vectors or to recover to visual navigation after vectoring.

Question 8

What considerations should controllers have when accommodating gliders in Class D airspace?

Answer 8

• Radio-Equipped Gliders: Many gliders are radio equipped and may request transit through Class D airspace under VFR following normal procedures.
• Accommodation: Controllers should endeavour to accommodate gliders as much as practicable given the traffic situation.
• Limitations:
  1. Gliders may not be able to adhere to specific levels or routes.
  2. Gliders may not be able to supply precise details of their intentions.

Question 9

What are the purposes and requirements of Letters of Agreement (LoA) between ATCUs and adjacent aerodromes or airspace users?

Answer 9

Purpose: To permit the integrated operation of airspace activities including gliding, hang-gliding, parachuting, and other activities.

Requirements:
* Specify airspace sharing and delegation arrangements.
* Define hours of operation.
* Include any necessary inter-unit coordination arrangements.