Section 1, Chapter 9 - Royal Flights

Question 1

What defines a Royal Flight within UK airspace, and who else may be afforded Royal Flight status?

Answer 1

• Royal Flight Definition: A Royal Flight within UK airspace is the movement of an aircraft specifically tasked to carry one or more members of The Royal Family, as designated by the Head of Royal Travel, The Royal Household.
• Other Eligible Flights: Flights by members of other Royal Families, other reigning Sovereigns, Prime Ministers, and Heads of State of Commonwealth and foreign countries may also be afforded Royal Flight status by the CAA.

Question 2

How is Temporary Controlled Airspace (CAS-T) established for Royal Flights in fixed-wing aircraft, and what are the procedures?

Answer 2

• Planning: Royal Flights in fixed-wing aircraft will be planned to occur within permanent controlled airspace whenever possible.
• ATC Procedures: Standard ATC procedures apply to Royal Flights operating in permanent Class A, C, and D airspace.
• Temporary Controlled Airspace (CAS-T): When operating outside of permanent controlled airspace, CAS-T notified as Class D airspace will be established to contain a Royal Flight. Applicable access criteria and separation standards apply.

Question 3

What are the requirements and controlling authorities for flying within Temporary Controlled Airspace (CAS-T) for Royal Flights in fixed-wing aircraft?

Answer 3

Regardless of meteorological conditions, aircraft must obtain an ATC clearance from the specified controlling authorities to fly within CAS-T. The CAS-T establishment includes:

Temporary Control Zones:

• Established around aerodromes of departure and destination.
• Duration: 15 minutes before until 30 minutes after the ETD (outbound) or ETA (inbound).
• Limits: Designated to meet specific Royal Flight requirements.
• Control: Exercised by the Commanding Officer of a military aerodrome or the ATS authority of a civil aerodrome.

Temporary Control Areas:

• Established as corridors joining temporary or permanent control zones/areas.
• Duration: 15 minutes before ETA at the start point until 30 minutes after ETD from the end point.
• Limits: Designated to meet specific Royal Flight requirements.
• Control: Appropriate civil or military ACC or notified ATSU.

Permanent Control Areas:

• Class E control areas reclassified as Class D temporary control areas.
• Duration: Same as temporary control areas.
• Control: The designated controlling authority for the permanent control area.

Question 4

When can a temporary control zone or control area be cancelled, and how are training flights by Royal Family members classified?

Answer 4

Cancellation of CAS-T:

• A temporary control zone or control area may be cancelled at the discretion of the military Commander or civil ATC Supervisor once the Royal aircraft has:
• Left the temporary control zone or area,
• Established en-route in permanent Class A, C, or D airspace, or
• Landed.

Training Flights:

• Training flights by any member of The Royal Family, under VFR or IFR and controlled by an ATS surveillance service unit, will normally be classified as Royal Flights.
• CAS-T, if required, will be established as agreed by the aircraft operating organization and the CAA.

Question 5

What are the procedures for providing Radar Control Service to Royal flights?

Answer 5

Civil ATS Units:
* Equipped with ATS Surveillance systems must provide a Radar Control Service en-route for all Royal flights, subject to coverage.

Coordination with Military ATS Units:

• If surveillance coverage is unavailable, the ATC Supervisor at the civil ACC or notified ATCU coordinates with SWK Mil to determine if a military ATS unit can provide the service.

CAS-T Establishment:

• When CAS-T is established outside existing controlled airspace structures, designated civil or military ATS units with ATS Surveillance must provide a Radar Control Service, subject to coverage.
• Transfer of Control:
• Transfer of control between civil and military ATS units is conducted by a ‘Radar Handover’.

Question 6

What are the procedures for Royal Flights in helicopters regarding CAS-T, ATC, and SSR codes?

Answer 6

CAS-T for Helicopters:

• CAS-T is not normally established for Royal Flights in helicopters.
• Normal ATC procedures apply within or when joining controlled airspace.
• For flights outside controlled airspace, a Royal Low-Level Corridor will be promulgated by NOTAM, as detailed in the UK AIP (ENR) Section.

SSR Code:

• SSR code 0037 is allocated exclusively for helicopters on Royal Flights.
• This code is displayed from take-off to landing, regardless of whether an ATS surveillance service is being provided.
• These flights are treated as unvalidated and unverified.

Question 7

What are the procedures for diversions and handling incidents involving Royal Flights?

Answer 7

Diversions:

• Operational control of Royal aircraft from No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron is vested in the RAF, but the pilot has authority to deviate from the flight plan as necessary.
• Operational control of civilian chartered aircraft used for a Royal Flight remains with the charter company, and diversions are arranged according to normal civil practices.

Incidents Involving Royal Flights:

• If an ATSU receives information about an incident involving a Royal Flight that could lead to public comment, the senior controller must immediately pass the details to the parent ACC.