Section 4, Chapter 1 - Area Control Service

Question 1

What types of services are provided by Area Control Services within UK FIRs and how do they vary by airspace class?

Answer 1

Area Control Services within UK FIRs provide surveillance and non-surveillance-based air traffic services in airspace not under the jurisdiction of an approach or aerodrome control unit. The type of service depends on the class of airspace:

• Classes A, C, and D: Air Traffic Control Service with or without surveillance; and Alerting Service. Aircraft must comply with air traffic control instructions.
• Class E: Air Traffic Control Service with or without surveillance to IFR flights and Alerting Service; Traffic Service or Basic Service and Alerting Service to participating VFR flights. VFR flights receive UK Flight Information Services (UK FIS) per CAP 774.
• Class G: Procedural Service; or Deconfliction Service; or Traffic Service; or Basic Service; and Alerting Service. Participating flights receive UK FIS per CAP 774.

Question 2

Where are Area Control Services provided within UK FIRs?

Answer 2

Area Control Services within UK FIRs are provided by:

• Area Control Centres (ACC) established in each FIR.
• Oceanic Area Control Centres (OAC).
• ATC units at aerodromes specified by the CAA.