Section 4, Chapter 3 - Flight Information Services @ Area Control Centres

Question 1

What are the key responsibilities and procedures for FISOs and controllers at Area Control Centres (ACCs) in providing a Basic Service?

Answer 1

• FISOs at ACCs provide a Basic Service from dedicated positions and on discrete frequencies.
• Service is provided by London/Scottish Information within specified airspace and periods in the UK AIP.
• Controllers provide the service outside these periods and must distinguish between their ATC and London Information roles during coordination.
• Detailed procedures are in the unit MATS Part 2 and other FISO documents.

Question 2

What are the limiting factors for air traffic services given by controllers providing a Flight Information Service (FIS)?

Answer 2

• Civil and military aircraft may fly on random tracks, creating many reporting points.
• Communication with the appropriate ACC is not mandatory.
• Lack of accurate navigation and position fixing can cause unreliable position reporting and estimates.
• Large sector sizes make it difficult for controllers to be aware of many geographic locations and their proximity to each other.
• Controllers often have no indication if aircraft are adhering to planned routes, altitudes, and timings, even when flight plan information is known.
• RTF coverage may not be available in all parts of the unit’s airspace.
• No form of control or separation can be provided due to the doubtful assessment of collision risk.

Question 3

What are the guidelines for controllers providing proximity warnings under a Basic Service?

Answer 3

• Supplementary Warnings: Provide when practicable, based on pilot information accuracy.
• Dangerous Proximity: Issue warnings to aircraft that are or may become dangerously close.
• Traffic Information: Inform pilots of the presence or absence of traffic, even if data accuracy is doubtful.
• Pilot’s Decision: The pilot decides on any flight alterations; traffic avoidance advice is not issued.

Question 4

What are the coordination and liaison guidelines for flights crossing FIR boundaries?

Answer 4

Flights within the UK:
1. Aircraft has passed an estimate for the boundary: Details passed to the appropriate ATSU in the adjacent FIR, if workload and communications permit.
2. Aircraft reports at the boundary or details had not been passed: Advise aircraft to contact the appropriate ATSU in the adjacent FIR.
* Flights leaving the UK: Details passed to appropriate ATSU, unless otherwise instructed in MATS Part 2.
* Scottish Information Task: No SAR obligation; controllers should not take action if an aircraft fails to establish communication after an estimate has been received.