Section 4, Chapter 6 - Temporary Reserved Areas (TRA)

Question 1

What are the key points regarding Temporary Reserved Areas (TRA) operating procedures?

Answer 1

• Definition: A TRA is a defined volume of airspace, temporarily reserved for use by another aviation authority, allowing transit under ATS authority.
• Access Arrangements: Notified in civil and military AIPs; treated as uncontrolled airspace with ATS based on services to aircraft outside controlled airspace.
• Dimensions and Activation: Defined in the UK AIP, including charts for airspace between FL195 and FL245.
• Overlap with Other Airspace: More restrictive access criteria or rules take precedence.
• Standard Pressure Setting: Operations conducted on 1013.2 hPa.
• Cruising Levels: Apply table of cruising levels between FL195 and FL245 (UK Reg (EU) No. 923/2012 SERA.5025(a) and Appendix 3).
• Military Operations: Military aircraft squawk 7006; aim to operate no closer than 3 NM to the lateral boundary or within 500 ft of the vertical limit when contiguous with controlled airspace.

Question 2

What are the key points regarding the operation of gliders in Temporary Reserved Areas (TRA)?

Answer 2

• TRA(G): TRAs established for sole use by gliders are identified as TRA(G).
• Access Arrangements: Detailed in the UK AIP and flights conducted per the appropriate LoA.
• Non-Transponder Gliders: Shall only operate above FL195 within an activated TRA(G). Specific rules are in the respective LoA.
• IFR Traffic: Except for Air Defence Priority Flights and emergency aircraft, IFR traffic is not cleared to transit through an activated TRA(G).

Question 3

What are the access requirements for civil aircraft flying VFR into an activated Temporary Reserved Area (TRA)?

Answer 3

• General Requirements: Detailed in the UK AIP, military AIP, ATM 3000 Series Regulatory Articles, and MMATM.
• Documentation: ATS units must document access requirements for TRA(G) in MATS Part 2.
• Civil Aircraft (VFR):
  1. Comply with CAA requirements in the UK AIP.
  2. File a flight plan (abbreviated flight plan acceptable when specified).
  3. Obtain an ATC clearance to enter the TRA.
  4. Select SSR code as directed by ATC.
  5. Monitor the ATC frequency.

Question 4

What are the key points for collision avoidance within an activated Temporary Reserved Area (TRA)?

Answer 4

• Pilot Responsibility: Pilots must avoid collisions according to RoA Regulations.
• Vectoring Responsibilities: Detailed in Section 1, Chapter 6. Controllers should be aware of potential conflicts with aircraft in adjacent TRAs, especially if vectoring within 2 NM of the boundary. Coordination with the appropriate agency should be considered. If not possible, vector aircraft to be at least 2 NM from the boundary.
• Advisory Services: Aircraft in an activated TRA receiving a Deconfliction Service or Traffic Service will be advised of the proximity of aircraft in adjacent Class C airspace.

Question 5

What are the key principles for the provision of Air Traffic Services (ATS) above FL195 within Temporary Reserved Areas (TRAs)?

Answer 5

Authorised Units:
* ACCs, approved military ATS and ASACS units, CAA-approved units, and autonomous surveillance units can provide ATS above FL195 within Class C airspace, following current operating limitations.
* Specified approved military ATS units may provide ATS within an activated TRA up to FL245, as per CAA approval conditions.
* Civil Approach units can only provide ATS below FL195 unless otherwise approved by the CAA.

Principles of ATS Provision:
* Civil ACC controllers are responsible for all aircraft operating on an ATS route.
* The MoD is responsible for military aircraft not on an ATS route and may also be responsible for civil aircraft operating off-route, including within activated TRAs, as detailed in the Air Traffic Management 3000 Series Regulatory Articles, MMATM, and unit order books.