Separation Standards (Sep) Flashcards
What is the minimum vertical separation between aircraft, between reservations and between aircraft against reservations?
2,000ft at or above FL290 between a formation flight and any other aircraft.
2,000ft at or above FL290.
1,000ft from FL290 – FL410 inclusive between RVSM aircraft.
1,000ft below FL290.
Can a non-RVSM aircraft be cleared to climb or descend through RVSM airspace?
Yes, non-RVSM aircraft may be cleared to climb or descend through RVSM airspace provided that the aircraft will carry out a continuous climb or descent through all RVSM levels. Aircraft must also be NAT HLA approved in order for this to apply within NAT HLA.
Can non-RVSM aircraft ever operate in RVSM airspace?
Yes, under specific circumstances, non-RVSM aircraft may be granted exemptions to operate in RVSM airspace. These aircraft should be vertically separated from other traffic by 2,000ft. The aircraft must also be NAT HLA approved for this to apply within NAT HLA.
Are formation flights considered RVSM or non-RVSM and what are they separated by?
Formation flights are considered non-RVSM. They shall be separated by 2,000ft within the RVSM designated flight levels.
What is the exception to the formation flight separations rule?
Two RVSM approved C-17’s on the same route at the same altitude with less than 4,000ft longitudinal separation between them are considered to be one aircraft for the purpose of separation. 1,000ft vertical separation can be applied between these and any other RVSM approved aircraft.
Can you apply RVSM minima against a moving airspace reservation?
No, RVSM minima shall not be applied.
Why may an ATSU temporarily apply increased vertical separation (e.g. 2,000ft within RVSM airspace despite the aircraft being equipped for RVSM minima)?
In areas where turbulence has been reported, ATSUs, may temporarily apply increased vertical separation.
What are the separation standards between aircraft that are flying supersonic or between supersonic aircraft and non-supersonic aircraft?
Up to FL450 – 2,000ft
Above FL450 – 4,000ft
What are the rules surrounding level blocks / cruise climbs?
During a level block or cruise climb, aircraft are considered to occupy all levels specified in the block or cruise climb clearance. They shall only be issued when the flight is within an airspace reservation or has been prior approved and notified, and shall only be issued by voice.
What are the lateral separation minima applied within the ocean?
23nm (half degree for OTS) for PBCS equipped aircraft.
60nm or 1 degree between NAT HLA (MNPS & LRNS) equipped aircraft.
120nm or 2 degrees between non NAT HLA (MNPS & LRNS) equipped aircraft.
0nm between aircraft and the boundaries of an airspace reservation, which includes the applicable lateral separation.
What equipment is required for PBCS separation between flights?
Performance Based Communication & Surveillance.
Both aircraft must be equipped with:
ADS-C
CPDLC (J5 or J7)
RNP4 - Required Navigation Performance. A measure of accuracy. Requires the flight to be within a defined distance of the centreline for at least 95% of the route.
RSP180 - Required Surveillance Performance. Indicates a timeframe of 180 seconds for receipt of data from the flight to ATC.
RCP240 - Required Communication Performance. Controller able to intervene and resolve a potential conflict by contacting an aircraft (using CPDLC) within 240 seconds.
If for any reason the aircraft equipment fails, the crew must report this to ATC as soon as the loss becomes apparent.
As an En-Route controller accepting planned aircraft in through the action window, what is the minimum ASEPS separation that we need to check for and why?
If the angle between aircraft is between 0 degrees and 44 degrees, the separation that we need to see is 23nm. 14Nm minimum plus 1 minute (9 miles) for system error.
If the angle between aircraft is 45 degrees to 89 degrees, the separation that we need to see is 26nm. 17Nm minimum plus 1 minute for system error.
What is the Gentle Slope Rule?
Provided that within any interval of ten degrees of longitude, the change in latitude of at least one aircraft does not exceed:
3 degrees at or South of 58N.
2 degrees between 58N and 70N.
1 degree at or North of 70N South of 80N.
Then 1 degree / 2 degrees lateral separation may be applied. Otherwise 60nm / 120nm must be applied.
Above 80N further lateral separation must be applied.
Can we apply intervals through Brest or Madrid?
No.
What is SLOP?
Strategic Lateral Offset Procedure.
Pilots have the authority to offset, right, from the centre line of their cleared route in increments of 0.1nm up to a maximum of 2nm. Pilots are not required to notify ATC when applying SLOP.
