Future Airspace Strategy VFR Implementation Group

Transcription

1 Future Airspace Strategy VFR Implementation Group Title: VFR Significant s Subject Document Number: Airspace which has been identified as being particularly important to VFR operations MAS Version: 1.0 Status: Draft FASVIG Project: MAS01 - VFR Significant s (VSA) Authors: Geoff Weighell (MAS01 Project Leader) John Brady (FASVIG Joint Chair) Steve Hutt (FASVIG Programme Coordinator) FASVIG Champions Publication Date: 30 th June 2016 FASVIG Limited 31 Walker Avenue, Wolverton Mill East, Milton Keynes, MK12 5TW

2 Contents Foreword... 3 Policy & Guidance... 4 Categories and Regions... 7 Routes and Choke Points... 8 Glider Operation s Hang and Paraglider Operating s Parachute Sites About FASVIG Index of VSA s rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 2

3 Foreword This first version of the FASVIG VFR Significant s document does not provide an exhaustive list of VSAs. It has been created as an initial version to develop the policy and guidelines and to present a limited starter set of VSAs. Subsequent versions of this document will be published to more fully expand and develop the list of VSAs. Population of the Glider Operating s and Parachute Sites will begin in subsequent versions. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 3

4 Policy & Guidance What is a VSA? The term VFR Significant denotes a status applied to a volume of airspace which has been identified as being particularly important to VFR operations. A VSA might take the form of a route, a zone or an area chosen for its particular importance to its VFR users. What does VSA status set out to achieve? Rather like safeguarding at an airfield, VSA status is intended to highlight the importance of a particular area so that any future airspace development plans can take due account of the VFR activity. VSA s are not intended to automatically block airspace development, just make developers mindful of the importance of an area to VFR activity which otherwise might not be obvious. What is their status? Whilst VSAs do not carry a statutory status, they do carry the weight of being identified by organisations representing VFR operators and National Airsports Bodies as important airspace for their activities as well as being acknowledged and supported by the CAA, the government regulator. What criteria are used to identify VSAs? Criteria have been developed to provide a consistent approach to identifying nationally and regionally important VSAs. To be recognized as a VSA, areas must be nationally or regionally important to VFR aviation in terms of routes, access to airfields or sporting sites. Who decides if a site is a VSA? s may be proposed by any VFR user. In the first instance FASVIG will ensure that it meets the designation criteria. If so FASVIG will present a dossier to the CAA for its agreement. Once agreed, the area is then added to the VSA register. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 4

5 Where can I find a list of VSAs? A register of all VSAs is held by FASVIG and will be published on its web pages. VSAs are listed together with geographic and functional details. More about criteria A criteria framework has been developed to help provide a consistent approach to identifying nationally and regionally important VSAs. To be recognised as a VSA an area must be necessary for access to airfields and routes, areas for sporting aviation, manoeuvre room to accommodate all aviation, training areas, competition venues, heritage, scarcity of resource both locally and nationally, uniqueness, importance for mass participation or non-competitive use and important because of the number of users. s do not need to meet all criteria, but need to be nationally, or regionally important for VFR operations for one or more of the criteria. The criteria should be adjusted to reflect the nature of the area and will often vary according to demand and population density. For instance, airspace in the south of England is likely to be more critical than that in parts of Scotland 1. to Airfields and Routes Without access to routes and open areas of airspace, airfields which support VFR activities cannot be successful. With land for airfields under pressure for reallocation for housing development it is increasingly important that airspace is available to permit effective operations at existing airfields. 2. Sporting Aviation Air sports are enjoyed by large numbers of people in the UK and airspace available at sporting airfields and sites is critical to their activities. This is particularly so close to the larger conurbations where there is a significant population base but airspace and airfields to support them is limiting. 3. Manoeuvre Room In areas where space is at a premium, particularly vertical space to permit manoeuvring and aerobatics or sporting use such as gliding, ballooning or parachuting, the shape of available airspace and the height available may be critical to the activity. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 5

6 4. Training The area supports aviation training for private and professional licences, for post-graduate aviation and competition training and is sustainable in that it is in a location which provides the support facilities/services necessary for that level of training. 5. Heritage The site is important in heritage terms due to the longevity and continuity of use in that location by aviation and because it cannot be re-created at a different location without loss of its fundamental characteristics 6. Scarcity both locally and nationally, In areas where airspace for VFR use is scarce, what is available may be critical to the continued access to aviation. The area is important because of its scarcity or rarity/ uniqueness value and because it cannot be recreated at a different location that is within reach of its population base or aviation infrastructure. It supports a site that is the only facility or resource for participation in that sport or any of its disciplines, or one of a limited number of facilities in that region. 7. Uniqueness and Importance Some airspace supports locations, airfields or sites that have special or unique characteristics in relation to VFR operations 8. Mass Participation or Competitive Sporting Use The area has held international, national or regional competitions or events and is sustainable in that it is in a location which provides the support facilities and services necessary for that level of participation. 9. Non-competitive users The site is important to the non-competitive parts of that sport. 10. Number of Users The site is important because of the numbers of participants in VFR aviation using the area for any purpose. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 6

7 Categories and Regions VSAs in this document are grouped according to Category and within Category, by UK Region. The categories are: Routes and Choke Points Glider Operating s Hang and Paragliding Operating s Parachute Sites The UK regional definitions used are as presented in the chart below. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 7

8 Routes and Choke Points England Southeast Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ARCP-ESE-EGMD/LFFF Beachy Head/Lydd/Dover to France routes North DVR to Beachy Head East South West Vertical DVR to KONAN KONAN along FIR boundary to KUNAV KUNAV to Beachy Head LTMA base 5500, Worthing CTA base FL65 and Worthing CTA base FL75 VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA Criticalities Flight training. Based aircraft. corridor for north south transit traffic between UK and France, short channel crossing. Lydd airport recorded over 20,500 GA movements in 2015 (CAA data and statistics). Some of which would be aircraft clearing customs out/in bound. GA traffic wishing to do the short channel crossing. The area is approx 20 nautical miles wide and nautical miles deep. It contains 1 major airfields operating GA training, aircraft rental and private owner operations. Traffic transit this area on the way to / from European destinations. Calais and Le Touquet offer easy day trip access and are popular destinations for both GA and microlight pilots. Both give customs clearance to allow journeys further into Schengen area countries. This airspace is crucial as it allows access for many pilots to visit, enjoy and broaden their aviation experience on 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 8

9 Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s the continent. This area does not have the luxury of any sort of LARS coverage so a pilot has to rely on 'see and avoid'. London information offers a listening service. This is a very busy VFR area. In order to maintain high levels of utilisation for GA traffic, the boundaries of controlled airspace in the vicinity should be maintained or increased and bases raised where possible. The airspace would also benefit from deployment of ADS-B 27 th April 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 9

10 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ARCP-ESE-EGHH/SW Bournemouth Southwest Route North Northwest corner of the Solent CTA (SE of Blandford Forum) to northwest corner of Bournemouth CTR, then along the western and southern boundary of Bournemouth CTR to the southeast corner of Bournemouth CTR. East Southeast corner of Bournemouth CTR to Hurst Castle VRP to Needles Lighthouse VRP. South Needles Lighthouse VRP to Swanage. West Vertical Swanage to northeast corner of Lulworth Cove Danger D026, along northern boundary of D026 then to northwest corner of Solent CTA Various. 3500ft underneath the Class D Solent CTA in the east, unlimited Class G in the centre and west, 2000 ft underneath the Solent CTA in the west. VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA Very heavily used by VFR transit traffic (microlights and powered a/c). The Newton Peveril microlight site is within the VSA. Eyres Field Gliding site is nearby to the west with Henstridge, Compton Abbas, Bowerchalke and Bowerswaine Farm airfields to the north, plus Bournemouth Airport. This VSA (24nm x 16nm) covers the Class G area to the south and west of the Bournemouth CTR, with complex multiple vertical limitations (3500ft underneath the Class D 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 10

11 Solent CTA in the eastern section, with some under Class A Airway Q41 FL55-FL195, unlimited Class G in the central and western section (outside Solent CTA) and 2000 ft underneath the Solent CTA to the west of Bournemouth CTR). Criticalities Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s The VSA contains the Hurst Castle, Needles Lighthouse, Hengistbury Head and Sandbanks VRPs plus the towns of Swanage, Corfe Castle and Wareham, which are all key VFR route planning waypoints. This VSA is very heavily used by VFR transit traffic travelling south and west of the Bournemouth CTR and to/from the Isle of Wight The Class D Bournemouth CTR and Lulworth Cove Danger D026, make for the creation of a funnelling effect that often puts similar height opposing direction VFR traffic on conflicting paths near Wareham or under the Class D Solent CTA (2000ft) near Sandbanks. Taking a traffic service from Bournemouth Approach is recommended. 20 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 11

12 Serial Number Name Location / boundary ARCP-ESE-EGHJ/ORTAC Isle of Wight/ORTAC route North Northeast corner of Danger D031, via Needles Lighthouse VRP, via Hurst Castle VRP, via Cowes, to Bembridge Airfield (EGHJ) East Bembridge Airfield (EGHJ), via St. Catherine s Point VRP, via northwest corner of Danger D036, to southwest corner of Danger D036 South Southwest corner of Danger D036, via ORTAC, to LELNA West LELNA, via southeast corner of Danger D031, to northeast corner of Danger D031 Vertica 2000ft under Class D Solent CTA, 3500ft under l Class D Solent CTA or Class A Airway Q41, FL65 and FL75 under the Class A Portsmouth CTA. Small sector within Class D surface to FL80 Channel Island CTR in the vicinity of LELNA. Unlimited vertical restrictions outside these areas in Class G. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 12

13 Chart of VFR activities Heavily used by UK and and other VFR transit traffic between the mainland UK and the Channel Islands, northwest France and the continent. Also includes GA airfields at Sandown, Bembridge, Binsted and Whitwell plus hang-gliding at Limerstone Down. Other User Based aircraft at Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney lie Groups Description of VSA nearby to the south. This VSA (58nm x 31nm) covers the western Solent, the Isle of Wight and the English Channel southwest of the Isle of Wight towards the Channel Islands. There are complex multiple airspace structure with multiple vertical limitations (underneath the Class D Solent CTA, Class A Airway Q41, Class A Portsmouth CTA and within the Class D Channel Islands CTA). The VSA contains the Hurst Castle, Needles Lighthouse, St. Catherine s Point VRPs, which are all key VFR route planning waypoints, plus ORTAC, which is a commonly used FIR boundary crossing reporting point. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 13

14 Criticalities Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisations This VSA is very heavily used by VFR transit traffic travelling to/from the Isle of Wight and to northwest France and the continent. The 3500ft base of the Class A Airway Q41, which overlies much of the VSA, restricts VFR traffic to less than 3500ft for extended flight over the sea, which reduces gliding time and hence safety in the event of an engine failure. 30 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 14

15 Serial Number Name Location / boundary ARCP-ESE-EGHJ/GARMI Isle of Wight/GARMI route North St. Catherine s Point VRP via Bembridge Airfield to northwest corner of Danger D037 East northwest corner of Danger D037 via northwest corner of Danger D038, to the southeast corner of Danger D036. South Southeast corner of Danger D036 along the FIR boundary to the southwest corner of Danger D036. West Southwest corner of Danger D036 via northwest corner of Danger D036 to St. Catherine s Point VRP Vertical FL75 under Class A Portsmouth CTA in the north of the VSA. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 15

16 Chart of VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA Heavily used by UK and and other VFR transit traffic between the mainland UK and the Channel Islands, northwest France and the continent. This VSA (40nm x 20nm) covers the section of the English Channel south of the Isle of Wight towards the Cherbourg Peninsular. There are complex multiple airspace structure with multiple vertical limitations (underneath the Class D Solent CTA, Class A Airway Q41, Class A Portsmouth CTA and within the Class D Channel Islands CTA). The VSA contains the St. Catherine s Point VRPs, which is a key VFR route planning waypoints, plus GARMI, 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 16

17 which is a commonly used FIR boundary crossing reporting point. Criticalities Dependencies Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisations The VSA contains the preferred VFR crossing route between the SAM and MP beacons. This is the most highly used VFR routing between the UK mainland and northwest. The preferred VFR crossing route goes through Danger D036 so access to this route (Mon-Fri) is depended of receipt of permission to cross being granted by Plymouth Mil. 30 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 17

18 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ARCP-ESE-EGHI/EGLL Southampton/Heathrow Gap North Brimpton airfield to N W abounding the Heathrow CTR. East N W abounding the Heathrow CTR to the Guildford VRP South Guildford VRP to the NE corner of the Southampton CTR. Then following the Northern edge of the Southampton CTR to its North Western corner. West NW corner of the Southampton CTR to Brimpton airfield. Vertical London TMA 2500' in the East to FL65 in the West. 2000' to the North of the Solent CTA. VFR activities Other User Groups Airfields, microlight and gliding sites within this and the surrounding area. Flight training. Based aircraft. corridor for north south transit traffic between the Heathrow/Southampton Class D airspace. RAF Odiham TAG Farnborough Lasham Gliding Blackbush Airfield Popham airfield West London Aero Club 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 18

19 Description of VSA Criticalities Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s The area is approx 385 sq nautical miles. It contains 4 major airfields operating between them RAF helicopter operations and training and gliding, GA training, aircraft rental and private owner operations. A major gliding site at Lasham offering training and private owner operations. An active GA/microlight airfield at Popham offering training and private owner operations. Also a further 2 airstrips and a heliport. In addition within 20 Nm of this area you have very active flying from Benson, White Waltham, Wycombe Airpark, Fairoaks, Chichester/Goodwood, Fleetlands, Boscombe Downs/Middle Wallop and the Isle of Wight, a popular destination. This area also contains R101 upto 2400', D131 upto 1400', D132 upto 2500' and D133A/B 1200' upto 2400'. The 3500' LTMA base is OK on good VFR days, however with a cloudbase of less than 3000' the transit of Farnborough and Odiham become a challenge both for pilot and the LARS service. The LTMA base of 5500' is also OK on good days, but offers the same challenges to all on less ideal days. Farnborough has 2 ILS approaches which again present challenges in marginal conditions. This piece of airspace is crucial for access to many airfields gliding and microlight sites in and around the local area. North - South VFR transit traffic and other traffic avoiding the locally controlled airspace, especially the Heathrow and Southampton CTR's. This Class G airspace allows more direct routings saving time and fuel. This is already a very busy VFR area. In order to maintain high levels of utilisation for GA traffic, the boundaries of controlled airspace in the vicinity should be maintained or increased and bases raised where possible. The airspace would also benefit from deployment of ADS- B 15 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 19

20 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ARCP-ESE-EGHI/EGKK Southamptom/Gatwick Gap North A line from the Solent CTR/CTA across to the Guildford VRP East From the Guildford VRP to the boundary of the Gatwick CTR South From the Gatwick CTR SW Corner to the Solent CTR boundary at Calshot West Solent CTR Vertical SFC to base of London TMA in the East ( 4500 ) and SFC to 5500 in the West VFR activities Other User Groups There is much VFR activity in this area. Airfields at Hill Top Farm, Dunsfold, Slinfold, Chilsfold Farm and Colemore Common lie beneath this VSA whilst Lee-on-Solent, Goodwood, Shoreham, Parham and Hadfold Farm lie to the southern boundary and Popham, Lasham and Tongham lie to the North The General Aviation users of the VSA include conventional fixed wing light aircraft, microlights and gliders. There are a number of helicopter sites nearby. The user groups in the local area include: Powered Flight: Goodwood Flight Training Schools, Flight Experiences, Boultbee Academy, Aircraft Engineering, Goodwood Flagship Events, Hotels Shoreham Hard Runway, Flight Training (Pilot and Instructor), Business Aviation, Customs and Immigration, 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 20

21 Helicopters, Night Operations, Avionics and Aircraft Engineering Popham - Flight Training, Microlight Fair, Hangarage, Aircraft Engineering Lee on Solent Flying Clubs and Schools, Coastguard, Microlights, Avionics and Aircraft Engineering Dunsfold Flight Testing, maintenance and Repair, Hangarage Slinfold Flying Club Gliding: Lasham Lasham Gliding Society Parham Southdown Gliding Club Lee on Solent Naval Gliding Association Microlights: Colemore Common Microlights ( Fixed and Flex Wing) Chilsfold Farm Conservation Airfield, Light Aviation and Microlight Activity Hadfold Farm - Microlights Description of VSA Criticalities Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s The VSA area is approximately 20nm from North to South and approximately 50nm from East to West. Its area of influence is much larger, taking into account the activities of airfields named above. The whole area lies beneath the London TMA. The airspace between the Solent CTR and the Gatwick zone is one of the busiest areas for GA traffic in the UK. It supports access to the Isle of Wight, France and the Channel Islands for airfields located North of Farnborough and is therefore a major N-S corridor. In addition, the area lies just to the north of the main corridors for GA traffic flying east or west along the south coast of England. The VSA is already an area of intense VFR activity. Existing controlled airspace in the area is poorly designed for VFR operations and acts to funnel VFR flights in confined corridors. The bases of controlled airspace are much lower than necessary. 15th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 21

22 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ARCP-ESE-EGHH/EGHI Bournemouth/Southampton Gap North Northeast corner of Bournemouth CTR to Stoney Cross to southwest corner of Southampton CTR at Totton. East Southwest boundary of Southampton CTR from Toton to the Calshot VRP then to Cowes, IoW South Cowes, IoW, to Hurst Castle VRP then southeast corner of Bournemouth CTR West Eastern boundary of Bournemouth CTR Vertical Majority of this VSA is constrained from 2000ft and up by the Class D Solent CTA and above that by the Class A Airway Q41 (3500ft or 5500ft). VFR activities Very heavily used by VFR transit traffic (microlights and powered a/c). 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 22

23 Other User Groups Description of VSA Criticalities Dependencies Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisations There are not airfields within the VSA but busy airfields of Lee-on Solent, Bembridge, Sandown and Chichester/Goodwood are nearby to the east and Compton Abbas, Old Sarum, Chilbolton and Popham to the north. This VSA (12nm x 13nm) covers the Class G area between the Southampton and Bournemouth CTRs plus the Solent west of Cowes, all below the Class D Solent CTA (2000ft 5500ft). The VSA contains the Calshot, Hurst Castle and Stoney Cross VRPs and Beaulieu disused airfield plus the towns of Cowes, Lymington, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and Totton, which are all key VFR route planning waypoints. This VSA is very heavily used by VFR transit traffic travelling: east-west to the south of Southampton & Bournemouth CTRs north-south between the Southampton and Bournemouth CTRs to/from the Isle of Wight The overlying Class D Solent CTA tends to limit VFR traffic to below 2000ft. This, plus the lateral funnelling effects of the two CTRs, make for the creation of a funnelling effect that often puts similar height opposing direction VFR traffic on conflicting paths. Taking a traffic service from Bournemouth Approach or Solent Radar is recommended. 20 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 23

24 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ARCP-ESE-D126/EGVN/EGHI Boscombe Down & Ranges/Brize Norton/Southampton North Lechlade (Edge of Brize Zone) to Brimpton East South West Vertical Brimpton to Southampton CTR Southampton CTR to Manor Farm ( Just North of the Salisbury Plain Danger Manor Farm to Lechlade This VSA lies beneath various airways, the ceiling is FL 65 beneath Q41 VFR activities Other User Groups The VFR activities include Flight Training, Flight Instruction, Business Aviation, Helicopters and the Military Powered Flight: Membury Hangarage, Maintenance and Repair Bourne Park Popham - Flight Training, Microlight Fair, Hangarage, Aircraft Engineering Thruxton Helicopter Training and AOC, Fixed Wing and Helicopter Repair and maintenance, Aircraft Spraying Facilities Chilbolton Flying Club Old Sarum - Flying Training and Hire, Parachuting and Microlight Operations. Gliding 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 24

25 Sandhill Farm Gliding Club Rivar Hill - Home of Shalbourne Gliding Society, Gliding Club and Flight Training Lasham Lasham Gliding Society Upavon Military Airfield Wyvern Gliding Club ( Part of the Army Gliding Association Abingdon RAF Gliding Club, diversion airfield for RAF Benson Microlights Clench Common Flight Training, Microlight and Gyrocopter Training, aircraft dealership Manton base for aviation companies Yatesbury Microlight flight training and associated companies Redlands Parachuting, Skydiving and Microlight tuition. Military Middle Wallop Boscombe Down Netheravon Fairfordcraymarsh farm Helicopters Newbury Racecourse Elcot parks Other Airfields Lydeway Field Devizes (Urchfont) Craymarsh Farm Description of VSA Criticalities This VSA provides a significant area for training for the local flying clubs and schools as well as access to and from the airfields to the West. Of note is that it occupies the airspace to the North of the MATZ and Danger s leading to congestion in VFR flights avoiding those areas. Many of the airfields support a wide range of GA interests from training through to maintenance and repair. The airspace between the collective MATZ and the edge of the Brize Norton zone represents the main transit route across South and West England and is therefore crucial for servining of the many bases and aviation businesses that have been long established in the area. The VSA also supports access to Thruxton Airfield and the motor racing circuit within the airfield boundary. GA aircraft en route 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 25

26 from the west of England would pass through this area towards France and other European countries. Likewise GA aircraft from North of London would pass through this area towards airfields in the west of England. Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s The VSA is already an area of intense VFR activity. Existing military controlled airspace in the area is poorly designed for VFR operations and acts to funnel VFR flights in confined corridors, especially as many of the military bases are closed over weekends and do not answer transiting aircraft making R/T calls. The controlled airspace and danger areas in the vicinity require urgent re-design. 15 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 26

27 Serial Number Name Location / boundary ARCP-ESE-EGVN/EGUB Brize Norton/Oxford/Benson Gap North Charlbury VRP to WCO BDB East WCO NDB to Brimpton South West Vertical Brimpton to Southern corner of Brize CTR Southern corner of Brize CTR to Carlbury VRP, excluding Brize CTR. In north LTMA 5500' to Daventry CTA FL85 In south LTMA 4500', LTMA 5500', L9 FL65 to Cotswold CTA FL105. Chart of VFR activities Airfields, microlight, gliding and parachuting sites within this and the surrounding area. Flight training. Based aircraft. Parachuting. Helicopters. corridor for north south transit traffic between the Brize/Luton/Heathrow Class D airspace. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 27

28 Other User Groups Description of VSA Oxford AIAA Sfc to 5000' RAF Brize Norton, Military Air transport, Flying club. RAF Benson, Military helicopters, Flying Club Oxford Airport, Flying clubs and private owner ops and training. Weston on the Green, Parachuting Abingdon airfield, gliding and parachuting. Oakley airstrip, active microlights. Chalgrove airfield, Martin Baker test site. Chiltern Park, active microlight and parachuting West London Aero Club. The area is approx 415 sq nautical miles most of which contains the Oxford AIAA. It contains 2 major airfields operating between them RAF helicopter operations and training and flying clubs, GA training, aircraft rental and private owner operations. A major parachuting and gliding centre at Weston on the Green. An active GA/microlight airfield at Chiltern Park offering training, private owner operations and parachute dropzone upto FL150. Chalgrove is Martin Baker's test airfield. Also a further 4 airstrips offering gliding and GA/microlight facilities and a heliport In addition within 20 Nm of this area you have very active flying from White Waltham, Wycombe Airpark, RAF Halton, Fairford, Boscombe Downs/Middle Wallop, Bicester, Little Rissington and Brize Norton. The area also contains P106 upto 2500' and D129 upto FL120. Reader unfamiliar with AAIB report 5/2010 should read pages para page 22 on (link below) office.gov.uk/media/5422fd45e5274a f/5-2010_g-byxr_and_g-ckht.pdf To get some idea of traffic flows in this area. The 5500' LTMA base is OK on good VFR days, however with a cloudbase of less than 3000' the transit of round Benson become a challenge both for pilot and the LARS service, when available. The Benson MATZ runs north/south and less confident/non radio traffic tend to fly to the west of Benson to avoid contact. To the north and west of the area Wycombe Air Park and West London Aero Club use areas as training grounds. The honey pots (nav aids) at CPT and WCO also add an interesting dimension to passage through this area. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 28

29 Criticalities Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s Serial Number Name Location / boundary This airspace is crucial for access to many airfields, gliding, microlight and parachute sites in and around the local area. North - South / East West VFR transit traffic and other traffic avoiding the locally controlled airspace, especially the Brize, Luton and Heathrow CTR's. This Class G airspace allows more direct routings saving time and fuel. This is already a very busy VFR area. In order to maintain high levels of utilisation for GA traffic, the boundaries of utilisation for GA traffic, the boundaries of controlled airspace in the vicinity should be maintained or decreased and bases raised where possible. The airspace would also benefit from deployment of ADS-B 26 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA ARCP-ESE-EGKK/EGKA Gatwick/South Coast Gap North Southern edge of the Gatwick CTR. East South West Vertical South eastern corner of the Gatwick CTR to Bexhill on the south coast. Littlehampton VRP to Beachy Head lighthouse to middle of Bexhill built up area. South west corner of Gatwick CTR to south west corner of Gatwick CTA to Littlehampton VRP. All within the London TMA under the Gatwick CTA rising to 2500 outside CTA rising to 4500 south of a line linking Petworth to Hurstpierpoint to Mayfield VOR rising to 5500 of a line linking Littlehampton to north of Steyning to west of Lewes to Heathfield. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 29

30 Chart of VFR activities Other User Groups The area contains one licensed airfield Shoreham (EGKA) which is in constant use seven days a week from 0800 to The traffic using this airport is a mix of PPL, CPL, ATPL, fixed wing, helicopter, night and instrument training, commercial flights, visiting and fixed base leisure aircraft including aircraft rental. This is the only traffic zone (ATZ)within this subject area. There are two notified gliding sites at Parham and Ringmer and a hang gliding site north east of Shoreham all of which use the South Downs area extensively for their activities. There are numerous other un-notified hang glider sites in the southern part of the subject area. The area also contains one unlicensed airfield Deanland (EGKL) which is used by visiting and fixed base leisure aircraft and for pilot training. There are a further seventeen private notified farm strips scattered over the area that are used by visiting and fixed base leisure aircraft. Three of these are in close proximity of each other at Southwater. Others by name include Swanborough Farm, Kitty Hawk, Bradleys Lawn, Heathfield, Mannings Heath, Washington, Piltdown, Westfield Farm, Hickstead, Priors Byne Farm, Truleigh Farm, Sedgewick Park, Barkham and Twineham. There are seven notified helicopter landing sites within the subject area at Grovelands Farm, Borde Hill, Ashdown Park, South Lodge, Boships, Hickstead and Brighton Racecourse. There are three very active radio model aircraft club sites at Wivelsfield Green, North Brighton and Bostal. The whole 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 30

31 Description of VSA Criticalities Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review of the South Downs area is also used by radio model gliders dependent on wind direction. Aircraft maintenance activities reliant upon the VFR airspace for their continued operation include four based at Shoreham, two at Deanland and one each at Priors Byne Farm, Partridge Green, Ringmer and Parham gliding sites. There are several balloon launching sites within the area that are un-notified. Traffic to and from Shoreham is busy in good weather along the coast and also heading north is mostly training and leisure traffic. Training areas are in low population areas throughout the subject area. The area to the north of the South Downs is used by gliders from Parham and Ringmer. East/west transiting traffic is heaviest in the northern sector of the subject area south of the Gatwick CTR. Caution is especially required with good lookout around the southwestern corner of Gatwick CTR as any transiting traffic is sharing the same airspace as up to seven unlicensed airfields in the Billingshurst area. There is also a low level military corridor (sfc to 800 ) routing east to west south of the Gatwick CTR. Military helicopter exercises are known to operate at unspecific times in the north western corner of the subject area south of Slinfold. Instrument training in VFR conditions is carried out at Seaford VOR and Mayfield VOR which is also a busy transiting traffic navigation aid and hence can be a busy airspace area. This airspace is critical for the east west routing of aircraft flying south of the Gatwick CTR and London TMA, and access for thriving flying communities scattered throughout the region. This whole area is a busy one with leisure, training, gliding and VFR commercial traffic criss-crossing in all directions and transit traffic travelling mostly east/west and gliding traffic traversing along the ridge of the Downs. In order to maintain the high levels of utilisation within the whole of subject area the boundaries of controlled airspace in the vicinity should be maintained at present limits. With the advent of new technology in the form of ADS-B becoming increasingly available there is acknowledgement that the airspace within the subject area can become safer for all users. 13 th June rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 31

32 Sponsor organisation s BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 32

33 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ARCP-ESE-EGLL/EGLC/EGKK Heathrow/City/Gatwick Gap North Southern boundary of London Heathrow CTR (from the corner north of Bisley, and including the boundary of the Fairoaks ATZ within the London Heathrow CTR, along the eastern boundary of the London Heathrow CTR to the intersection with the London City CTR, along the southern boundary of the London City CTA, from the southeast corner of the London City CTA to the southeast corner of the London City CTR. East Southeast corner of the London City CTR, via northwest corner of London Gatwick CTA then the northwest corner of London Gatwick CTR. South Northwest corner of London Gatwick CTR, via the southern and western boundary of the Redhill Local Flying area, to the northwest corner of the London Gatwick CTR then the northwest corner of the London Gatwick CTA. West Northwest corner of the London Gatwick CTA, via Guildford VRP to corner of London Heathrow CTR north of Bisley. Vertical 2500ft under the Class A London TMA, 1500ft under the London Gatwick CTR, London City CTR and within the Redhill Local Flying, 2080ft within the Fairoaks ATZ. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 33

34 VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA Criticalities Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s VFR traffic associated with airfields and gliding sites within the area. Flight training. Aircraft rental. Based aircraft. corridor for east-west transit traffic between bounding Class D airspace. EGKB Biggin Hill Airfield EGTF Fairoaks Airfield EGKR Redhill Airfield Kenley Gliding Site Kennel Farm Hanggliding Site The area is 15NM wide by 29NM long. It contains three major GA airfields plus one gliding site and one hang gliding site, which require access to this area for inbound, outbound and local flights. The EGKB ATZ in the centre of the eastern end of the VSA, which creates choke points 5nm wide to the south of the ATZ and 4nm to the north of the ATZ. In the centre, the gap between the EGKR ATZ and the London Heathrow CTR is just 4.5nm. All of the VSA is restricted by the overlying Class A London TMA or the even lower Gatwick or London City CTAs. This piece of airspace is critical for access to multiple airfields and gliding/hanggliding sites, access for East-West VFR transit traffic and for other VFR traffic that needs to avoid the local controlled airspace, especially the Heathrow, Gatwick and London City CTR. The presence of the Class G airspace enables more direct routings saving time and fuel whilst mitigating environmental factors. This is already a very busy VFR area. In order to maintain high levels of utilisation for GA traffic, the boundaries of controlled airspace in the vicinity should be maintained or decreased and bases raised where possible. The airspace would benefit from deployment of ADS-B. 28 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 34

35 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ARCP-ESE-EGLL/EGGW Heathrow/Luton Gap North Southern edge of the Luton CTA/CTR from the SE corner of CTA-2 to the SW corner of CTA-1 where it abuts the Stansted CTA East Western edge of Stansted CTA-2 from the SE corner of Luton CTA-1 southward to the SW corner of Stansted CTA-2, onward to the NE corner of London CTR South Northern edge of the London CTR, extended to include all of the EGLD Denham ATZ. West From the NW corner of the London CTR to the SW corner of Luton CTA-2 Vertical London TMA 2500ft VFR activities Other User Groups VFR traffic associated with airfields and microlight sites within the area. Flight training. Aircraft rental. Based aircraft. corridor for east-west transit traffic between bounding Class D airspace. EGLD Denham airfield Based aircraft 2370 (Denham) Squadron, Air Training Corp The Pilot Centre (flight training & a/c rental) Heli Air (helicopter flight training, rental, charter, aerial work, maintenance) Helicopter Fil Services (aerial work) TAA UK (flight traing & a/c rental) Aerospace Design (aircraft maintenance) 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 35

36 Description of VSA Criticalities HQ Aviation (helicopter flight training & maintenance) Flying TV (helicopter aerial work) EGTR Elstree airfield Based aircraft Air Academy (flight training) Eagle Flying (aircraft rental) Flight Training London (flight training) Fly Elstree (flight training) Fly By Light (microlight flight training) Flyers Flying School (flight training) Lion Flying Group (flight training) London School of Flying (aircraft rental) MAK Aviation (flight training) MG Aviation (flight training) Stars Fly (flight training) Flying Pig Helicopters (helicopter flight training & rental) Heli-UK (helicopter flight training & charter) Paul White s Heliservices (helicopter flight training) VVB Aviation (heli & fixwd wing flight training, heli charter and aerial work) Air Interiors (aircraft interiors) London Elstree Aviation (aircraft maintenance) London Colney microlight site Hertfordshire Microlight Club (private flying club) Plaistows microlight site Based aircraft Exodus Airsports (microlight flight training) The area is 8NM wide by 25NM long. It contains two major GA airfields plus two microlight sites, which require access to this area for inbound, outbound and local flights. The top of the EGLD ATZ is just 168ft below the bounding floor of the 2500ft London TMA making overflight of the ATZ difficult. The gap between the EGLD ATZ and Luton CTR is 6NM with two microlight site therein, while the gap between the EGLD ATZ and London CTR is 1.1NM. This piece of airspace is critical for access to multiple airfields and microlight sites, access for East-West VFR transit traffic and for other VFR traffic that needs to avoid the local controlled airspace, especially the Heathrow CTR. The presence of the Class G airspace enables more direct routings saving time and fuel whilst mitigating environmental factors. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 36

37 Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s This is already a very busy VFR area. In order to maintain high levels of utilisation for GA traffic, the boundaries of controlled airspace in the vicinity should be maintained or decreased and bases raised where possible. The airspace would benefit from deployment of ADS-B. 22 nd April 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 37

38 England Southwest Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ARCP-ESW-EGGD/W Bristol Channel Route North Northern edge of Bristol CTA-7 East M5 from NE, then Bristol CTR boundary, then SE to and beyond VRP CHEDDAR RESR South Southern edge of Bristol CTA-5 West Bristol-Cardiff CTA boundary Vertical Elements of Bristol CTA-2, -4, -5, -7, 4000ft down to 1500ft VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA Criticalities corridor for north-south transit traffic under and between bounding Class D airspace. Bristol Airport-based VFR traffic. EGGD Bristol & Wessex Aeroplane Club Bristol Flying Club Based aircraft The area is approx. 26nm long and 5 8nm wide, approximately 50% over water. It contains several helicopter landing sites but no active airfields. Class G airspace is limited by overlying Bristol CTA Class D airspace. If unavailable, north-south transit traffic would have to route within the Bristol Class D, increasing controller workload, or route to the east of the Bristol CTR, with fuel/environmental implications and traffic added to that already routeing to the east of the CTR. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 38

39 Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s Any lowering of the existing Class D would squeeze traffic into a shallower height band, increasing the risk of CAS incursion, collision and noise nuisance to built-up areas. 19 th May 2016 BMAA, LAA England East Anglia Serial Number Name Location / boundary ARCP-EEA-EGLC/EGSS London City/Stansted Gap North Luton CTA to Stansted CTR SW, Following the south-western line of Stansted CTR D SFC-3500, including all of CTA , south of Puckeridge round to adjoining point of LTMA A 3500 /2500 East EGSS adjoining point of LTMA A 3500 /2500 with CTR SFC 3500 and CTA , through to London City CTA , NE point, with line to London City CTR NE point. South London City CTR NE point due west to Heathrow CTR. West Heathrow CTR between lines for London City CTR and CTA. Straight line to Stansted CTA SW point. Follow CTA to junction with Luton CTA. Vertical 1500ft in the CTAs, London TMA 2500ft out of CTAs 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 39

40 Chart of VFR activities Other User Groups Narrow low, 2500ft, corridor between Stansted and City, even lower, 1500ft, in the CTAs, bounded by class D airspace and class A overhead. Used for east-west GA traffic along with north-south either side of Stansted. VFR traffic associated with airfields, microlight and helicopter sites within the area. Flight training. Aircraft rental. Based aircraft. EGSX, North Weald: Based aircraft North Weald Flying Group, post PPL training Saxon Microlights North Weald flying services, maintenance for wide range of aircraft Formation Flying training Air Show practice Base for Herts Air Ambulance EGSG, Stapleford: Based aircraft Stapleford Flight Centre, PPL to commercial training LEA, air taxi MW Helicopters, Helicopter maintenance and charter Flydays, flying experiences Stapleford Maintenance, aircraft maintenance Hunsdon Microlights Hunsdon Microlight Club, air experience and training on microlights 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 40

41 Description of VSA Criticalities Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s Lippets Hill Helicopters Police helicopter base Jenkins Farm (just on eastern edge within Stapleford airspace,) Farm strip, resident aircraft, no facilities, available for use. The area is 18nm N-S on the western side and 9nm N-S on the eastern side, the northern boundary curves round the Stansted CTR for 10nm, the southern boundary going E-W follows the City CTR for 14nm (these distances are approximate). The northern sector is EGSS TMZ with a ceiling of 1500ft, the bottom of the southern sector is City with a ceiling of 1500ft. The remaining space has a ceiling of 2500ft. It contains 2 very active airfields covering a range of aircraft types along with one each of microlight and helicopter sites. North Weald and Hunsdon are both in the TMZ, EGSX having circuit heights of 800ft for fixed wing and 1000ft for helicopters, Hunsdon at 800ft. Stapleford circuits are at 1200ft. The NW part of the ATZ is very close to EGSS TMZ. This is the narrowest part of the London corridor, from EGSS TMZ SE to City providing a very busy area especially for those without Mode S transponders. This piece of airspace is critical for access to multiple airfields and microlight sites, access for East-West VFR transit traffic and for other VFR traffic that needs to avoid the local controlled airspace, especially the Stansted CTR and TMZ The presence of the Class G airspace enables more direct routings saving time and fuel whilst mitigating environmental factors. This is already a very busy VFR area. In order to maintain high levels of utilisation for GA traffic, the boundaries of controlled airspace in the vicinity should be maintained or decreased and bases raised where possible. The airspace would benefit from deployment of ADS-B 20 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA Serial Number Name ARCP-EEA-EGMC/EGLC Southend/London City Gap 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 41

42 Location / boundary North East South West North Eastern corner of London City CTR to North Western tip of Southend CTR (Basildon) Western curved edge of Southend CTR and then from south Westerly tip down to DET. DET to South Eastern tip of London City CTR Eastern curved edge of London City CTR Chart of Vertical 1500 within the Western Southend CTA, 1500 underneath the Eastern London City CTA and 2500 elsewhere VFR activities VFR traffic associated with : Airfields and microlight sites within and bordering the area are: Damyns Hall, Gerpins Farm, Rochester, Thurrock, Laindon, Naps Field, Laindon, Farthing Corner. Activities include a mixture of commercial and private flight training, aircraft rental, based aircraft and maintenance companies. Heavily used GA access corridor for North/South transit traffic, especially aircraft routing to the south or near continent that do not wish to, or are unable to transit controlled airspace. Heavily used area for commercial training traffic based at Stapleford. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 42

43 Other User Groups Honey pot area for sight seeing traffic routing around Queen Elizabeth Dartford Crossing and along the Thames River. Thurrock Airfield EGMT (General Aero Services maintenance base, Based Aircraft) Damyns Hall Airfield EGML (Microlight Sport, Rochester Microlights, based aircraft, film work i.e. Red Bull Aero Races) Rochester Airfield EGTO (Plots and Friends of Rochester Airfield Group PAFRA, Medway Aircraft Preservation Society, LAA Kent Strut, AV8 helicopters, Medway Flight Training, Based aircraft) Stapleford Airfield EGSG (Stapleford Flight Centre, based aircraft) Naps Field (based aircraft) Gerpins Farm (based aircraft) Laindon (based aircraft) Description of VSA Farthing Corner (based aircraft) The sector is 12 nm wide at its narrowest point. It is 19 nm wide at its southern edge and 13 miles wide at its northern edge. It is on average 12 nm north to south. This sector is extensively used by GA traffic as a transit corridor for aircraft routing north/south and to the near continent, especially for those who cannot or do not wish to transit controlled airspace around Southend. The upper limit of the sector is 2500 amsl in general but 1500 amsl underneath the London City CTA (class D) and 1500 amsl within the Southen CTA (class D). Damyns Hall, a very active GA airfield is situated along the east west axis of the narrowest (12 nm) width thus bringing transit traffic into conflict with circuit traffic potentially. Along the Thames river flare stacks are numerous up to 700 amsl making the safe transit vertical window between amsl. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 43

44 The sector contains one GA airfield, Rochester that has an ATZ reaching to 2926 amsl. That is 426 above the bottom of the London LTMA therefore reducing the effective top of the ATZ. Criticalities The sector is critical for the continued viable business of Damyns Hall airfield, Rochester airfield, Thurrock airfield and the business associated with them. It is also critical for the continuation of the smaller strips that have based aircraft. is critical for aircraft routing north/south that are unable to transit controlled airspace and do not wish to transit over long stretches of water. Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s is important for commercial and private training traffic from Stapleford and Damyns Hall that wish to route South and prefer not to request a control service. This is especially the case with the microlights who may not carry Mode S transponders. The sector is assisted by virtue of Farnborough East LARS. This facility provides additional safety margins and assistance to pilots with radios capable of adequate reception and transmission. Southend LARS are also able to assist with corridor access if workload permits. to the sector is not currently dependant on any permission or dependency (such as TMZ). This is a very busy sector of open airspace. Because this corridor is relatively narrow and important for local airfield, training and GA transit traffic it should be maintained in its current size at a minimum to maintain safety margins in marginal VFR conditions. 16 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 44

45 England East Midlands Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ACRP-EEM-EGGW/EGBB Luton/Birmingham Gap North Southern edge of Birmingham CTR East South NE limit of Luton CTR to SE limit of Birmingham CTR Westcott (WCO) to limit of Luton CTR West Westcott (WCO) to Wellesbourne Mountford (EGBW) to SW edge of Birmingham CTA Vertical Daventry CTA 5500 abeam DTY, 4500 descending to 1500 S of Birmingham, 4550 descending to 3500 N of Luton, FL65 elsewhere. VFR activities Other User Groups VFR traffic associated with airfields, gliding and microlight sites within the area. Flight training including aerobatics. Aircraft rental. Based aircraft. Cross country gliding. Parachuting. Ballooning. IFR flight training within Class G. Procedural IFR approach to Cranfield. Commercial traffic in Class G including jets to Coventry, Cranfield and Turweston. Heavy helicopter traffic for British Grand Prix. Bicester: Windrushers Gliding Club, Bicester Heritage Coventry: Patriot Aviation / British International Helicopters, Night Express, Aerotech, Aeros, Almat, 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 45

46 Atlantic Flying Training, AWA Flying Group, Coventry Aeroplane Club, Fly Command Flight Training, Midland Air Training. Cranfield: Azure Flying Club, Billins Air Services, Cranfield Flying School, Avalon Aero, Cranfield Aerospace, IAE, Rushmere Helicopters. Hinton in the Hedges: Hinton Skydiving Centre, Go Fly Oxford, Aquila Gliding Centre, Holdcroft Aviation, Motor Glider Club RAF Halton: Halton Aeroplane Club, 613 VGS and Halton Microlight Club. Shennington: Shennington Gliding Club Silverstone: Heliair Silverstone Turweston: LAA Headquarters, Turweston Flight Centre, Turweston Flying Club, Akki Avaiation, Mick Allen Resprays, Turweston Helicopters, Heli Charter Wellesbourne Mountford: Aeros Flight Training, Heliair, On Track Aviation, South Warwickshire Flying School, Take Flight Aviation, Warwickshire Aviation Busier farm strips: Eaton Bray, Holmbeck Farm, Shotteswell. Description of VSA Criticalities The area is 20nm wide and 50nm long. It contains four major GA airfields and adjoins one major gliding site Bicester - and one other important GA airfield Sywell. The shape of the airspace is complex the 5500 fillet abeam DTY and the stepped descents at each end.. This airspace contains a two significant N-S corridors and four E/W corridors for VFR traffic including the M42 transit S of Birmingham as well as being busy training airspace for at least six airfields. The forgiving terrain and rural nature encourages a wide spread of recreational aviation at all altitudes there is a very wide variety of users in the lower part of the volume. Dependencie s This is already a very busy VFR area. In order to maintain high levels of utilisation for GA traffic and to reduce the potential for infringements, the boundaries of controlled airspace in the 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 46

47 vicinity should be maintained or decreased and bases raised where possible. The airspace would benefit from deployment of ADS-B. Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s 12 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 47

48 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ACRP-EWM-EGBB/EGNX Birmingham/East Midlands Gap North NW Corner of the East Midlands CTA/CTR East SE Corner of the East Midlands CTA/CTR South E Corner of the Birmingham CTA/CTR West NE Corner of the Birmingham CTA/CTR Vertical Range from ft VFR activities Other User Groups There are various associated airfields with rental and based aircraft adjacent to this area and a number of microlight sites within it. It is a critical low terrain access corridor between the E/SE and NW of England bounded by Class D airspace. It is a critical area for flight training due to terrain/weather limitations to the North West. Below are listed groups that provide Business activity, employment and leisure facilities that would be severely impacted without this VSA. EGBD Derby airfield In access of 50 private based aircraft and 200 active flyers. Pilot training involving 2 WTE flying instructors and 3 part-time. Aircraft Maintenance organisation with a 5.5 WTE. Newly constructed aircraft Flight testing. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 48

49 Aircraft Rental ( 5+ aircraft) Vintage Aircraft Restoration Projects x 2 EGBM Tatenhill airfield Pilot training 2 instructors + part time instructors. 11 aircraft for rental 50 based aircraft, hangarage Aircraft Maintenance organisation with 5 WTE Air Ambulance base. EGBG Leicester airfield 70 based aircraft. Pilot Training 2 Instructors + 5 self-employed instructors. Aircraft Maintenance organisation with 5 WTE. Aircraft Rental ( 5+ aircraft) Competitive Aviation Sporting events Corporate Events EGBN Nottingham airfield Pilot training and private based aircraft. EGBE Coventry Multiple training, aviation, maintenance, helicopter base and sales orientated businesses. Sittles Farm Private airfield with GA and Microlight based aircraft. 15 aircraft based. Roddige Microlight training school. Upto 5 based there. Abbots Bromley Private airfield with GA and Microlight based aircraft Baxterley unlicensed primarily microlight usage Stoke Golding airfield 1 training aircraft and undisclosed number of aircraft based there. Melbourne Currently mostly inactive but two aircraft under construction there. It is in East Midlands CTZ 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 49

50 Description of VSA Criticalities Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s There are a few private strips and also of course larger airfields slightly further afield that all utilise the gap in training or transit. It separates the two class D airspaces between East Midlands and Birmingham ranging from 1500ft to 4500ft. Adjacent to it are the very active airfields of Derby, Tatenhill, Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham with a number of Microlight sites, Glider sites and private airfields within it or closely adjacent to it. The is critical for access to the adjacent airfields and is a national route from the E/SE to the NW and vice versa that is not constrained by high ground (as is N. of East Midlands) or substantial extensive distance routing around the South of Birmingham enabling more direct time savings and fuel whilst mitigating environmental factors. This is a busy VFR routing corridor and local access area. To maintain a greater and safe separation of GA traffic and a noise nuisance over urban areas this area needs to be maintained and the base levels increased to mitigate. Coventry and Bruntingthorpe are currently the only potential airfields capable of commercial traffic expansion and the creation of a CTA/CTR at either would severely impact on the VSA. 8th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 50

51 England West Midlands Serial Number Name Location / boundary ACRP-EWM-EGBB/EGOS Birmingham/Shawbury Gap North NE extent of Shawbury/Ternhill MATZ to North Eastern corner Birmingham CTR SFC-4500 East North Eastern corner Birmingham CTR SFC-4500 following CTR boundary to NW corner and then 10nm WSW to boundary of Birmingham CTA D FL65 where it angles NE South of Wolverhampton/Halfpenny Green South NW from boundary of Bham CTA D FL65 to SW corner of southern stub Shawbury MATZ West North to MATZ boundary, NE to Shawbury airfield and then along the central axis of Shawbury/Ternhill MATZ to the NE boundary Vertical Complex. Birmingham CTA from 1500 to Daventry Class A at 4500 rising to 8500 NE section. Class G some within Shawbury AIAA to SW. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 51

52 Chart of VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA Fixed wing, rotary, microlight and glider VFR traffic to local sites. Flight training, aircraft rental, based aircraft. Corridor for transit North of Birmingham Class D and CTR. Also for North South transit to/from Manchester and NW often via Low Level Route. EGWC RAF Cosford with its aircraft museums and annual air show has fixed wing and glider training. Hosts University of Birmingham Air Squadron, Cosford flying club and the West Midlands Air Ambulance. There are two based gliding organisations. EGBO Wolverhampton/Halfpenny Green is a busy GA airfield with fixed wing (4 schools), micro-light and rotary training. A West Midlands Police Helicopter is based here, as is a maintenance organisation. EGCV Sleap and EGBM Tatenhill are busy GA fields close to the NW and Eastern boundaries of the VSA A rectangle of airspace orientated SE/NW some 35NM long and 25NM wide. It includes some of the Birmingham CTA and Shawbury AIAA for which a LARS is provided during the week. Shawbury activity is predominantly rotary (and below 1500 QFE within the zone) with gliding at Ternhill outside operational hours. There are two other gliding sites and at least two microlight sites charted. In addition to the 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 52

53 two GA airfields there are two smaller sites charted (Sheet 2171CD Southern England and Wales Editions 42 (2016) Criticalities Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s Provides East-West transit for VFR traffic North of Birmingham CTR and South of higher ground to the North East. Transit for traffic NE England to and from the SW and Wales. Allows transit North-South to and from Manchester (LLR) for traffic avoiding Birmingham CTA. There are times when Shawbury LARS uses an additional supplementary frequency to cope with VFR traffic in what is primarily Class G airspace. However it is unlikely that a reduction in controlled airspace would significantly improve the GA environment. Charting of the AIAA serves little purpose. 13 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 53

54 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ACRP-EWM-EGBB/EGOS Birmingham - Welsh Borders North Llanfyllin to southwest corner of Shawbury southern stub to corner of western boundary of Birmigham CTA NE of Kidderminster East Western boundary of Birmingham CTA to the east of Kidderminster South Corner of western boundary of Birmigham CTA SSE of Kidderminster via Bromyard to Kington West Kington via Newtown to Llanfyllin Vertical Class G VFR activities Other User Groups VFR fixed wing, micro-light and rotary traffic associated with airfields and other sites within and beyond the area. Flight training including aerobatics. Aircraft rental. Based aircraft. Cross country gliding. Ballooning. Transit tooand-from North and North West. Commercial and ab initio pilot training from Gloucesterhshire, Shobdon, Wellesbourne EGBW, Coventry EGBE and Oxford EGTK. IFR flight training within Class G into EGBJ with commercial training. Commercial traffic including jets into EGBJ. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 54

55 EGBS Shobdon GA airfield fixed wing, micro-light, gliding and rotary training. 2/3 fixed-wing schools with one each for microlight, rotary and gliding instruction. EGCW Welshpool Small GA airfield hosting the Mid- Wales Air Ambulance. Annual airshow. Training for fixed-wing microlight and rotary licences. Long Mynd gliding. Description of VSA Criticalities Dependencies Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisations There are a number of farm strips within the VSA. from western boundary of the Birmingham CTR to the Welsh borders. Contains two major airfields with another (Wolverhampton/Halfpenny Green) close to its northern boundary. In addition to Shobdon one other major gliding site the Long Mynd. North-South transit to-and-from Manchester, Cardiff, Bristol and the South West. Traffic to-and-from the East through the Wellesbourne Corridor also uses the VSA. Transit to-and-from North Wales notably Caernarfon EGCK and Hawarden EGNR. An area heavily used for qualifying cross country examinations and associated training where there are no altitude restrictions. Given the substantial amount of gliding the airspace would benefit from deployment of ADS-B. 28 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 55

56 England Northeast 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 56

57 England Northwest 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 57

58 Northern Ireland Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ACRP-NIR-EGAC/EGNS Belfast/Isle of Man North East South West Vertical North eastern edge of Belfast City CTA to the most northerly tip of the Isle of Man Northern tip of the Isle of Man to the IOM VOR running through part of the IOM CTR IOM VOR to the Irish coast at the most southerly junction of the Belfast (Aldergrove) TMA and Strangford CTA North eastern edge of Belfast City CTA, abuts the full eastern side of the Belfast City CTR then southward to the outer limit junction of the Belfast (Aldergrove) TMA and the Strangford CTA. Isle of Man CTR SFC, Isle of Man CTA 2500ft, Belfast City CTA 2000ft, Belfast (Aldergrove) TMA 3500ft, Strangford CTA 3500ft. Airways with limits below FL90: P6 FL55,P600,603 FL75, L10 FL45. VFR activities VFR traffic associated with airfields and microlight sites within and adjacent to the area. Flight training. PPL rental. Based Aircraft. Forms western half of major east west traffic corridor between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 58

59 Other User Groups Description of VSA Criticalities Dependencie s EGAD Newtownards Airfield Based Aircraft Ulster Flying Club (Flight Training & A/C Rental) NI Microlights (Flight Training) HeliPower (Flight Training, Rental, Charter, Aerial work) Woodgate Aviation (Charter, Maintenance) Slieve Croob Microlight Site Based Aircraft Slieve Croob Flying Club (Flight Training) Mourne Flying Club Based Aircraft Derryogue Airfield Based Aircraft Jurby Microlight Site (IOM) Based Aircraft IOM -NI Air Taxi Services. The area is approximately 45NM wide by 38NM at its widest point. It contains Newtownards Airfield (EGAD) which is the largest GA site in Northern Ireland. The EGAD ATZ lies immediately below the Belfast City CTA 2000ft and the western boundary of the EGAD ATZ is reduced to 1.5NM where it abuts to the Belfast City CTR. The VSA also contains elements of Isle of Man controlled airspace. Northern Irelands population demographics is highly localised into its eastern region which has a direct influence on both Commercial Air Traffic and GA. Belfast Aldergrove (EGAA) and Belfast City (EGAC) have both arrival and departure routes with bounding to this VSA. Newtownards Airfield (EGAD) and the Ards Peninsula is the premier training location in N. Ireland for PPL training for microlight, Group A fixed wing and helicopter. Circuit training and upper air work away from the airfield including stalls and steep turns takes place in close proximity to CAS. The Irish Sea area from the NI coast to the Isle of Man is part of the cross channel corridor to Great Britain. To maximise the opportunity for safe flight over water operations for VFR GA SEP traffic it is important that local controlled airspace requirements do not unnecessarily restrict height requirements. The eastern Northern Irish coast and to a lesser extent the western Isle of Man coast (including the EGNS CTR) are busy VFR areas. To facilitate safe CAT in the terminal areas and GA traffic close to terminal areas and on long 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 59

60 over water flights (Irish Sea crossings) the boundaries of controlled airspace should be maintained or decreased and bases raised where possible. At Newtownards (EGAD) there has been significant interest in Electronic Conspicuity initiatives for GA with many aircraft now authorised for ADS-B OUT and a growing take up of vendor equipment such as PilotAware. Further encouragement of this type of EC deployment would be beneficial for the airspace. Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s 21 st June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 60

61 Scotland Lowlands Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ACRP-SLO-EGPF/EGPH Glasgow/Edinburgh Gap North Balfron to Kippen to Edinburgh CTR East Edinburgh CTR South Edinburgh CTR to Lanark to East Kilbride West Glasgow CTR D Vertical VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA Criticalities Dependencie s VFR traffic associated with airfields and microlight sites within the area. Flight training. Aircraft rental. Based aircraft. Hang-gliding. Paragliding. EGPG Cumbernauld, Strathaven, Fintry area hang-gliding and paragliding sites Passage between Glasgow and Edinburgh Class D, below Glasgow CTA 3000' '. Masts and wind farms to 1938' amsl. Includes Edinburgh stub CTA D 2500' '. Transits across EGPH are available. Controlled airspace poses a barrier to gliders heading north and south. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 61

62 Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s 10th June, 2016 BMAA, LAA Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ACRP-SLO-EGPF/EGPH/N Central Lowlands North East South West Vertical Dunoon to Dunkeld Dunkeld to Edinburgh CTR Edinburgh CTR to south-east of Kippen to western limit of Glasgow CTR Western limit of Glasgow CTR to Dunoon VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA VFR traffic associated with airfields and microlight sites within the area. Flight training. Aircraft rental. Based aircraft. Gliding. Hang-gliding. Paragliding. Parachuting. Gyrocopters. Strathallan, Balado, Port Moak, Ochils hang-gliding and paragliding sites. Recreational and training area for western central Scotland, bounded by mountains to north and west. Eastwest transit route, avoiding high ground and Glasgow CTR. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 62

63 Includes part of Scottish TMA E 4,000' - 6,000'. Crossed by class A airways, with bases rising from FL55 to FL85. Criticalities Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s Gliding and parachuting, in particular, would be prejudiced by any lowering of the base of airways. 10th June, 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 63

64 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ACRP-SLO-EGPH/E Edinburgh/Moray Firth/East Coast North Dunkeld to Arbroath East South West Vertical Arbroath to SAB VOR SAB VOR to Edinburgh CTR Edinburgh CTR to Dunkeld 2500ft & 3500ft under Edinburgh CTA, 5500ft under Scottish TMA, FL65, FL85 & FL105 under Airway N864, FL85 & FL105 under Airway P600. Unlimited outside these areas. VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA VFR traffic associated with airfields and microlight sites within the area. Flight training. Aircraft rental. Based aircraft. Gliding. Hang-gliding. Paragliding. Parachuting. Gyrocopters. Airshows. EGPT Perth/Scone, EGPH Edinburgh, EGPN Dundee, EGPJ Fife, Kingsmuir, Errol, East Lomond, Port Moak, Traprain Law, East Fortune. Recreational and training area for eastern central Scotland. Includes scenic flights through Edinburgh Class D CTA not above 2,000'. Crossed by airways with bases rising from FL55 to FL105. North-south east coast route, avoiding high ground of Southern Uplands. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 64

65 Criticalities Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s Gliding and parachuting, in particular, would be prejudiced by any lowering of the base of airways. 10 th June, 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 65

66 Scotland Highlands and Islands Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ACRP-SHI-EGPD Aberdeen East Coast North Coast: Banff - Rattray Head East Coast: Rattray Head - Arbroath- South Arbroath - Dunkeld West Dunkeld - Banff Vertical VFR activities Other User Groups VFR traffic associated with airfields and microlight sites within the area. Flight training. Aircraft rental. Based aircraft. Gliding. Hang-gliding. Paragliding. Parachuting. Air displays. Aerial surveying. Peterhead EGPS. Aberdeen EGPD. Culter EGEA. Aboyne. Drumshade. Hang-gliding and paragliding sites. Insch. Whiterashes. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 66

67 Description of VSA Criticalities Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s East coast transit route avoiding Grampians. Important recreational area for unpowered aircraft to FL195 and above. Crossed by airway P600, base stepping down from FL105 to Aberdeen CTR. NE corner is TMZ. VFR along east coast past Aberdeen would be restricted to weather allowing passage above the mountains. Restriction of Class D south or west of Aberdeen would prejudice coastal north-south passage owing to high ground. 13 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 67

68 Wales Serial Number Name Location / boundary ACRP-WAL-EGFF/N Cardiff/Brecon Gap North Southern edge of Brecon Beacons East Severn Bridge/Bristol South West North of M4 Motorway/Cardiff City/Bristol CTA Port Talbot Steel works Chart of Vertical Cardiff CTA from west to east 2000/3000/4000ft VFR activities Description of VSA Criticalities Dependencies VFR traffic transiting to/from West Wales airfields, which are unable to fly over the Brecon Beacons due to weather (normal operations). This is a Class G airspace corridor that is frequently used by VFR traffic transiting to/from West Wales airfields/strips avoiding the Cardiff CTA and the high ground of the Brecon Beacons. Its southern boundary, West of Cardiff City, is the M4 which keeps traffic from inadvertent penetration of the CTR (SFC-FL105). VFR activities would be severely affected. East-west VFR transit traffic would be severely inconvenienced and have to obtain clearance to enter the Cardiff CTR and route around the coastline increasing time, fuel and environmental costs as well as adding workload to Cardiff ATC. This is already a busy VFR area. Any reduction in unrestricted Class G airspace, vertically or laterally, will increase the MAC risk. Any lowering of the ceiling of Class G airspace would have negative implications for noise nuisance as there are numerous built-up areas within the VSA. In recent years there have been several wind farms erected within this VSA and any reduction in the Class G ceiling would reduce vertical separation and the possibility of aircraft experiencing wind farm vortices. Cardiff is possibly the only jet airport in the UK that does not have a listening squawk and the introduction of one should improve safety within this VSA. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 68

69 Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisations 25 April 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 69

70 Serial Number Name Location / boundary ACRP-WAL-EGFF/EGFE South Wales/West Wales Route North High Ground East M4/Cardiff CTA Intersection South Danger s or coastline West Vertical Haverfordwest Airfield Not restrictive (Base is above FL100) Chart of VFR activities Criticalities Dependencies Implications of restrictions to access Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisations VFR traffic transiting to/from West Wales airfields, which are unable to fly over high ground due to weather (normal operations). This is a Class G airspace corridor that is frequently used by VFR traffic transiting to/from West Wales airfields/strips avoiding the high ground to the north and military danger areas to the south; the latter are normally only active during weekdays. This VSA is a continuation from the WALES-001 VSA (Cardiff/Brecon Gap). VFR activities would be severely affected. East-west VFR transit traffic would be severely inconvenienced, particularly when the high ground is cloud covered; traffic would either have to make a longer and riskier flight over the sea to the south of the danger areas or cancel the flight. This is a busy VFR area. Any reduction in unrestricted Class G airspace laterally will increase the MAC risk due to the narrowing of the corridor. 25nd April 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 70

71 Serial Number Name Location / boundary ACRP-WAL-EGFA/EGCK Cardigan Bay/West Wales North Caernarfon Airfield East Few miles inland of coastline South South Wales Airfields West Vertical EG201/202 or coastline Not restrictive (Base is above FL100) Chart of VFR activities VFR traffic transiting to/from West Wales to North West Wales airfields, which are unable to fly over high ground due to weather (normal operations). 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 71

72 Description of VSA Criticalities Dependencies Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisations This is a Class G airspace corridor that is frequently used by VFR traffic transiting to/from West/North West Wales airfields/strips avoiding the high ground to the east and military danger areas to the west; the latter are normally only active during weekdays. VFR activities would be severely affected. North/South VFR transit traffic could only fly when the high ground to the east is not cloud covered. When active EG202 forces VFR traffic to/from Haverfordwest towards the high ground and masts, though the possibility of a LARS service based at West Wales would probably assist (currently under closed trial). Any further reduction in unrestricted Class G airspace laterally will increase the MAC risk due to the narrowing of the corridor between the danger areas and the high ground and cause flights to be cancelled in marginal VFR. 25nd April 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 72

73 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ACRP-WAL-EGCK/EIDW Anglesey - Dublin Route North BOYNE to Anglesea East South West Vertical Isle of Anglesea and Valley/Mona MATZ Line from LIPGO to Caernarvon FIR boundary BOYNE to LIPGO Class C airways for the Dublin CTA in parts of this area, various altitudes from FL035 up. VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA Criticalities Corridor for VFR traffic from Ireland to central and northern England and Wales. Local traffic in north Wales. VFR traffic for Caernarvon EGCK, Mona and Llanbedr. This provides an important VFR corridor UK-Ireland is subject to two sources of constraint: 1. Part of the area comprises D201B which is in principle active every weekday, crossing may or may not be possible and the availability of a crossing is unpredictable. 2. Dublin ATC controls part (not shown on above chart) of the area within the London FIR and can require VFR traffic to fly lower than the pilot may consider optimal for safety while flying over the sea. Single engine VFR traffic on a 60+ mile sea crossing and attempting to remain in VMC is vulnerable to re-routing 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 73

74 Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s and/or flying below an altitude that optimises safety due to complex interactions of CAS and D201B. [It may be noted that some years ago the extension of Dublin's controlled airspace into the London FIR as Class A was narrowly averted after protests that this would push all east-west VFR transit traffic in this area below FL035 in mid-crossing]. Controlled (Class C) airspace and the Danger s. 18 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 74

75 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ACRP-WAL-EGCK/EINC North Wales - Ireland Route North Line LIPGO to Caernarvon East Line from Caernarvon Llanbedr - Barmouth South Line MORAG - Barmouth West Vertical Line of FIR boundary from LIPGO to MORAG Unlimited except Class C airway L18 (not shown on chart below) has lower limits of FL055 and FL085 in parts of the area VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA Criticalities This is an important VFR corridor for traffic from central England and Wales to Dublin and central Ireland. It is also important for VFR traffic from Ireland to southern England and to France (and vice versa) as it offers one of the shortest crossings of the Irish Sea via the Lleyn Peninsula. Traffic associated with Caernarvon, Llanbedr. This provides an important VFR corridor UK-Ireland, albeit available only when a crossing of D201 is possible. is subject to two sources of constraint: 1. Part of the area comprises part of D201 which is in principle active every weekday, crossing may or may not be possible and crossing clearance is usually available only at short notice, so advance planning is difficult. 2. Dublin ATC controls as Class C airspace part (not shown on above chart) of the area comprising airway L18 within the London FIR and can require VFR traffic to fly lower than the pilot may consider optimal for safety while flying over the sea. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 75

76 Dependencie s Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s Single engine VFR traffic on a 60+ mile sea crossing and attempting to remain in VMC is vulnerable to re-routing and/or flying below an altitude that optimises safety due to complex interactions of CAS and D201. [It may be noted that some years ago the extension of Dublin's controlled airspace into the London FIR as Class A was narrowly averted after protests that this would push all VFR traffic in this area below FL055 in midcrossing]. Controlled (Class C) airspace and the Danger D201. In principle due to D201's every-weekday activity, access to this corridor is uncertain and unpredictable. 18 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 76

77 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of ACRP-WAL-EGFE/EIWF South West Wales - Ireland Route North EGD201 Series (SFC-UNLTD) Activated by NOTAM East South West Wales Coastline South EGD113A (SFC-15200) Activate weekdays West Shannon FIR Vertical Not restrictive (Base is above FL100) VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA Criticalities Dependencie s VFR traffic transiting to/from South West Wales and Southern Ireland. This is a Class G airspace corridor that is frequently used by VFR traffic transiting to/from South West Wales and Southern Ireland to reduce time spent over the Irish Sea. The EGD areas forming the boundary North and South are generally not an issue at weekends. VFR activities would be severely affected, as VFR traffic would have to route up to the Anglesey area of North West Wales to fly a crossing with minimal time spent over water. This would create additional expense and carbon emissions. Any further reduction in unrestricted Class G airspace laterally will increase the MAC risk due to the narrowing of the corridor between the danger areas. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 77

78 Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisation s 9 th June 2016 BMAA, LAA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 78

79 Glider Operation s To be populated in a later version. England Southeast England Southwest England East Anglia England East Midlands England West Midlands England Northeast England Northwest Northern Ireland Scotland Lowlands Scotland Highlands and Islands Wales 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 79

80 Hang and Paraglider Operating s To be further developed in later versions. England Southeast England Southwest England East Anglia England East Midlands England West Midlands England Northeast England Northwest Northern Ireland Scotland Lowlands 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 80

81 Scotland Highlands and Islands Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of HPOA-SHI-EGPE Inverness Hub Hub Vertical Circle 13nm R centred on Inverness EGPE N560 FL95 Inverness ATZ Surface to EGR610D Surface to 2000 when active. EGD703 Surface to occasional when active. VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA Criticalities VFR traffic associated with airfields and microlight sites within the area. Flight training. Aircraft rental. Based aircraft. Gliding. Hang-gliding. Paragliding. Air displays. Aerial surveying. Helicopter (private, commercial, HEMS & SAR). Aerial photography. Military flying activities. Inverness EGPE. Kinloss EGQK. Culbokie. Easter. Fearn, Knockbain Farm. Highlands crossing point for VFR traffic. High terrain and regular low cloud bases frequently require use of low level valley corridors or coastlines to transit north south or east west. Crossed by airway N560. Inverness forms a natural crossing point for traffic flying in the Highlands. Due to common weather conditions, low level routes are essential to allow VFR transit. EGR610A activated by NOTAM cuts off West Coast Route. EGD703 is active most weekdays forcing detours 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 81

82 Dependencies Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisations over high ground or over water. EGR610C when active forces GA out to sea in lower cloudbases. Lowering of any airways or imposition of Inverness Class D CTA would create choke points and potential loss of safety height over high ground, especially for non radio or transponder traffic. 26 th June 2016 BHPA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 82

83 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of HPOA-SHI-EGPD Inverness East East Coast: Inverness Banff Huntly then 1000 contour back to Inverness hub. Vertical Lossiemouth EGQS Combined MATZ Surface to VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA Criticalities Dependencies VFR traffic associated with airfields and microlight sites within the area. Flight training. Aircraft rental. Based aircraft. Gliding. Hang-gliding. Paragliding. Air displays. Aerial surveying. Aerial photography. Military flying activities. Inverness EGPE. Kinloss EGQK. Lossiemouth EGQS. Aberdeen EGPD. Culter EGEA. Aboyne. Easterton. Insch. Whiterashes, Shempston. Helicopter (private, commercial, HEMS & SAR), hang-gliding and paragliding. Important low level route from Inverness to Aberdeen and South. Widely used by a number of GA, gliding and microlight sites for training and pleasure flying. Used by fast jets, military aircraft and commercial helicopters. Lossiemouth EGQS CMATZ is active 24/7 365 days per year. Radar Service sometimes available. Imposition of Inverness Class D CTA would create choke points and potential loss of safety height over high ground. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 83

84 Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisations 26 th June 2016 BHPA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 84

85 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of HPOA-SHI-EGPT Inverness South East South East Inverness Hub Dunkeld House Routing Via A9 road Vertical N560 FL95 rising to FL105 South of GUSSI. Max terrain height en route 1560 VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA VFR traffic associated with airfields and microlight sites within the area. Flight training. Aircraft rental. Based aircraft. Gliding. Hang-gliding. Paragliding. Air displays. Aerial surveying. Aerial photography. Military flying activities. Inverness EGPE. Kinloss EGQK. Lossiemouth EGQS. Perth EGPT. Easterton. Feshiebridge. Easter. Fearn, Knockbain Farm, Culbokie, Shempston. Helicopter (private, commercial, HEMS & SAR), hang-gliding and paragliding. Highlands low level route for VFR traffic transiting through mountains from South East Scotland. High terrain and regular low cloud bases frequently require use of low level valley corridors or coastlines to transit north south. Crossed by airway N560, base stepping down from FL105 to FL 95 at Inverness. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 85

86 Criticalities Dependencies Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisations Inverness forms a natural crossing point for traffic flying in the Highlands. Due to common weather conditions, low level routes are essential to allow VFR transit. Lowering of any airways or imposition of Inverness Class D CTA would create choke points and potential loss of safety height over high ground. 26 th June 2016 BHPA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 86

87 Serial Number Name Location / boundary HPOA-SHI-EGEO Inverness South West (Great Glen) South West Inverness Hub boundary 5nm wide centred on Great Glen to Oban EGEO Vertical N560 FL105 Chart of VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA VFR traffic associated with airfields and microlight sites within the area. Flight training. Aircraft rental. Based aircraft. Gliding. Hang-gliding. Paragliding. Air displays. Aerial surveying. Aerial photography. Military flying activities. Inverness EGPE. Kinloss EGQK. Lossiemouth EGQS. Oban EGEO. Wick EGPC. Kirkwall EGPA. Easterton. Easter. Fearn. Lamb Holm, Knockbain Farm, Culbokie, Shempston. Helicopter (private, commercial, HEMS & SAR), hang-gliding and paragliding. Highlands low level route for VFR traffic transiting from South West coast to Inverness and beyond. High terrain and regular low cloud bases frequently require use of 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 87

88 low level valley Crossed by airway N560, base stepping down from FL105 to Glasgow CTR. Criticalities Dependencies Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisations Inverness forms a natural crossing point for traffic flying in the Highlands. Due to common weather conditions, low level routes are essential to allow VFR transit. Lowering of any airways or imposition of Inverness Class D CTA would create choke points and potential loss of safety height over high ground. 26 th June 2016 BHPA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 88

89 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of HPOA-SHI-EGEI Inverness West West Inverness Hub to Isle of Skye EGEI 5nm wide centred on A832 Road to Achnasheen then A390 Road to Plockton and Isle of Skye Vertical N560 FL105. EGR610A Surface to 5000 when active. VFR activities Other User Groups Description of VSA Criticalities VFR traffic associated with airfields and microlight sites within the area. Flight training. Aircraft rental. Based aircraft. Gliding. Hang-gliding. Paragliding. Air displays. Aerial surveying. Aerial photography. Military flying activities. Inverness EGPE. Kinloss EGQK. Lossiemouth EGQS. Aberdeen EGPD. Culter EGEA. Isle of Skye EGEI. Wick EGPC. Kirkwall EGPA. Aboyne. Easterton. Feshiebridge. Insch. Whiterashes. Easter. Fearn. Lamb Holm, Knockbain Farm, Culbokie, Shempston. Helicopter (private, commercial, HEMS & SAR), hang-gliding and paragliding sites. Highlands low level route for VFR traffic. High terrain and regular low cloud bases frequently require use of low level valley corridor to transit east west. Crossed by EGR 610A Surface to 5000 when activated by NOTAM. Inverness forms a natural crossing point for traffic flying in the Highlands. Due to common weather conditions, low level routes are essential to allow VFR transit. EGR610A activated by NOTAM cuts off West Coast Route. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 89

90 Dependencies Date of Assessment /review Sponsor organisations Lowering of any airways or imposition of Inverness Class D CTA would create choke points and potential loss of safety height over high ground. 26 th June 2016 BHPA 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 90

91 Serial Number Name Location / boundary Chart of HPOA-SHI-EGPA Inverness North North Coast: Inverness Kirkwall EGPA Inverness hub boundary to Kirkwall EGPA centred on coastline 5nm wide Vertical Underneath N560 FL75. EGD703 Surface to occasional when active. EGR 610D Surface to 2000 when active. EGR 610C Surface to 2000 when active. VFR activities Other User Groups VFR traffic associated with airfields and microlight sites within the area. Flight training. Aircraft rental. Based aircraft. Gliding. Hang-gliding. Paragliding. Air displays. Aerial surveying. Aerial photography. Military flying activities. Inverness EGPE. Kinloss EGQK. Lossiemouth EGQS. Aberdeen EGPD. Culter EGEA. Perth EGPT. Oban EGEO. Isle of Skye EGEI. Wick EGPC. Kirkwall EGPA. Aboyne. Easterton. Feshiebridge. Insch. Whiterashes. Easter. Fearn. Lamb Holm, Knockbain Farm, Culbokie, Shempston. Helicopter (private, commercial, HEMS & SAR), hang-gliding and paragliding sites. 3rd March 2016 VEE P a g e 91