AIRSPACE INFRINGEMENTS Eurocontrol Airspace Infringements Workshop 24 January 2008 Dave Drake UK CAA Directorate of Airspace Policy
The Problem Can lead to disruption to traffic Can lead to adverse economic and environmental impacts Can lead to travel delays and inconvenience Can lead to loss of separation Can lead to Airprox Can lead to prosecution of pilot
The Problem So far No mid-air collisions resulting from an infringement in UK BUT Collision Risk
The Problem Nature of problem understood Most UK infringements now reported Some unreported infringements number unknown Exact scale of the problem remains unknown Problem won t go away
The Problem How do you know you have a problem? How do you know the scale of the problem? How do you know how to address the problem?
Reporting System ESARR 2 requirement: States shall ensure that a formal means of safety reporting and assessment is implemented for all ATMrelated safety occurrences Applies to EUROCONTROL members. Other ECAC States encouraged to apply ESARR 2
Reporting System ESARR 2 Aim: Ensure aviation and ATM safety levels can be monitored and improved ESARR 2 Objective: Implement successful overall national reporting and assessment scheme
Identifying The Problem UK Mandatory Occurrence Reporting Scheme (MORS) (predates ESARR 2) MORS Stats tell us: Summer peaks, winter troughs Random occurrence patterns with hotspots Occasional clusters e.g. aggressive reporting, specific events
Identifying The Problem MORS Stats tell us: On average one reported infringement per day 1996-2005 Post 2006 more comprehensive reporting suggests 7 infringements every 4 days GA 74%, Military 13%, Unknown 11%, AOC 2%
Identifying The Problem MOR Stats tell us: Terminal airspace (CTR/CTA/TMA/ATZ) most infringed environment - 82% in 2006 90% of all reported infringements in London FIR London TMA area 2006 65% of reports
Identifying The Problem MOR Stats tell us: 3% of reported infringements can lead to Airprox 10% of infringements can lead to loss of standard separation
Identifying The Problem MOR Stats tell us: GA main infringement airspace user group, but Careful with stats as GA movement numbers unknown From GA perspective infringements may not represent significant proportion of GA traffic AOC and Mil may be proportionally higher
Not Just CAS Danger Areas and Restricted Airspace 10% of reported 2007 infringements Includes infringements of live firing ranges DURING FIRING Disruption of air displays (public events) AIRPROX and/or display aborts or disruptions
Not Just CAS Gliding/Parachuting sites infringed, ie low overflights, when active Collision risk to gliders and parchutists Beware of cable winch sites cables can kill! Freefall parachutists difficult to see Sites clearly marked on VFR charts
Causal Factors Navigational error inc GPS programming error Pilot lost or unsure of position Incorrect chart detail Pilot failed to check NOTAMs Pilot entered CAS without clearance
Causal Factors Pilot failed to remain clear of CAS having been told to do so Pilot entered CAS following instruction to 'standby' Pilot too busy to contact ATC Pilot disorientated or distracted Comms difficulties
Causal Factors But not all pilot issues Confused over ATC procedures or airspace Aircraft in receipt of service from adjacent ATS unit/atc error Pilot error compounded by late co-ordination from ATC unit controlling aircraft in question
Tackling the Problem On Track Project CAA-sponsored investigation into causes of infringements Led by non-caa pilots Comment from GA community sought Input via letter, e-mail confidential, anonymous On Track Report published 2003
Tackling the Problem Airspace Infringement Working Group: CAA/GA/MOD/NATS Monitor infringements, identify trends Recommend remedial action Awareness material Identify need for any regulatory solutions Contribute to CAA/NATS/MOD Airspace & Safety Initiative work
Tackling the Problem Encourage ATC to engage with airspace users Encourage pilots to improve airmanship
Tackling the Problem CAA advice and best practice publicity publications briefings posters press releases airspace and procedural changes airmanship issues
Tackling the Problem The General Aviation Airspace Infringements Website www.flyontrack.co.uk CAA-funded, GASCO-managed On Track report material Feedback forum and advice to pilots Radar replays Links to Flight Safety material
Tackling the Problem Pilot awareness Requires buy-in serves mutual interests National and local awareness campaigns Regulator/NATS co-ordination of effort Local pilot briefings Visit adjacent airfields Encourage pilots/groups to visit ATC
Tackling the Problem Pilots Navigation is a skill, needs to be practised Use correct RT phraseology Thorough pre-flight planning Cross the airspace only in receipt of a crossing clearance. Standby not an ATC clearance Call ATC and squawk when lost or uncertain of position.
Tackling the Problem Pilots Pass on best practice to less experienced pilots Help fellow pilots become aware of procedural and airspace changes Encourage a sense of airmanship among fellow pilots Help improve club or aerodrome briefing facilities Encourage proper use of these
Tackling the Problem ATC awareness Requires buy-in serves mutual interests Understand airspace user requirements Understand airspace user operating constraints National and local awareness campaigns Information exchange with local airspace users
If you ve got a transponder don t be afraid to use it: It helps TCAS It helps ATC
Tackling the Problem Online VFR Guide Where to find aeronautical information Airspace Classifications and Visual Flight Rules Airspace subject to Flight Restrictions and Hazards Air Traffic Rules and Services Altimeter Setting Procedures RT and SSR Operating Procedures amended in line with AIRAC dates
Tackling the Problem VFR Guide Supplements Aids to VFR navigation in and around airport CAS Each contains map including key features (roads, rivers, railways, airspace boundaries). Includes aerial photographs, navaid information, VRP details, links to relevant AIP sections, AICs
Tackling the Problem AIS website AIP AICs NOTAMs Latest info User guide widely available
Tackling the Problem AIS Information Line 0500 354802
Tackling the Problem Prosecution Infringements CAN lead to prosecution Exception rather than the rule 'Formal Conditional Cautions - recommendation for further training as alternative to prosecution Prosecution decision based on circumstances
Tackling the Problem Launched late 2006 Brings together CAA, NATS and airspace user groups (mostly GA) Promote safety initiatives in a co-ordinated manner Includes infringements, ATSOCAS, etc
Tackling the Problem ASI Communications and Education Programme (ACEP) Co-ordinate and make more accessible guidance and awareness material www.airspacesafety.com Launch 14 September 2007
Engagement Eurocontrol Infringements initiative: Eurocontrol can provide conduit for best practice so States can learn from the experiences of others But Conditions differ between States Local issues require local solutions
Engagement Long term effort regular liaison needed View airspace users as airspace stakeholders Encourage positive approach to resolve mutual issues ATC doesn t want infringements Pilots don t want to infringe Work to overcome differences
Summary Infringement problem exists Terminal airspace most infringed GA main infringing airspace user group Ever-present risk Joint and integrated awareness approach to reduce numbers, mitigate impacts Regulatory change as last resort