Introduction This safety notice contains a briefing and information about the establishment of Temporary airspace in the vicinity of Southend Airport in the form of a Radio Mandatory Zone (RMZ). The RMZ will be introduced on 18 July 2014 at 0100 Local Time. Recipients are requested to distribute this notice to all members of staff and club members and visiting pilots who may wish to fly within or in the vicinity of the RMZ. Purpose The RMZ is in place to provide further awareness to pilots and ATC on aircraft operating in the vicinity of Southend. This will in turn allow ATC to provide greater traffic information and Deconfliction advice to aircraft in the critical stages of flight. The RMZ is temporary and will be reviewed by Southend and the CAA in Spring 2015. RMZ Dimensions The RMZ extends laterally to a distance of 10.5nm to the South West and 13nm to the North East of Southend Airport and 6nm either side of the final approach tracks to runway 06/24. The RMZ extends vertically from the surface to the base of controlled airspace. Exact coordinates of the RMZ are contained within NOTAM C3430/14 Link to CAA announcement: http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=14&pagetype=65&appid=7&mode=detail&nid= 2374 Link to RMZ Chart on CAA site: http://www.caa.co.uk/images/14/southend250amended.jpg
Definition and Requirements as per SARG policy A RMZ is airspace of defined dimensions wherein the carriage and operation of suitable/appropriate radio equipment is mandatory. The requirement for communications within an RMZ is as follows: VFR flights operating in parts of Classes E, F or G airspace and IFR flights operating in parts of Classes F or G airspace designated as a RMZ by the competent authority, shall establish two-way communication before entering the dimensions of the RMZ and maintain continuous air-ground voice communication watch, as necessary, on the appropriate communication channel, unless in compliance with alternative provisions prescribed for that particular airspace by the Controlling Authority. Before entering a RMZ, an initial call containing the designation of the station being called, call sign, type of aircraft, position, level, the intentions of the flight and other information as prescribed by the competent authority, shall be made by pilots on the appropriate communication channel.
How this relates to the Southend RMZ Southend RMZ is situated within Class G airspace. A RMZ does not change or affect the provision of services as detailed in the CAP774. If a pilot wishes to fly within the Southend RMZ they shall establish contact with Southend Radar on 130.775MHz in good time and prior to entering the RMZ. Following initial contact pilots shall inform Southend of their: Callsign Type of Aircraft Point of departure and destination Position Level Intended route Type of service being requested Other pertinent information Southend Radar will normally issue a squawk to transponder equipped aircraft for the purposes of identification or to assist other ATCUs. Pilots must remain on frequency while in the RMZ unless instructed otherwise by Southend ATC. Clearances into and within a RMZ There are no requirements for pilots to receive a clearance to enter the Southend RMZ after establishing two-way communications and passing the information detailed above. Southend appreciate that pilots may request a clearance to enter the RMZ in some manner. To save Southend ATC entering into explanatory conversations on the radio and in the interests of flight safety, ease of application and to reduce RT loading Southend ATC will approve any entry requests as per Appendix A, Example 2. Coordination Southend ATC may seek to coordinate level or routing instructions to assist in achieving deconfliction minima or to improve the efficiency of traffic management.
Non Radio Aircraft intending to operate non radio within the RMZ shall contact Southend ATC by telephone (01702 538420) prior to departing. Pilots shall state the route and level of the flight along with the estimated time and duration the flight will remain within the RMZ. Southend will provide a squawk to aircraft with a functioning transponder. Pilots should display the squawk whilst within the RMZ and preferably a minimum of 5 miles prior to the RMZ boundary. Lower Airspace Radar Service (LARS) Pilots should be aware that the introduction of the RMZ does not change the provision of a LARS. Pilots are reminded that Southend provide a LARS within 25 miles of Southend airport and are encouraged to make contact and receive a service where appropriate, even if they are not requiring entry into the RMZ. Following the recent closure of Manston and their associated LARS, pilots are advised that Southend can provide a LARS to the South East extending to Manston, Ashford and Dover. Southend has recently taken steps to address high RT workload by introducing a second radar position. This should allow a more efficient service to all airspace users requiring a service from Southend radar. The initial contact frequency remains 130.775 MHz unless otherwise instructed. Any questions on this Safety should be directed to Southend ATC on 01702 538420
APPENDIX A RT samples Example 1: Establishing contact with ATC Southend Radar, GAAAA GAAAA, Southend Radar GAAAA, C152 from Lydd to Andrewsfield, at Sittingbourne 2400ft, routing via Billericay, request Basic Service GAA, squawk 5050, Southend QNH 1013, Basic Service, report passing west abeam Southend Example 2: Establishing contact with ATC and a request to enter the RMZ Southend Radar, GAAAA GAAAA, Southend Radar GAAAA, C152 from Lydd to Andrewsfield, at Sittingbourne 2400ft, routing via Billericay, request Basic Service and clearance into the RMZ * GAA, squawk 5050, Southend QNH 1013, Basic Service, RMZ entry approved
Number: SEN 2014/002 APPENDIX Issued: 4 th B July 2014