GETTING THE BASICS G


Confused by the Flight Information Services or not sure you’re seeking the one you need? Here’s how to be well served


ABCD is 20 miles north, 4000ft, passing west abeam Gloucester, can you give me a Basic Service and do you have any conflicting traffic?' This particular pilot has plied this route for more than 25 years in a couple of different aircraft, following the reciprocal track a day, or two later. His dulcet tones are familiar to the ATC staff, as is his seemingly innocuous request. Technically, the answer to his question, however, is "Errr....not really!" This perhaps highlights that the 'new' UK Flight Information Services are still causing a bit of confusion among the GA community.


The current suite of Flight Information


Service was introduced ten years ago with the intention of standardising the provision between civilian and military units. The services have had a few tweaks since introduction but the broad principles are the same. They meet the ICAO requirements but are unique to the UK. Ask for a Basic Service in Europe and you'll probably be met with "Say again?"


So what can you get? Where can you get it? Is it what you really need?


BACK TO BASICS The clue really is in the name. Replacing what we formerly knew as Flight Information Service, Basic Service will be provided by all ATC Units (Callsign 'Radar' or 'Approach') that operate outside controlled airspace and all AFIS stations


Don't expect specific traffic info on a Basic Service


(Callsign 'Information'). Provided to everybody, whether IFR or VFR, VMC or in the cloud, all you can realistically expect is probably the weather. Some units, especially those with full


ATC, might be able to tell you about danger areas or closed aerodromes etc, but don't expect much more! On a gin clear day when everyone's airborne, it's little more than a callsign collection service and


18 CLUED UP SUMMER 2019


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