Class D the easy way
NATS is experimenting with a simpler way to transit some airspace, Andy Amor explains
Y
ou might have heard that since January NATS has launched a new GA pre-notifi cation tool as part of an online Airspace
Users Portal for all non-standard fl ight applications. It’s been developed following a
controller survey that identifi ed room for improvement when handling entries into controlled airspace. It’s initially being piloted for six months, but NATS hopes it will prove successful and remain in use for the foreseeable future. So why’s it been introduced?
Previously, pilots simply ‘free-called’ on the appropriate frequency, giving their fl ight details to ATC and requesting a transit clearance. But this meant that controllers had no prior knowledge of GA pilots wanting to transit into controlled airspace, and so had little opportunity to formulate a potential plan for such a crossing. Now you can submit a prior
notifi cation, much the same as that given on radio calls, on the Airspace Users Portal (
https://aup.nats.aero) at least 60 minutes before your intended crossing time allowing controllers to prepare for your arrival and enabling more effi cient use of the airspace. The online details required for each
fl ight are much the same as when using the radio — callsign, aircraft type, point of departure, destination and the type of clearance required (IFR/VFR). The CTA/CTR(s) through which you
want clearance can be selected, and an approximate ETA (+/- 15 minutes) for each request should be entered; requests for transits of multiple regions for a single fl ight can also be made. After submitting the form the
information will be provided to the Air Traffi c Control Unit(s) responsible and an email acknowledgement is sent to the user. It’s worth noting, though, that submitting a form doesn’t constitute any approval or clearance to cross or enter any controlled airspace. Once airborne pilots still have to request a transit of the airspace as normal, but the calls are more straightforward, something like: ‘G-ABCD request transit, as fi led’ but you have to stay outside the airspace until ATC provides a clearance and it has been
acknowledged and read back by you. Initially, the new service will only
available as an evaluation for the Class D airspace around London, but if successful it might be rolled out in other locations; at present it can be used for:
• Stansted CTA/CTR • Luton CTA/CTR • London Heathrow CTR (outer) • Gatwick CTA/CTR • London City CTA/CTR
The portal can be used for both IFR and VFR requests, and if you are planning to fi le a fl ightplan you’re still encouraged to pre-notify. To make things simple, if you fi le a transit request and then change your
14 CLUED UP Summer 2018
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