Hot News
London LARS - Update - and How is it for you?
30-6-09London LARS, that may be known to you as Farnborough LARS in various forms, North, West and East, has brought out a short update and there's a chance to report what you think of it, your experiences, etc. Update on London LARS
Summary of Future Restrictions - As of 26/6/2009
26-06-2009There is list of relevant information of all types of events which produce airspace restrictions – RAT(s), CAS(T)s, and more – any that produce some sort of temporary restriction – including 'schematics' of the airspace changes where appropriate and available. PLENTY of events, RIAT, Old Warden, Swansea, Dover...MANY more... and all the Red Arrows displays known at this time. Obviously, more than these listed could exist as the year goes by – this list was compiled for restrictions known at 26th June 2009 for the rest of the year – you must check your NOTAMs on the day, but this is an early 'heads up' on significant events. Click here:2009 Restrictions known 26/6/2009
AIC with list of Red Arrows dates issued
29-05-2009the CAA has issued an AIC with the dates of Red Arrows displays up t July 26th 2009. Don't forget the 'known airspace restrictions' pdf in this news list has other 'known restrictions' too.
"Listening Squawks" - Doncaster Joins In
25-03-2009
Doncaster joins the 'listening squawk' trial from April 1st 2009.In addition to the areas around London plus Birmingham and Manchester, Doncaster is the latest unit to trial a listening Squawk from April 1st 2009.
Usual rules apply, if you are flying near their airspace and don't actually need anything, don't call them, just listen out on Doncaster Approach 126.225 MHz just as a "listening watch" - without actually making a call at all, and squawk 6170 with Charlie if you have it. You are not in receipt of any formal service, you cannot cross into controlled airspace, but of course you can be 'addressed' if there is any reason to do so as ATC know which frequency you are listening out on! Just see the latest radar replay via the link on the left to understand why this is very much in your interest as much as theirs! Remember to squawk 7000 (Charlie if possible) as you move further away from the boundary, or if you switch to a different frequency.
To read more about the trial specifically around the London area, see the AIC for the London area but the current list of listening squawks around England is:
- 0010 Birmingham 118.050 MHz
- 0012 Thames Radar/Gatwick
- 0013 Luton / Stansted 129.550 MHz / 120.625 MHz
- 6170 Doncaster Approach 126.225 MHz (from April 1st)
- 7366 Manchester 118.575 MHz
New VFR Airspace Guide for Bristol area
17-April-2009There are numerous easy-read VFR guides to various CTAs and CTRs around the country on the links page, and Bristol is the latest addition to the list. Invaluable advice - including aerial photos of key places - for pilots passing nearby (or indeed intending to get a clearance in or out.) You can see it directly here:
Bristol Area Guide for the VFR Pilot
or go to the links page to see what other guides are available around the country.
Faxing Flight Plans? New Contact Details
24-01-2009Faxing flightplans after noon on 28/1/2009? The UK Parent AFTN Facility will move to the Swanwick Air Traffic Control Centre as of 28 January 2009 at 1200utc meaning a new number where-ever you are in the UK.Parent AFTN Units at the Scottish Air Traffic Control Centre and at Heathrow Flight Briefing Unit will close at this time.
The Swanwick Air Traffic Control Centre will manage the Parent AFTN function alongside the ‘flightplanningonline’ facility which uses AFPEx to give you your own online filing system (registration required). Pilots who do not have a ‘flightplanningonline’ account should fax FPL and associated messages to 01489 61 2793 ensuring that they are correctly addressed.There is a 24 hour Helpdesk for all enquiries 0845 601 0483 or 01489 612792. The Helpdesk AFTN address is EGGGYFAJ. Useful links: www.flightplanningonline.co.uk
New Air Traffic Services Outside Controlled Airspace (ATSOCAS)
12-03-2009
The new Air Traffic Services Outside Controlled Airspace (ATSOCAS) are here - see the guide, now available to view online or download from the ASI website:East Midlands VFR Pilot Help returns
20-03-2009Pilots in the East Midlands area should welcome the return of the site dedicated to help them - it disappeared last year after suspicions of hacker activity. The new site is currently on EMA VFR site but if it moved again, you could always get it as a link from the main EMA site
Frequency Error Solent CTA on new VFR Charts
01-03-20092009 VFR charts (quarter mil and half mil scale) which have Solent CTA depicted (around Southampton and above Bournemouth) show Bournemouth Approach 119.475 as the frequency for the whole of Solent CTA, when in fact it should show Solent Approach 120.225. The frequency 119.475 is actually used for Bournemouth CTR and directly above it (in the CTA) up to 3000'.
Charts are 'amended' or corrected during their validity and you can either check yourself OR get an automatic email for amendments hitting your particular chart during its life. See the Sub Section on "Easy Digest CAA Advice" once you click on the 'Links' tag above.
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