NAS Operational questions
Questions on NAS
As the other threads on NAS are now closed, it may be useful to clarify some of the operational NAS questions that still exist.
Dick Smith, Open Mic - or anyone else who is involved – please comment if you would. Hopefully, you can dispel some of the myths and misunderstanding (including my own).
1) QNH (repeat or follow-up question from a previous thread)
What QNH should an IFR aircraft in class G airspace use in the cruise?
AIP suggests that local QNH within 100NM of track should be used, but MATS instructs ATC to always provide area QNH. Is this an oversight and should MATS be changed to reflect an ‘on request’ service.
2) Frequencies
What frequency (if any) should VFR aircraft monitor when in:
a) Class G airspace?
b) Class E airspace?
3) Frequencies (Follow-up)
Where will the frequencies be published for VFR aircraft?
4) IFR pick-up
What services should ATC provide to an IFR-planned aircraft operating as VFR/IFR pick-up in Class E airspace? Are these different to ‘real’ VFR aircraft in the same airspace?
‘Full’ IFR obtain (where appropriate):
a) Separation from other IFR
b) Hazard alerting
c) SAR alerting
d) Traffic on known VFR
e) Radar services
f) Terrain clearance (not really applicable at current class E levels)
5) IFR pick-up (Follow-up)
How is “IFR pick up” different to just operating VFR, or planning a change of category in-flight?