US Crews and Radar Advisory Service

[radar707]

Just a quick question from an ATCO bod.

US crews flying into UK airports that require transit through uncontrolled airspace will generally receive a Radar Advisory Service (RAS).

Do you know what it is?
How it affects you (separation standards, pilot requirements etc)?

[320DRIVER]

I'm not a US crew though I would appreciate any first hand info you can give us!

Thks.

[galaxy flyer]

As a USAF pilot, we are told to ask for Radar Advisory Service in Eastern Radar (military radar) because Eastern Radar airspace is uncontrolled and Advisory Service is more that Radar Information and Radar Control is not available. Information provides just that even in cloud, "Traffic 12 o'clock and 6 miles altitude unknown"; Advisory Service would provide an avoidance vector. Civil Aircraft should have Radar Control on civil radar.

The USAF has had some close calls when US pilots did not understand the distinction and assumed the controller was providing separation. Should not be civil problem, but ex-USAF guys are in the habit of asking for Advisory Service. Most still don't get it.

[radar707]

A radar advisory service (RAS), is a radar service provided to pilots flying IFR outside controlled airspace. Details on direction, level (if known) of any conflicting traffic (which may not be working the same unit or any unit at all) will be passed along with any ADVICE for avoidance. Vectors are provided and pilots are expected to comply with any avoiding action. Should a pilot refuse to comply with these instructions, then they become responsible for their own separation from the conflicting traffic.

RAS is only avaible to IFR traffic outside controlled airspace.
RCS (radar control servoce) is only available INSIDE controlled airspace