IFR in Class G - What has changed under Part SERA?
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IFR in Class G - What has changed under Part SERA?
Dear all,
I hold a UK IMC Rating or IR(R).
What are the IFR requirements in Class G aside from 1000ft above the highest object within 5 miles - when flying below the TA under Part SERA?
I ask as I sometimes find myself punching through clouds below the LTMA on a VFR flight - and of course I can't climb to the lowest FL because of the LTMA.
I always get a traffic service prior to entering IMC.
Secondly, I understand the quad rule no longer exists and semi headings are only recommended for VFR flights above the TA - not mandated. Is this correct?
If anyone can point me in the direction of some clear guidance, it would be really appreciated.
Thank you.
I hold a UK IMC Rating or IR(R).
What are the IFR requirements in Class G aside from 1000ft above the highest object within 5 miles - when flying below the TA under Part SERA?
I ask as I sometimes find myself punching through clouds below the LTMA on a VFR flight - and of course I can't climb to the lowest FL because of the LTMA.
I always get a traffic service prior to entering IMC.
Secondly, I understand the quad rule no longer exists and semi headings are only recommended for VFR flights above the TA - not mandated. Is this correct?
If anyone can point me in the direction of some clear guidance, it would be really appreciated.
Thank you.
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I'm not sure about any clear guidance (lots of documents with varying things in), but regarding the semicircular rule, it is in force and note that it *does* apply below the TA.
As you say for VFR it is only recommended, however it is mandatory for IFR - you should fly odd thousands of feet for magnetic track 0-179, and even thousands for magnetic track 180-359. The only exception to this is if flying "in accordance with instructions from the appropriate ATC unit or in accordance with holding procedures notified for an aerodrome" - there is no explanation for what you're supposed to do if there isn't a suitable level available, e.g. in the situation you need to remain below some CAS but above MSA...
As you say for VFR it is only recommended, however it is mandatory for IFR - you should fly odd thousands of feet for magnetic track 0-179, and even thousands for magnetic track 180-359. The only exception to this is if flying "in accordance with instructions from the appropriate ATC unit or in accordance with holding procedures notified for an aerodrome" - there is no explanation for what you're supposed to do if there isn't a suitable level available, e.g. in the situation you need to remain below some CAS but above MSA...
On 2 April 2015 the UK will complete the move from quadrantal to semi circular cruising levels. This change affects pilots flying under instrument flight rules outside controlled airspace below flight level195, but higher than 3,000ft above mean sea level, as semicircular cruising levels have been used in controlled airspace for many years. The timescale for this change has been extended to allow a safe transition to the new arrangements.
Am not sure but would suspect the 3,000 ft amsl refers to the general TA outside CAS in the UK - if operating below a TMA the TA is appropriate to the controlling aerodrome. (6,000 ft for London?)
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Thanks for the replies. Yes, it's IFR in the area between MSA and the TA (which is often not reachable in the airspace around London) that concerns me.
I wish there was clear Part SERA guidance from EASA/CAA.
I wish there was clear Part SERA guidance from EASA/CAA.
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Am not sure but would suspect the 3,000 ft amsl refers to the general TA outside CAS in the UK - if operating below a TMA the TA is appropriate to the controlling aerodrome
As such you have a problem if flying Eastbound, with an MSA of say 1500', and CAS starting at 2500' - the only valid levels you have are 1000' (below MSA so no good) or 3000' (inside CAS so no good), so to fly IFR in that area Eastbound is not possible (Westbound fine as you can do 2000'). If it's the LTMA above then you're never going to get a transit, so you're a bit stuffed!
Obviously there's a question of what the rules say and what people actually do...
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I don't think SERA applies because the UK CAA have seen fit to exempt us from many of its Rules, to our benefit, it seems.
As I understand it, the semicircular rule only applies above 3,000' (not forgetting that the lower flight levels aren't available in times of high atmospheric pressure).
Let's take a worked example. You're flying between Bovingdon and Brookmans Park VORs. The cloudbase is around 1,000'. You decide to fly IMC above the MSA which I think is 2,200', so you choose 2,400' to remain 100' below class 'A'. You obtain a Traffic Service from Farnborough. You have a valid IMC rating or equivalent. Can't see what isn't permitted there...
TOO
As I understand it, the semicircular rule only applies above 3,000' (not forgetting that the lower flight levels aren't available in times of high atmospheric pressure).
Let's take a worked example. You're flying between Bovingdon and Brookmans Park VORs. The cloudbase is around 1,000'. You decide to fly IMC above the MSA which I think is 2,200', so you choose 2,400' to remain 100' below class 'A'. You obtain a Traffic Service from Farnborough. You have a valid IMC rating or equivalent. Can't see what isn't permitted there...
TOO
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I don't think SERA applies because the UK CAA have seen fit to exempt us from many of its Rules, to our benefit, it seems.
As I understand it, the semicircular rule only applies above 3,000' (not forgetting that the lower flight levels aren't available in times of high atmospheric pressure).
As I understand it, the semicircular rule only applies above 3,000' (not forgetting that the lower flight levels aren't available in times of high atmospheric pressure).
That states:
3) SERA.5025(a) (IFR - Rules Applicable to IFR flights outside controlled airspace)
For the purpose of SERA.5025(a), an aircraft in level flight outside controlled airspace at or below 3,000
feet above mean sea level and operated in accordance with the IFR is not required to be flown at a
cruising level appropriate to its magnetic track if it flies:
a) in conformity with the instructions of the appropriate air traffic service unit; or
b) in accordance with holding procedures notified in relation to an aerodrome.
For the purpose of SERA.5025(a), an aircraft in level flight outside controlled airspace at or below 3,000
feet above mean sea level and operated in accordance with the IFR is not required to be flown at a
cruising level appropriate to its magnetic track if it flies:
a) in conformity with the instructions of the appropriate air traffic service unit; or
b) in accordance with holding procedures notified in relation to an aerodrome.
Like many of these changes which have been forced on us by the obsession with Europe it looks like some of the ramifications have not been thought through.
If it ain't broke don't fix it.
A lot of these changes are causing confusion.
If it ain't broke don't fix it.
A lot of these changes are causing confusion.
Another bit of well meaning poor thinking from EASA. 
Whilst I agree that there is no blanket exemption from the Semi Circular rule below 3,000', in the open FIR (not below a TMA/CTA) this will not be a problem, as the higher flight levels can easily be accessed.
Below a TMA/CTA, there should always be an ATC unit available for use, ie. the controlling unit for the TMA/CTA, and even if they only tell you to remain outside CAS, then you are acting 'in conformity with the instructions of the appropriate air traffic service unit ...'
Under the London TMA the 'appropriate air traffic service' is Farnborough Radar, and whilst under a Deconfliction Service with them, you are also acting 'in conformity with the instructions of the appropriate air traffic service unit ... '
The problem arises when, like the OP, you are under a Traffic Service from them. You are not then acting 'in conformity with the instructions of the appropriate air traffic service unit... ', as, under a Traffic Service,you are not being given any 'instructions', only advice.
In this case, you should either provoke them into 'instructing' you to remain outside controlled airspace, or, request a Deconfliction Service.
MJ
Ps. I sometimes wonder if I will live long enough to see the appalling mess created by JAA then EASA, cleaned up.
Whilst I agree that there is no blanket exemption from the Semi Circular rule below 3,000', in the open FIR (not below a TMA/CTA) this will not be a problem, as the higher flight levels can easily be accessed.
Below a TMA/CTA, there should always be an ATC unit available for use, ie. the controlling unit for the TMA/CTA, and even if they only tell you to remain outside CAS, then you are acting 'in conformity with the instructions of the appropriate air traffic service unit ...'
Under the London TMA the 'appropriate air traffic service' is Farnborough Radar, and whilst under a Deconfliction Service with them, you are also acting 'in conformity with the instructions of the appropriate air traffic service unit ... '
The problem arises when, like the OP, you are under a Traffic Service from them. You are not then acting 'in conformity with the instructions of the appropriate air traffic service unit... ', as, under a Traffic Service,you are not being given any 'instructions', only advice.
In this case, you should either provoke them into 'instructing' you to remain outside controlled airspace, or, request a Deconfliction Service.
MJ
Ps. I sometimes wonder if I will live long enough to see the appalling mess created by JAA then EASA, cleaned up.
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Below a TMA/CTA, there should always be an ATC unit available for use
Don't recall ever being refused a service whilst below a TMA/CTA, but they have to at least answer your call, and even if they just say 'Standby' you can still say you were acting in accordance with their instructions.
A contrived situation, I know, but when confronted with a practically unworkable rule , what else can you do?
MJ
A contrived situation, I know, but when confronted with a practically unworkable rule , what else can you do?
MJ
Last edited by Mach Jump; 14th Aug 2015 at 07:15. Reason: Spelling.
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This from ORS4 1126...
3) SERA.5025(a) (IFR - Rules Applicable to IFR flights outside controlled airspace)
a) The Civil Aviation Authority permits, under SERA.5025(a), an aircraft in level flight outside controlled airspace below 3,000 feet above mean sea level and operated in accordance with the instrument flight rules to be flown at a level other than a cruising level appropriate to its magnetic track.
So it seems my worked example is OK. Nothing there about ATC. Just be over 1,000' above anything within 5 NM, just as the OP suggests, and you're good for IMC anywhere in Class G below 3,000'
TOO
3) SERA.5025(a) (IFR - Rules Applicable to IFR flights outside controlled airspace)
a) The Civil Aviation Authority permits, under SERA.5025(a), an aircraft in level flight outside controlled airspace below 3,000 feet above mean sea level and operated in accordance with the instrument flight rules to be flown at a level other than a cruising level appropriate to its magnetic track.
So it seems my worked example is OK. Nothing there about ATC. Just be over 1,000' above anything within 5 NM, just as the OP suggests, and you're good for IMC anywhere in Class G below 3,000'
TOO
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It seems that they still haven't fixed the IFR flight problem in airspace where the transition altitude is greater than 3000ft, for instance beneath the Scottish TMA - base 5500ft - transition altitude 6000ft.
