For the purposes of clarification, there is no Class D airspace in the Republic of Ireland.
Only A, C & G.
I believe SkyC is refering to the UK/Northern Ireland
I don't think SkyC was suggesting that the ROI had any Class D airspace actually.
I rather think he was suggesting that the UK should consider following the example of the ROI and the rest of the world generally, by having Class C CTZs as the default for regional airports with scheduled services.
I have to say that I tend to support his posting, particularly regarding ATC at aerodromes in Class G airspace. I've been working combined TWR/APP in Class G for several years and have never been comfortable with it. It causes no end of confusion for foreign pilots particularly and I don't blame them one bit.
ATC in Class G (the art of separating IFR traffic as best we can from other known IFR traffic in an environment where pilots are not obliged to comply with instructions but are deemed to be complying unless they state otherwise), is a hornets nest which I'm sure will one day end up being the most glorious discovery for some docu-nightmare television program maker.
Anytime I've discussed this with non-UK ATCOs, their reaction is one of disbelief and I'm not at all surprised that they have their doubts as to whether I'm being 100% honest about the system.
For an industry geared to removing ambiguity and confusion and striving to improve safety, I can't understand why this is considered a satisfactory practice.
The 'system' of ATC in Class G together with UK advisory routes (most of which have been in place for 30 years as a trial for proposed Airways) has long since outgrown itself and requires immediate and substantial revision.
Just my thoughts.
