Agree completely with Chill that the way the UK establishes and uses airspace is unusual - maybe even unique - and is widely misunderstood by many pilots and controllers alike
Agree totally. The fact the the situation continues is a safety oversight failure by the CAA.
Chilli said;
The idea behind the lack of separation is actually common sense. The VFR is flying visually, and as such is operating under "see and avoid" - the traffic information he's passed ensures he sees you - the traffic info you're passed lets you know he's out there but will (ok - should) avoid you.
No. There is no requirement for the VFR flight alone to avoid the IFR flight. If the VFR flight is legal then it will be in VMC. That measn that the flight will be in conditions that as you say will permit 'see and avoid'. If the two aircraft are head to head then acording to the rules of the air, both shall alter course to the right.
More importantly, if the flights are converging and the IFR has the VFR on it's right (VFR has right of way) then the IFR flight shall alter it's course to pass behind the VFR flight and avoid passing ahead etc etc unless well clear. The VFR flights maintains track height and speed.
When an IFR flight has an airprox or a mid-air collision with a VFR flight in class G, VMC, the report on the matter will most likely state the cause as - late sighting of the other aircraft by both pilots.
If the IFR flight is in IMC then a) they will never see each other so no action and since the the VFR flight will not be IMC, it can be very close to but not in the exact same parcel of air as the IFR flight.
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What is missing in the UK is the confinement of IFR flights to either class E airspace or higher class or when in class G, above 3000ft (where the VFRs have to be 1000ft below the base of cloud). There of course would be a requirement to spend money on ATS facilities if the situation was to change. Thus money before safety and you risk your life when IFR in class G.
A good place to start would be for Class E at places like Farnborough, Filton, Blackpool.
Regards,
DFC