Responsibility

[Defruiter]

UK - CAP493

13.1 - Controllers are to ensure that levels assigned to:
a) IFR flights in receipt of a radar control service
b) flights in receipt of a radar advisory service and
c) flights in receipt of a radar information service and receiving vectors;

provide adequate terrain clearance for the phase of flight as shown below.

Within the defined final approach area:
Achieved if levels are assigned in accordance with a procedure approved by the CAA.

Within the RVA or Radar Minimum Altitude Area:
Levels allocated must be in accordance with the information published on the RVA chart or RMAC.

Within 30 miles of the radar antenna associated with the unit providing the service:
1000 feet above any fixed obstacle within (a) 5 miles of the aircraft, and
(b) 15 miles ahead and 20° either side of the aircraft’s track.
When the aircraft is within 15 miles of the antenna, and provided an RVA chart, RMAC or approved procedure has been notified, the 5
miles in (a) and the 15 miles in (b) may be reduced to 3 and 10 miles respectively.

Outside the Phases above:
1000 feet above any fixed obstacle which lies within 15 miles of the centre line of any airway or advisory route (for flights on airways and advisory routes), or within 30 miles of the aircraft (for all other
flights).

In sections of airways where the base is defined as a flight level, the lowest useable level normally provides not less than 1500 feet terrain

clearance.

So in short, it is ATC responsibility to ensure levels assigned provide terrain clearance.