Are we moving into new areas of responsibility here?
As a pilot, my understanding has always been that the function of ATC is to provide separation between IFR aircraft inside CAS and provide information and advice in other situations. Responsibility for the safety of a flight, however, has previously rested with commanders and operators of aircraft.
NATS has effectively `closed` UK airspace for other than ATC reasons.
Can we now expect NATS to intervene in other difficult and potentially life threatning situations?
For example, I can think of a few to start off the list :-
low vis, freezing fog, severe icing, strong x winds, severe turbulence, CAT, thunderstorm / line squall activity, micro bursts etc etc.
I am sure you can all add to the list.
But what is going on here? Have NATS decided to intervene in areas where they haven`t in the past and do we wish them to do so?