However...
I have asked this question a number of times and am hoping an ATCO can provide an answer, with a text reference if possible.
1. Random Routes flown over the Atlantic. Are these routes a series of pre determined way points designed by ATC which are not part of the NAT track system or are they any series of way points that can be selected by an operator which is not part of the NAT tracks.
2. Regarding the requirement to establish a position 15nm from a NAT track in the case of an emergency, does that requirement also apply to a Random Track.
1. A random route is any series of way points selected by an operator which do not correspond exactly to the (entire) route and level(s) of a published track.
2. Yes.
If one is flying within the vertical airspace ie. FL285 to FL420 lets say FL360 and the Random Track flown is North of TRACKA or South of TRACKZ and no part of the planned track is common to any NAT Track. Does one still need to offset 15nm before descending in case of an emergency.
Secondly to confirm If a Random Track is planned again without any part of the track being common to a NAT Track. This track is chosen normally by the operator and is not a track selected by ATC which is a system of Random Tracks.
Firstly: Yes
Secondly: All routes are chosen by the operator for FPL purposes; whether they are wholly on a published track at a published level, they partially infringe a track at a published level, or they remain clear of the OTS at the published OTS levels.
However, ATC will issue an Oceanic Clearance on the basis of traffic already cleared, predicted traffic volume, airspace restrictions, and any route restrictions/requirements between ATSUs which operators may/may not be aware of on the day in question. Any of these may result in the route specified in the Oceanic Clearance differing from that of the FPL. The basic FPL requirements are outlined in the CAA ref in my first post.