Redhill Aerodrome Operators’ Memo 1/2017
VFR minima ATZ within Class D Airspace
Introduction
WEF 24 April 2017 the CAA have removed the exemption from SERA VFR minima for Class D airspace which permitted aircraft to operate clear of cloud and with the surface in sight within an ATZ.
Class D ATZ VFR Minima
The weather minima for VFR flight within the Redhill ATZ is now 5000m and a cloud ceiling (BKN) of 1500ft. Aircraft must remain 1000ft vertically away from cloud. When the reported weather is below these limits VFR flight is not permitted; this includes helicopters wishing to undertake hovering exercises as the rules state that aircraft may not transit an ATZ or enter the aerodrome traffic circuit within a CTR when the offical meteorological report at that aerodrome indicates a ground visubility less than 5km and/or a cloud ceiling (BKN) less than 1500ft.
The minima set out above do not apply to police, air ambulance, SAR, powerline, pipeline or electricity helicopters.
When the weather is not suitable for VFR flight suitably qualified pilots may request IFR departures out of the ATZ.
Special VFR (SVFR)
Currently Redhill ATC is not permitted to operate SVFR however a meeting is scheduled with NATS for 10 May where this will be discussed. An update will be issued following this meeting.