SVFR Photographic Flight into London Airspace

[CapCon]

Hi all,

I'm planning a photographic flight over Shepperton Lock (Approx 5 nm South of Heathrow). I've found an online document that states I am allowed within 3.5 nm of the Heathrow centre line and would just like to confirm this.

Also, what is the correct Heathrow number phone to obtain SVFR clearance details?

Thanks for any comments,

CapCon

[AlanM]

You will need to be kept at least 3nm or 1000ft away from the IFR/other SVFR traffic (unless the tower can apply reduced visual separation).

Depends on the aircraft type and level. No fixed wing singles are allowed to operate East of LHR and West of LCY in the zones on special flights.

You will need to be exact in your flying - so look at a 1:50 000 map and identify a number of geographical points that will keep you at least 3.0nm away.

Landing on 27R is your best option, or 27L at a push. Easterlies is unlikely to work unless you are in a helicopter below 800ft.

What is yr aircraft type and what level are you wanting? Where exactly do you need to operate? Also remember that your flight will block two or more helilanes, and that you will be Cat Z (lowest priority) for the task. How long will you need to be on site.

You will need a Non Standard Flight authorisation, which you will have to obtain from LTCC Operations. Phone West Drayton on 01895 445566 (switchboard) and they will put you in touch with the relavant people. They will also give you an email address should you wish to email maps etc.

Nothing is impossible, but you are unlikely to be given approval if it effects Heathrow. (unless the AUS hae given you fligth priority status)

[Talkdownman]

CapCon
See:
ENR 1.1.4 Non-Standard Flights (NSFs) in Controlled Airspace
at:
http://www.ais.org.uk/aes/pubs/aip/pdf/enr/2010104.PDF
noting
for flights within the London CTR and London/City CTR:
TC Operations, NATS Ltd, London Terminal Control Centre, Porters Way, West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 9AX.
Tel: 01895-423305.
E-mail: [email protected]
Applications should normally give a minimum of 21 days notice.
Don't be too optimistic for NSF approval over Shepperton Lock......

[AlanM]

LTCC will then send you all the paperwork, which gives you reminders of the legal side of aerial work, locations of sensitive areas to avoid etc.

What sort of twin will you be using? (assuming fixed wing) as the oribit area may be a bit big.

[Talkdownman]

CapCon, your AOC company operations department should be well versed in making such arrangements. Just leave it to them to organise the NSF and enjoy the flying whilst you bring Heathrow departures to a standstill.

[CapCon]

Hi all,

Thanks for the info so far.

This will be a pleasure flight in a 172, looking to fly at around 1000ft. My planned route will start at Stapleford direct to Biggin Hill, then West towards Leatherhead. Once over Leatherhead I would make my call and enter the South border of the CTR. This ensures that I don't interfere with any take off/landing routes as I will be clear of Heathrow.

As for the route into the CTR I have studied the charts and picked out the best VRPs, as well as the good old GPS as backup.

It is unlikely that I will fly within 4 miles South of Heathrow. Thanks for the contacts, I shall call the relevant people and hope for the best.

Cheers,

CapCon

[AlanM]

Then unfortunately the new rule about NON STANDARD FLIGHTS: NO SINGLES EAST OF LHR AND WEST OF LCY IN THE ZONES will apply.

To stay West of LHR will put you into conflict with westerly deps on DVR/MID etc etc.

Seems unlikely you will get it I am afraid (or every PPL will be phoning them)

[CapCon]

Oh well, never mind. Thanks for the guidance.

CapCon

[foghorn]

Then unfortunately the new rule about NON STANDARD FLIGHTS: NO SINGLES EAST OF LHR AND WEST OF LCY IN THE ZONES will apply.

Does that mean that the old favourite Lee Valley - City Overhead - Biggin route is now a no-no for singles, given that you enter the LC CTR west of the field?

[Talkdownman]

'Lee Valley - City Overhead - Biggin' is not a Non-Standard Flight. It is, when cleared, simply a 'CTR transit'. Compliance with Rule 5 is the pilot's responsibility. Flight by SE aircraft over London, however, is under review and may be precluded at some time in the not-too-distant future.

[foghorn]

Fair point, I guess I should have read it more carefully. The 'non-standard' bit hadn't sunk in.