SwanFIS
6th May 2006, 16:45
It is during May that we usually see an increase in CAS infringement and one area in particular is causing us concern this year - The Recommended VFR Route between the Solent CTA and the Cherbourg peninsular. This is marked clearly on the half mils with notes on its availability and use.
This route transits one of the Portsmouth DAs (D036) and is only available with the permission of Plymouth Mil when the DAs are active. We have had a large number of instances this year when pilots have flown straight through this area or have called us when they are already inside the DAs asking for information on their activity status :ooh: The Portsmouth DAs are used for sea trials and often involve the use of live munitions so it is not always a nice place to be.
The full requirements and procedures are contained in the AIC 4/1999 but pre-flight information on these DAs can be obtained from Plymouth Mil 01752 557751 and once airborne a call to Plymouth Mil / 124.15 or London Info 124.75 / 124.6 will get you a status report and hopefully a DACS if requested. Plymouth are a very GA friendly unit and only refuse penetration of the DAs for very good reason. If you do inadvertently find yourself inside the DAs give them a call, they wont bite and will give you a radar service to a safer lump of airspace.
Note - Public and Bank Holidays are not always observed by Mil units so check status, it could be business as usual.
This route transits one of the Portsmouth DAs (D036) and is only available with the permission of Plymouth Mil when the DAs are active. We have had a large number of instances this year when pilots have flown straight through this area or have called us when they are already inside the DAs asking for information on their activity status :ooh: The Portsmouth DAs are used for sea trials and often involve the use of live munitions so it is not always a nice place to be.
The full requirements and procedures are contained in the AIC 4/1999 but pre-flight information on these DAs can be obtained from Plymouth Mil 01752 557751 and once airborne a call to Plymouth Mil / 124.15 or London Info 124.75 / 124.6 will get you a status report and hopefully a DACS if requested. Plymouth are a very GA friendly unit and only refuse penetration of the DAs for very good reason. If you do inadvertently find yourself inside the DAs give them a call, they wont bite and will give you a radar service to a safer lump of airspace.
Note - Public and Bank Holidays are not always observed by Mil units so check status, it could be business as usual.