Class D (UK) question

[thecontroller]

this might sound like a daft question, but its been a while since i flew in the UK

you need permisson to enter Class D airspace. but do you need to talk to anyone if flying underneath or close to class D? (near stansted for example)

do essex radar like to be in touch with people who are underneath or close to Class D?

[roundwego]

Not a legal requirement but you would be silly not to do so. This gives ATC the comfort that the unidentified object on their radar screen is situationally aware and gives them the chance to give you info on any conflicting traffic. ATC may well be too busy to give you a formal ATC service but at least you have done your best to contribute to a safe flying environment.

[Brilliant Stuff]

I second that, Essex or Luton radar would prefer to know who flies about their space which would then help the police helicopter hovering over some place with their backs to you and the TCAS going of "traffic traffic". Whilst you are at also please select altitude on your transponder.:ok:

[Genghis the Engineer]

Normal practice if you want minimal agro is to contact the nearest LARS provider (there's a map showing coverage and frequencies in the AIP or any of the UK VFR flight guides such as Pooleys) and ask for a FIS. They may or may not then give you a squawk code (as often as not they're perfectly happy with 7000C), and then generally ignore you unless you inadvertently enter their airspace or (if they're in a good mood) there's known traffic in your vicinity.

Typical calls (not intending to teach you to suck eggs, but standard phraseology does vary between countries, regardless of ICAO's best efforts) would be something like:

- Luton RADAR, this is G-ABCD
- G-ABCD, Luton Radar, pass your message.
- Luton Radar, G-ABCD is an A109 Helicopter, Brussels to Coventry, routing ..., 1500ft, request flight information
- G-ABCD, flight information service, squawk ****, QNH 10**, remain clear of controlled airspace, report passing_ _ _ _
- G-ABCD, flight information, 10**, squawking ****, report _ _ _

Or thereabouts. Don't actually expect traffic information, regard it as a bonus if it happens, just treat it as a way of oiling the ATC wheels.

G

[thecontroller]

thanks everyone. im going into a private site just north of stansted, underneath Class D.

is Farnborough LARS on 125.25 the best bet? or Essex Radar 120.62?

[chevvron]

Depends where you're flying from to get there!

[thecontroller]

sorry, departing Booker (EGTB)

[tomotomp]

Luton (129.55) then Essex (120.62):)

[thecontroller]

thanks. i'll go overhead Pangshanger, then contact Essex radar i think

[AlanM]

Since when has LUTON or STANSTED had a LARS availability?????

[thecontroller]

thats what i thought. pooleys map doesnt show coverage for that area

as im not actually going into class d, what do i ask essex radar for? "traffic advisories"?

[Dave Gittins]

Luton stopped doing LARS a couple of years ago.

You can ask Essex for flight information or radar information but they may well refuse due to their own traffic density and simply tell you to remain clear.

[teeteringhead]

Always a good idea to be on some Big Boy's frequency anyway if it all turns to worms....:(

[Dave Gittins]

Absolutely - at the least it gives you some confidence that the radio still works (without which no FREDA check is complete) and lets you build some sort of picture of who and what is around you.

[Genghis the Engineer]

thanks everyone. im going into a private site just north of stansted, underneath Class D.
is Farnborough LARS on 125.25 the best bet? or Essex Radar 120.62?

Might be worth dropping a PM to Aerbabe, until recently she used to do the radio at North Weald, a few miles from there, and can probably give you the latest.

G

[headsethair]

A current half-mill and a briefing from, say, an instructor at Heli Air Booker. That's everything you need. And for lawd's sake get familiar with Stansted report points BEFORE you fly.....they use them.