IFR on a RIS
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Interesting debate
Pierre
I may be taking the Part 1 too literally, but I think I'm reading it in exactly the way a lawyer would, God help us!
Ocean 10
Did this 'scenario' actually happen? It'll be interesting to see ATSI's take on it during the Airprox investigation.
AlanM
Technically, yes. Practically, you've got no chance in that airspace environment with that volume of traffic. Red 4 is in a similar envronment, without the luxury of Mode C.
Married
I take your point re. 'overcontrolling', but really don't see any other option.
My interpretation of this is that the definitions of RIS & RAS are there primarily for pilots to understand what level of service they're getting. I don't see any clearly identifiable text that absolves us as ATCO's from providing anything other than standard separation.
Although mine isn't a LARS unit (and primary only). We do come across this situation from time to time and, although I'll do my best to achieve 'Standard', sometimes it's just not possible. In fairness, even though the Part 1 is utterly useless in this situation, my Inspectorate do appreciate the 'volatility' of the Class G environment and adopt a sensible and pragmatic approach to overseeing what we do.
Incidently, my Part 2 amendment was approved today...copies available at a small charge!!!!
Pierre
I may be taking the Part 1 too literally, but I think I'm reading it in exactly the way a lawyer would, God help us!
Ocean 10
Did this 'scenario' actually happen? It'll be interesting to see ATSI's take on it during the Airprox investigation.
AlanM
Technically, yes. Practically, you've got no chance in that airspace environment with that volume of traffic. Red 4 is in a similar envronment, without the luxury of Mode C.
Married
I take your point re. 'overcontrolling', but really don't see any other option.
My interpretation of this is that the definitions of RIS & RAS are there primarily for pilots to understand what level of service they're getting. I don't see any clearly identifiable text that absolves us as ATCO's from providing anything other than standard separation.
Although mine isn't a LARS unit (and primary only). We do come across this situation from time to time and, although I'll do my best to achieve 'Standard', sometimes it's just not possible. In fairness, even though the Part 1 is utterly useless in this situation, my Inspectorate do appreciate the 'volatility' of the Class G environment and adopt a sensible and pragmatic approach to overseeing what we do.
Incidently, my Part 2 amendment was approved today...copies available at a small charge!!!!
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The scenario did happen but after a long chat with the transit pilot on the phone after he landed, who did not understand this situation(do we) he decided not to File.
It may not be our job to second guess the pilot but if we are not completely sure of what to do what chance do they have!!
It may not be our job to second guess the pilot but if we are not completely sure of what to do what chance do they have!!
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Recently there was a topic that tried to get to the bottom of the differences between civil and military interpretations of service provision outside CAS.
I can't think of a clearer example than this thread of the diferances involved in service provision within the UK.
In that topic I put forward that civil ATC was far more concerned with flight rules than applying the definitions of RAS, RIS and FIS and was berated because that "simply wasn't the case". Yet we see that this is cleary what goes on when one set of definitions conflicts with anouther.
Bring on the much needed ATSOCAS review, and let us stop chasing our tails around and around, so we end up disapearing up our own backsides.
I can't think of a clearer example than this thread of the diferances involved in service provision within the UK.
In that topic I put forward that civil ATC was far more concerned with flight rules than applying the definitions of RAS, RIS and FIS and was berated because that "simply wasn't the case". Yet we see that this is cleary what goes on when one set of definitions conflicts with anouther.
Bring on the much needed ATSOCAS review, and let us stop chasing our tails around and around, so we end up disapearing up our own backsides.
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My interpretation of this is that the definitions of RIS & RAS are there primarily for pilots to understand what level of service they're getting. I don't see any clearly identifiable text that absolves us as ATCO's from providing anything other than standard separation.
One provides separation from other PARTICIPATING flights, and traffic information and any necessary avoidance against unknow traffic (3000ft or 5miles).
The other provides traffic information only, on any a/c whether it is working your frequency or not.
That is it.
In the original scenario the ATCO has fulfilled his part of the contract with the RIS a/c - traffic info was passed.
What would happen to the same ATCO if he had given avoidance tothe RIS a/c which put it into conflict with something else not seen on Radar. Not a leg to stand on.
Many a time I have said "the only traffic to affect your descent to X is at FL Z" only to receive the response "confirm we are cleared to FL X?"
Many pilots do not know the difference between RIS/RAS/RCS
(most noteably American carriers coming off the ocean) and what their own responsibilities are when receiving a service outside CAS.
This isn't me having a go at pilots or saying they are irresponsible - merely that services outside CAS are not fully understood by everyone involved (receiving and providing)
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I still remain convinced that under RIS you do not have a separation obligation unless vectoring, sequencing etc on approach or on climb out (which then probably comes under DoC?).
OWZ's expansion of the scenario opens up one point... he had a IFR departure and known confliction, so why did he clear the departure to the same/similar level? (bad idea, I think the pilot is entitled to expect deconfliction if NOT separation?)
But, if you argue the old chestnut about Class G airspace, cannot restrict the pilot etc... then surely that is equally your "excuse" for not providing separation, in unregulated airspace, under a service that doesn't require you to do so?
I understand the limits of ACS extend to 10mins flying time for procedural reasons... but in the radar environment (which most work in nowadays) that might be 60 miles or more from the airfield... It's going to be interesting to see what SRG say?
OWZ's expansion of the scenario opens up one point... he had a IFR departure and known confliction, so why did he clear the departure to the same/similar level? (bad idea, I think the pilot is entitled to expect deconfliction if NOT separation?)
But, if you argue the old chestnut about Class G airspace, cannot restrict the pilot etc... then surely that is equally your "excuse" for not providing separation, in unregulated airspace, under a service that doesn't require you to do so?
I understand the limits of ACS extend to 10mins flying time for procedural reasons... but in the radar environment (which most work in nowadays) that might be 60 miles or more from the airfield... It's going to be interesting to see what SRG say?
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he had a IFR departure and known confliction, so why did he clear the departure to the same/similar level? (bad idea, I think the pilot is entitled to expect deconfliction if NOT separation?)
There is a line in our MATS pt.2 " All departures will be procedurally separated from arriving or other traffic until radar separation can be used". Just because the airfield is in class 'G' doesn't absolve anybody from that responsibility or the service that other aircraft may be on.
This is an argument that, due to the vagaries of UK ATC and ATSOCA is possibly neverending. My advice - use all the tools in your armoury to protect your yellow/blue book. MATS pt 1 and JSP552 are very good guides but are no replacement for common sense.
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Thanks Chilli
I've been following a post on another forum about "practice instrument approaches"... and the way the arguement there has turned around makes me realise that the problem here lies with the differences between ATSORA/LARS and the Approach Control Service?
ISTM that the principle of ACS is a hangover from non-radar days, (when procedural control techniques, and separation, applied to IFR only?)... The along came radar, and services are generally available irrespective of flight rules (except RAS)... but amidst it all there is the "half-way house of RIS (a radar service without separation).
Both ATSORA and ACS stand alone as good, practical regulations. The confusion develops when you try to combine them?
Is RAS only for IFR and RIS/FIS for VFR the way to go... I don''t think so?
I've been following a post on another forum about "practice instrument approaches"... and the way the arguement there has turned around makes me realise that the problem here lies with the differences between ATSORA/LARS and the Approach Control Service?
ISTM that the principle of ACS is a hangover from non-radar days, (when procedural control techniques, and separation, applied to IFR only?)... The along came radar, and services are generally available irrespective of flight rules (except RAS)... but amidst it all there is the "half-way house of RIS (a radar service without separation).
Both ATSORA and ACS stand alone as good, practical regulations. The confusion develops when you try to combine them?
Is RAS only for IFR and RIS/FIS for VFR the way to go... I don''t think so?
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PA "he had a IFR departure and known confliction," so why did he clear the departure to the same/similar level? (bad idea, I think the pilot is entitled to expect deconfliction if NOT separation?)
Don't think OWZ would launch an IFR into that situation, probably a/c departs VFR realises weather is cr@p and elects to go IFR.
thus presenting you with this awkward situation
As for my opinion professional pilots probably know the differnce of service being provided some PPLs also know , Most foreign pilots ,...... me " what service would you like outside CAS" them
" Ve vant vectors"
Don't think OWZ would launch an IFR into that situation, probably a/c departs VFR realises weather is cr@p and elects to go IFR.
thus presenting you with this awkward situation
As for my opinion professional pilots probably know the differnce of service being provided some PPLs also know , Most foreign pilots ,...... me " what service would you like outside CAS" them
" Ve vant vectors"
Last edited by airac; 11th Oct 2005 at 11:34.
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Airac... most foreign (commercial) pilots are probably not used to flying outside CAS, let alone getting a service there then, just to further confound those who are familiar with that concept, the UK confuses them by going its own way with RAS and RIS... so cut them some slack?
PS: How long did it take you to work out the VFR to IFR scenario, I'd have never of thought of that as a possibility in the UK?
PS: How long did it take you to work out the VFR to IFR scenario, I'd have never of thought of that as a possibility in the UK?
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PA
Plenty of slack given I've no problem with any pilot regardless of nationality, but one pilot actually did say that to me
Perhaps this confusion or should I say differences of opinion re RAS/RIS Approach /radar/ LARS ,is down to the fact that the UK has probably registered the most differences with ICAO thus the ANO says one thing The AIP another and MATS pt one yet another( depending on the readers of course)
Solution, keep it simple .Out side CAS we cannot guarantee standard separation between IFR flights but we will endeavour not to let blips merge regardless of known/unknown .IFR/VFR
And Before anyone has a go it's only IMHO
Plenty of slack given I've no problem with any pilot regardless of nationality, but one pilot actually did say that to me
Perhaps this confusion or should I say differences of opinion re RAS/RIS Approach /radar/ LARS ,is down to the fact that the UK has probably registered the most differences with ICAO thus the ANO says one thing The AIP another and MATS pt one yet another( depending on the readers of course)
Solution, keep it simple .Out side CAS we cannot guarantee standard separation between IFR flights but we will endeavour not to let blips merge regardless of known/unknown .IFR/VFR
And Before anyone has a go it's only IMHO
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airac
"Don't think OWZ would launch an IFR into that situation, probably a/c departs VFR realises weather is cr@p and elects to go IFR.
thus presenting you with this awkward situation "
This is exactly what happened, and IFR standard SEPN lost as soon as he says i,m IFR!!
New point of order, how many MATS 2 of our readers has the phrase something like" when providing vectoring for tactical reasons do not allow the blips to mearge?
"Don't think OWZ would launch an IFR into that situation, probably a/c departs VFR realises weather is cr@p and elects to go IFR.
thus presenting you with this awkward situation "
This is exactly what happened, and IFR standard SEPN lost as soon as he says i,m IFR!!
New point of order, how many MATS 2 of our readers has the phrase something like" when providing vectoring for tactical reasons do not allow the blips to mearge?
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when providing vectoring for tactical reasons do not allow the blips to merge
(Serious hat back on) OWZ says that the pilot changed to IFR in flight... surely then, in such cases, it may take some time to establish standard separation. IMHO by passing traffic info the pilot, who knew he was only under RIS, should have requested climb or descent (i.e. taken responsibility for separation iaw the conditions of the service)