ATC separation over LHR

[Fatfish]

Can anyone tell me whats the lateral separation over LHR in the terminal area, on finals (wake separation) and in the airways above. Many thanks

[Scuzi]

In the heart of the TMA we are allowed to use 3nm lateral separation whereas on some of the outer edges of the TMA and in the upper air, 5nm is required due to the conditions of being allowed to use 3nm not being met.

I'm not 100% sure about final approach spacing. I know they can go down to 2.5nm. I'll let an approach controller answer that one.

[2.5 miles]

Scuzi, you are right 5nm and 3nm miles depending on where you are in the London TMA and which radar source is being used.
2.5 miles can be used on base leg and final, when conditions support it. Strong winds = lower ground speed = lower landing rate. Provided the weather is suitable, the tower and radar controllers agree, 2.5 miles spacing can be used, between permitted aircraft types, where wake vortex is deemed not to be an issue. By reducing spacing to 2.5 miles, particularly in strong winds, we are able to sustain the landing rate.
Wake vortex spacing itself is another issue. Generally, we adopt the ICAO standard recommended spacing, with one or two differences. CAA are currently reviewing UK policy with regard to spacings, A380 concerns constantly change!
Fatfish, why do you ask the question, have you had issues?
2.5

[Fatfish]

Thanks guys. No issues, just wondering what the seperation was. How about Airways above. Is it 20 miles? Thanks again

[Scuzi]

It's 5 miles in the airways above too.

[anotherthing]

Fatfish -

It's totally a radar environment, hence the 5 miles in the airways above. Nothing 'procedural' about it

[Fatfish]

Ok, 5 miles under radar seperation but is there a minimum lateral distance usually used for aircraft on the same airway transiting the LON FIR? 5 miles seems close. Thanks

[anotherthing]

5 miles above FL245

3 miles below this within the lateral and vertical confines of the London Terminal Control Area

[HeathrowAirport]

During LVP's, Final approach spacing should be increased to 6 miles and aircraft should establish on the ILS outside 10nm from touchdown.

A380 Operations
Medium aircraft behind an A380-800 aircraft: 3 minutes
Small aircraft behind an A380-800 aircraft: 3 minutes
Light aircraft behind an A380-800 aircraft: 4 minutes
Heavy Medium Small Light
Heavy4 miles 5 miles 6 miles 8 miles
Medium.......... 3 miles 4 miles 6 miles
Small.......... 3 miles 3 miles 4 miles
Light No Wake Vortex Spacing Necessary

If Conditions permit, minimum spacing is 2.5NM rougthly a 747 behind and A321 or a 737 behind an A319..

***** = No vortex wake spacing applicable
Regards,


R...

[Fatfish]

Many Thanks! to all your answers.

[Gonzo]

HA, you need to be careful, you're mixing up spacing in LVPs, with separation which are completely different. Also, the A380 separations you mention are for departing aircraft, but the other separations are for arriving aircraft.

[HeathrowAirport]

So i did..

Oh Crud!

The arrivals something like reduced by 2 miles and for lights it stays the same. Can't remember. You know this though don't you :P

Yeah i Included Low Vis Procedures, as he may want to know that. I should rewrite that to make it make sense.

Regards,

..