Radar Vectoring Area?
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Radar Vectoring Area?
Hello,
As I am sure you are all aware, the ATC Surveillance Minimum Altitude Chart used to be the Radar Vectoring Area Chart. I was just wondering, is the area on these charts is the only area that Approach Controllers can vector traffic? Because the area on the Leeds chart does not include all of the Leeds CTA, and it only looks like a small area!
Any help appreciated,
Jonjo
As I am sure you are all aware, the ATC Surveillance Minimum Altitude Chart used to be the Radar Vectoring Area Chart. I was just wondering, is the area on these charts is the only area that Approach Controllers can vector traffic? Because the area on the Leeds chart does not include all of the Leeds CTA, and it only looks like a small area!
Any help appreciated,
Jonjo
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An SMAC shows a defined area in the vicinity of an aerodrome in which the minimum safe levels allocated by a controller vectoring IFR flights with Primary
and /or Secondary Radar equipment have been predetermined.
In the UK, controllers can vector and assign levels to aircraft in other airspace (even outside CAS in some circumstances) provided that level are assigned in accordance with specific rules. For example, within 30 miles of the radar antenna associated with the unit providing the service, the minimum level assigned must be at least 1000 feet above any fixed obstacle within:
(a) 5 miles of the aircraft; and
(b) 15 miles ahead and 20° either side of the aircraft’s track.
So a controller at Leeds must apply the latter rules until the aircraft is inside the area shown on the SMAC.
and /or Secondary Radar equipment have been predetermined.
In the UK, controllers can vector and assign levels to aircraft in other airspace (even outside CAS in some circumstances) provided that level are assigned in accordance with specific rules. For example, within 30 miles of the radar antenna associated with the unit providing the service, the minimum level assigned must be at least 1000 feet above any fixed obstacle within:
(a) 5 miles of the aircraft; and
(b) 15 miles ahead and 20° either side of the aircraft’s track.
So a controller at Leeds must apply the latter rules until the aircraft is inside the area shown on the SMAC.
