Class D transits
 

Can anyone who controls Class D tell me whether they would normally prefer me to request an IFR or VFR transit clearance through their airspace (when flying in VMC)? I prefer to transit as high as possible to keep out of the way of slower traffic, e.g 5000ft through Solent and FL075 through the Channel Islands airspace. Most of the time you ask whether I would like an IFR or VFR clearance, obviously I don't want to risk the possibility of being denied entry if I choose the wrong option.

transit through CAT D - dream on !!

VFR, always VFR.... So dead easy to handle.... Cleared to cross, traffic is....

(May be a few restrictions near runways though)

IFR, always IFR...so dead easy to handle... Cleared to cross on heading x at altitude y...

Then I have complete control...

Well that's 1-1, do we have a decider?

It depends.

Busy airport low level with no gaps in the traffic - VFR is easy enough with no delay, but IFR gives the ATCO more control (and responsibility), so VFR is still probably easier.

Control zone transits - VFR every time (if weather permits)

I don't think I've refused a VFR transit of my Class C zone in the 13 years I've worked here when the weather has been appropriate. I have radar and pass traffic. From my memory of the UK, it can be a bit restrictive when it comes to transits: protecting airspace for the possibility of a go around etc. We just modify the go around instructions and pass traffic.

I would have thought a possible solution would be to request one, but inform the controller that you are able to take the other if it suits them better...

i.e. ...........request VFR entry clearance, can accept IFR clearance if required

.....as you have seen from the replies here, it may depend on traffic situation, weather, level, etc. So what might be good for the traffic in the Class D on one day might not be so good on another day. Giving the controller the choice for what suits them better is always a nice way of doing it!!

If all you state is requesting entry clearance, then yes we will ask which flight rules you can prefer or can accept.

Think Neptune has that right, most days VFR will work, especially if the transit can be a bit flexible, but other times the certainty of IFR can mean you get just what you want.

Try flying in Northern Ireland and getting a transit through Aldergrove airspace at 2000 feet VFR, usual response is "negative, remain outside controlled airspace, basic service only". If the radio traffic levels are very quiet (usually) and you ask for a delay time or a reason, a typical response is "inbound Easyjet 50 miles to run 3000 feet above you, you wouldn't be separated if I let you through the zone!":ugh:

Simple solution, turn transponder off and fly right round the line on the map.:ok:

This problem at EGAA has been discussed here before. Have a word with the SATCO panpan', or failing that GATCO or possibly GA Chirp. I don't know their current procedures, but if that is a genuine response to a CTR transit request, it sounds odd. I did 18 years on approach radar, in Rule 21, (Class A), and later Class D Airspace. Even if the radar at EGAA was u/s, there should be some way of accommodating VFR transits.

At my unit I would prefer VFR but this would be at Not Above 2000'. If you wanted higher you could go IFR at above Min Stack then it's not my problem :)

I very very RARELY refused a transit at EGAA.

When this was brought up by Panpan before I told him the name of the boss and asked him to direct his complaints there, It appears he didn't.

Easier to come on here and whinge .

As to the crossing.

VFR,and if necessary,points to hold .

Glamdring - as a matter of interest, why not above 2000 ft? Is that the limit of Class D airspace?


2 s

Maybe separating VFR from IFR...? :eek:

No real reason tbh, and I personally wouldn't stick to it rigidly. Just seems to be standard practice here. Not so much "separating" them from IFR but it does keep them out the way.

So really controlling as if it were Class C airspace when, in Class D, that is not what is mandated?

2 s

Hmm, I wonder where that is...