IMC in the open FIR
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,247
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From: Here and there
Originally Posted by DRJAD
Markjoy, I suspect the question really refers to the sort of situation in Class G, flying from A/G fields, and in areas where there is no low level radar cover.
We have several of those in the UK. My local airport has ATC and some IAPs, but they have no radar and there is no low level area radar coverage in the area either. Flights where IMC has to be encountered shortly after take-off or shortly before landing, for example, therefore have to be conducted without benefit of radar. The use of the radio to gain a picture of neighbouring traffic, together with the big sky element, has to suffice.
I hasten to add that, where a radar service IS available, I make certain to request it before entering IMC.
We have several of those in the UK. My local airport has ATC and some IAPs, but they have no radar and there is no low level area radar coverage in the area either. Flights where IMC has to be encountered shortly after take-off or shortly before landing, for example, therefore have to be conducted without benefit of radar. The use of the radio to gain a picture of neighbouring traffic, together with the big sky element, has to suffice.
I hasten to add that, where a radar service IS available, I make certain to request it before entering IMC.
In that situation, in Australia, we are required to contact the ATC unit who is providing a traffic information service for the area, before take-off. ATC give us any conflicting traffic, and then we arrange separation by radio with the traffic. Normally it is along the lines, "we'll track 230 initially till 30DME then confirm clear and resume track", or "we'll maintain not above FL220 till passed." That sort of thing you know?
