Any news anyone ?
Any news anyone ?
I, along with others, operate an a/c from an airfield just inside Class D airspace. I'm getting some rather garbled info that from next Mon. 24th April, certain restrictions regarding the use of these airfields will be in force.
The proposed restrictions seem to imply that without the presence of a resident weather person or meteorologist, an airfield will not permit the arrival or departure of VFR GA aircraft !!
This information has arrived from a usually reliable source but, I can't believe it is accurate. No prior warning. No hint that I can find in the aviation press.
Anyone any ideas ? I've contacted NATS and am waiting for a return call.
The proposed restrictions seem to imply that without the presence of a resident weather person or meteorologist, an airfield will not permit the arrival or departure of VFR GA aircraft !!
This information has arrived from a usually reliable source but, I can't believe it is accurate. No prior warning. No hint that I can find in the aviation press.
Anyone any ideas ? I've contacted NATS and am waiting for a return call.
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Yep Fairoaks, Denham,White Waltham will all close because of no on-site weather girl like Carol Kirkwood.......this is a wind up isnt it? Soon be out EASA land though and all normal again...
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The rule change discussed here:Rob
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No we won't...... We thankfully won't be leaving EASA. Despite its failing its does give us a unified European wide licensing system that means that those of us who fly for a living will still be able to earn a crust.
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Soon be out EASA land though and all normal again...
TOO
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Having lived and flown in the USA for many years, I just wonder how anyone can operate with the variety of private pilot licenses that seem to exist in the UK and which aircraft you can legally fly with them. Not to mention the mess that the airspace appears to be now, or the charges involved.
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We may be out of the EU but not EASA land, Airbus and the airlines will see to that, happily, EASA under Patrick Ky working with Tony Rapson at CAA has seen the GA scene improve significantly.
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Oh dear, I do regret not putting that smiley after my little nock re: Brexit.
It seems logical whether we like it or not, EASA rules are going be with us for the future. Hopefully some good sense and logic can be applied to the rule making sausage machine and derogate when needed once fully out ie: the simple premise "A pilot is a pilot an aeroplane is an aeroplane" would be a good starting point.
It seems logical whether we like it or not, EASA rules are going be with us for the future. Hopefully some good sense and logic can be applied to the rule making sausage machine and derogate when needed once fully out ie: the simple premise "A pilot is a pilot an aeroplane is an aeroplane" would be a good starting point.
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Good news, depending on your viewpoint, but Carol Kirkwood not required it seems...
Pilots are able to assess whether the weather is acceptable to land at a landing site without an official met report...
I think that's the gist I'm getting anyway
Pilots are able to assess whether the weather is acceptable to land at a landing site without an official met report...
I think that's the gist I'm getting anyway
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I raised this matter with an atco at an airport within Class D airspace a couple of years ago when these SERA changes were first due to be implemented. I was told that a special VFR clearance was extremely unlikely even in unlimited visibility if the cloudbase was below 1500ft. I thought that this would effectively stop VFR flying in Class D in perfectly flyable conditions.
Fortunately, implementation of these rules was deferred by the CAA at that time but it looks like they are now to be applied.
However, on reading them again, it now appears that they might only apply to the ATZ. Anyone got any comments on this?
On possibly a related note, I was recently told by a former airline pilot operating from a private strip 5 miles away from the aerodrome in question that atc are now telling him that that the met conditions will be determined at the aerodrome controlling the Class D airspace. Previously my understanding was that it was up to the pilot to determine whether the in-flight conditions complied with the VFR rules for the type of airspace the pilot was flying in. If this change has occurred. it means that, for instance, the controlling aerodrome could be covered in shallow fog (as often happens) but the pilot would be prevented from flying from the private strip even if it is completely in the clear!
If this is the case, VFR flying within Class D airspace will be severely restricted after all.
Anyone got any comments before I query the matter through official channels?
Fortunately, implementation of these rules was deferred by the CAA at that time but it looks like they are now to be applied.
However, on reading them again, it now appears that they might only apply to the ATZ. Anyone got any comments on this?
On possibly a related note, I was recently told by a former airline pilot operating from a private strip 5 miles away from the aerodrome in question that atc are now telling him that that the met conditions will be determined at the aerodrome controlling the Class D airspace. Previously my understanding was that it was up to the pilot to determine whether the in-flight conditions complied with the VFR rules for the type of airspace the pilot was flying in. If this change has occurred. it means that, for instance, the controlling aerodrome could be covered in shallow fog (as often happens) but the pilot would be prevented from flying from the private strip even if it is completely in the clear!
If this is the case, VFR flying within Class D airspace will be severely restricted after all.
Anyone got any comments before I query the matter through official channels?
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This is still current on CAA website:
Official Record Series 4
United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority
The latest version of this document is available in electronic format at Publications | UK Civil Aviation Authority, where you may also register for e-mail notification of amendments.
29 September 2016 Page 1 of 2
Standardised European Rules of the Air - Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) Visibility and Distance from Cloud Minima within Class D Airspace
1) The Civil Aviation Authority, on behalf of the United Kingdom, with the consent of the Secretary of State for Transport and pursuant to article 14(4) of Regulation (EC) No. 216/2008 of 20 February 2008, exempts any aircraft being flown within the UK at or below 3,000 feet above mean sea level and within Class D airspace from the requirements of SERA.5001 (VMC visibility and distance from cloud minima) Table S5-1 and SERA.5005(a) (visual flight rules) of the Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 923/2012 of 26 September 2012 (Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA)) when it is flying in accordance with the conditions in paragraph 2.
2) The conditions specified in paragraph 1 are that the aircraft is flown: a) by day only; b) at a speed which, according to its airspeed indicator, is 140 knots or less, to give adequate opportunity to observe other traffic and any obstacles in time to avoid a collision; and, c) clear of cloud, with the surface in sight and: i) if the aircraft is not a helicopter, in a flight visibility of at least 5 km; or ii) if the aircraft is a helicopter, in a flight visibility of at least 1,500 m.
3) This exemption supersedes Official Record Series 4 No.1158, which is revoked.
4) This exemption has effect from the date it is signed until 30 September 2018, both dates inclusive, unless previously revoked.
Mark Swan for the Civil Aviation Authority
29 September 2016
Miscellaneous No: 1195 Regulation (EU) No. 923/2012 Publication date: 29 September 2016 General Exemption E 4312
UK Civil Aviation Authority Official Record Series 4, No. 1195
29 September 2016 Page 2 of 2
Explanatory Notes:
1) This exemption does not include exemption from the requirements of SERA.5005(b) (Visual Flight Rules).
2) As defined in Schedule 1 of the Air Navigation Order 2016, ‘with the surface in sight’ means with the flight crew being able to see sufficient surface features or surface illumination to enable the flight crew to maintain the aircraft in a desired attitude without reference to any flight instrument and ‘when the surface is not in sight’ is to be construed accordingly
Official Record Series 4
United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority
The latest version of this document is available in electronic format at Publications | UK Civil Aviation Authority, where you may also register for e-mail notification of amendments.
29 September 2016 Page 1 of 2
Standardised European Rules of the Air - Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) Visibility and Distance from Cloud Minima within Class D Airspace
1) The Civil Aviation Authority, on behalf of the United Kingdom, with the consent of the Secretary of State for Transport and pursuant to article 14(4) of Regulation (EC) No. 216/2008 of 20 February 2008, exempts any aircraft being flown within the UK at or below 3,000 feet above mean sea level and within Class D airspace from the requirements of SERA.5001 (VMC visibility and distance from cloud minima) Table S5-1 and SERA.5005(a) (visual flight rules) of the Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 923/2012 of 26 September 2012 (Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA)) when it is flying in accordance with the conditions in paragraph 2.
2) The conditions specified in paragraph 1 are that the aircraft is flown: a) by day only; b) at a speed which, according to its airspeed indicator, is 140 knots or less, to give adequate opportunity to observe other traffic and any obstacles in time to avoid a collision; and, c) clear of cloud, with the surface in sight and: i) if the aircraft is not a helicopter, in a flight visibility of at least 5 km; or ii) if the aircraft is a helicopter, in a flight visibility of at least 1,500 m.
3) This exemption supersedes Official Record Series 4 No.1158, which is revoked.
4) This exemption has effect from the date it is signed until 30 September 2018, both dates inclusive, unless previously revoked.
Mark Swan for the Civil Aviation Authority
29 September 2016
Miscellaneous No: 1195 Regulation (EU) No. 923/2012 Publication date: 29 September 2016 General Exemption E 4312
UK Civil Aviation Authority Official Record Series 4, No. 1195
29 September 2016 Page 2 of 2
Explanatory Notes:
1) This exemption does not include exemption from the requirements of SERA.5005(b) (Visual Flight Rules).
2) As defined in Schedule 1 of the Air Navigation Order 2016, ‘with the surface in sight’ means with the flight crew being able to see sufficient surface features or surface illumination to enable the flight crew to maintain the aircraft in a desired attitude without reference to any flight instrument and ‘when the surface is not in sight’ is to be construed accordingly
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The relevant rules, according to SERA, AIR NAVIGATION ORDER 2009 AND RULES OF THE AIR REGULATIONS 2015 - CONSOLIDATION are:
"SERA.5005 Visual Flight Rules
(a) Except when operating as a special VFR flight, VFR flights shall be conducted so that the aircraft is flown in conditions of visibility and distance from clouds equal to or greater than those specified in Table S5-1.
(b) Except when a special VFR clearance is obtained from an air traffic control unit, VFR flights shall not take off or land at an aerodrome within a control zone, or enter the aerodrome traffic zone or aerodrome traffic circuit when the reported meteorological conditions at that aerodrome are below the following minima: (1) the ceiling is less than 450 m (1 500 ft); or (2) the ground visibility is less than 5 km"
"SERA.5005 Visual Flight Rules
(a) Except when operating as a special VFR flight, VFR flights shall be conducted so that the aircraft is flown in conditions of visibility and distance from clouds equal to or greater than those specified in Table S5-1.
(b) Except when a special VFR clearance is obtained from an air traffic control unit, VFR flights shall not take off or land at an aerodrome within a control zone, or enter the aerodrome traffic zone or aerodrome traffic circuit when the reported meteorological conditions at that aerodrome are below the following minima: (1) the ceiling is less than 450 m (1 500 ft); or (2) the ground visibility is less than 5 km"
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Does this mean that the much more restrictive VFR rules do not apply (at least until 30 September 2018 and by day at less than 140 knots) if you are flying through Class D airspace but DO apply if your are actually landing or taking off from an aerodrome (including one not controlling the airspace?!) within the airspace or entering an ATZ or circuit?
Anyone care to confirm this interpretation?
Anyone care to confirm this interpretation?
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Does this mean that the much more restrictive VFR rules do not apply (at least until 30 September 2018 and by day at less than 140 knots) if you are flying through Class D airspace but DO apply if your are actually landing or taking off from an aerodrome (including one not controlling the airspace?!) within the airspace or entering an ATZ or circuit?
Anyone care to confirm this interpretation?
Anyone care to confirm this interpretation?
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Standard Noise has stated on the ATC forum this evening that:
"As of today, the CAA have amended that to allow pilots to determine their own conditions at the unlicensed strips/non-met reporting airfields/field/side of a hill etc on the grounds that they will have some experience in Met gained when going through their PPL training."
I am tying to confirm this.
"As of today, the CAA have amended that to allow pilots to determine their own conditions at the unlicensed strips/non-met reporting airfields/field/side of a hill etc on the grounds that they will have some experience in Met gained when going through their PPL training."
I am tying to confirm this.
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OK. Published on CAA website today- see below. Only thing I am not clear about is the implementation date 24/4/17 or 5/5/17?
Supplementary Instruction (SI) CAP 493 MATS Part 1 Safety and Airspace Regulation Group Intelligence, Strategy and Policy
Page 1 of 23
Number: 2017/02 Issued: 21 April 2017 Version: 5 Effective Date: See Paragraphs 3.1 & 3.2
6A. Class D
6A.1 When the reported meteorological conditions at aerodromes in Class D airspace reduce below a ground visibility of 5 km and / or a cloud ceiling of 1500 ft, both by day or night, ATC shall advise pilots of aircraft intending to operate under VFR to or from such aerodromes, and request the pilot to specify the type of clearance required.
6A.2 Except for helicopters using Police; Helimed; Rescue; Electricity; Grid; Powerline, or Pipeline callsigns, or a SAR training flight operating in accordance with MATS Part 2, controllers shall not issue any further VFR clearances to aircraft wishing to operate in accordance with VFR to or from an aerodrome, or enter the aerodrome traffic zone, or aerodrome traffic circuit, of an aerodrome within Class D airspace when the official meteorological report at that aerodrome indicates, by day or night, a ground visibility less than 5 km and / or a cloud ceiling less than 1500 ft (SERA.5005(b)(1)&(2)
Note 2: UK General Exemption ORS4 No. 1195 enables the pilot in command of an aircraft to transit Class D airspace in accordance with VFR by day, remaining clear of cloud with surface in sight and an indicated airspeed of 140 kt or less, with a flight visibility of 5 km or for helicopters, a flight visibility of 1500 m. Except for commanders of a Powerline, Pipeline, Police, Helimed, or SAR helicopters, which operate in accordance with their respective ORS4, this exemption does not enable the pilot in command of an aircraft to transit an aerodrome traffic zone or aerodrome traffic circuit within a control zone, when the official meteorological report at that aerodrome indicates the values specified in paragraph 6A.2.
6A.4 Procedures for operations into subsidiary aerodromes will be found in MATS Part 2.
Note 1: For the purpose of observing the meteorological conditions at an uncontrolled and/or unlicenced aerodrome or operating site located within a control zone, and assessing whether those conditions satisfy the minima specified in SERA.5005(b) and SERA.5010(c) as appropriate, the Civil Aviation Authority deems the following to be competent to act as ‘accredited observers’ as required within Regulation (EU) 923/2012 Article 2(82) for their flight:
(a) The holders of valid EASA Flight Crew Licences, valid National Flight Crew Licences and Certificates issued by, or on behalf of, the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority, and third country licences deemed valid in accordance with Article 150 of the Air Navigation Order 2016; and
(b) A student pilot-in-command (SPIC) who has passed the theoretical knowledge examination in meteorology toward the grant of a EASA Flight Crew Licence or National Flight Crew Licence or Certificate issued by, or on behalf of, the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority within the preceding two years.
Supplementary Instruction (SI) CAP 493 MATS Part 1 Safety and Airspace Regulation Group Intelligence, Strategy and Policy
Page 1 of 23
Number: 2017/02 Issued: 21 April 2017 Version: 5 Effective Date: See Paragraphs 3.1 & 3.2
6A. Class D
6A.1 When the reported meteorological conditions at aerodromes in Class D airspace reduce below a ground visibility of 5 km and / or a cloud ceiling of 1500 ft, both by day or night, ATC shall advise pilots of aircraft intending to operate under VFR to or from such aerodromes, and request the pilot to specify the type of clearance required.
6A.2 Except for helicopters using Police; Helimed; Rescue; Electricity; Grid; Powerline, or Pipeline callsigns, or a SAR training flight operating in accordance with MATS Part 2, controllers shall not issue any further VFR clearances to aircraft wishing to operate in accordance with VFR to or from an aerodrome, or enter the aerodrome traffic zone, or aerodrome traffic circuit, of an aerodrome within Class D airspace when the official meteorological report at that aerodrome indicates, by day or night, a ground visibility less than 5 km and / or a cloud ceiling less than 1500 ft (SERA.5005(b)(1)&(2)
Note 2: UK General Exemption ORS4 No. 1195 enables the pilot in command of an aircraft to transit Class D airspace in accordance with VFR by day, remaining clear of cloud with surface in sight and an indicated airspeed of 140 kt or less, with a flight visibility of 5 km or for helicopters, a flight visibility of 1500 m. Except for commanders of a Powerline, Pipeline, Police, Helimed, or SAR helicopters, which operate in accordance with their respective ORS4, this exemption does not enable the pilot in command of an aircraft to transit an aerodrome traffic zone or aerodrome traffic circuit within a control zone, when the official meteorological report at that aerodrome indicates the values specified in paragraph 6A.2.
6A.4 Procedures for operations into subsidiary aerodromes will be found in MATS Part 2.
Note 1: For the purpose of observing the meteorological conditions at an uncontrolled and/or unlicenced aerodrome or operating site located within a control zone, and assessing whether those conditions satisfy the minima specified in SERA.5005(b) and SERA.5010(c) as appropriate, the Civil Aviation Authority deems the following to be competent to act as ‘accredited observers’ as required within Regulation (EU) 923/2012 Article 2(82) for their flight:
(a) The holders of valid EASA Flight Crew Licences, valid National Flight Crew Licences and Certificates issued by, or on behalf of, the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority, and third country licences deemed valid in accordance with Article 150 of the Air Navigation Order 2016; and
(b) A student pilot-in-command (SPIC) who has passed the theoretical knowledge examination in meteorology toward the grant of a EASA Flight Crew Licence or National Flight Crew Licence or Certificate issued by, or on behalf of, the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority within the preceding two years.
