Controlled Airspace Classes UK - confusion
 

Hi guys,

Currently brushing up before I start my multi engine ground school course, and getting myself a bit confused...

Having revisited the Airspace Classification, I think I've got an handle on what it's all about:

Classes of airspace are there to tell you what is the minimum Air traffic service you'd expect to receive/comply to in controlled airspace- correct?

What is confusing me is this:

For Class D Airspace, via ICAO definitions:

" Aircraft operating under IFR and SVFR are separated from each other, and are given traffic information in respect of VFR flights. "

What is the point in this? Why would telling someone who is flying IFR the location of VFR traffic they can't see help them? Surely they would also be under radar ATS control if flying within Class D Airspace, so they couldn't take any action based on that information?

Thank you for any insight!

You can be IFR and be in IMC or VMC.

Todger

It gets even more confusing in the real world UK. Controllers in Class D airspace do not want to be on the receiving end of a TCAS RA Occurrence Report so will invariably provide some form of separation between VFR and IFR. Does not absolve you from see and avoid, but it does make things a lot easier after you qualify!

Thanks for the responses guys,

RedBullGaveMeWings, "Just because you fly under IFR it doesn't mean you don't have to look outside.", I think this is where my knowledge is breaking down.

I've been looking for definitions of VFR / IFR, but generally get nebulous, waffling paragraphs online. I thought IFR essentially means flying on instruments with no reference out the window? While VFR means flying visually on attitudes, and navigating visually.

Do you have a definition for VFR/IFR?

IFR means you're adhering to a certain set of rules (instrument ones). You could fly an entire IFR flight in glorious sunshine (IFR in VMC). But if you had to, you'd go into cloud (IFR in IMC), fly using your instruments panel, and land using the ILS.

VFR,you can't go into IMC. Gotta stay VMC. And obey the Visual Flight Rules.