Basic Service

Basic Service

1.0 Definition

A Basic Service is an ATS provided for the purpose of giving advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights. This may include weather information, changes of serviceability of facilities, conditions at aerodromes, general airspace activity information, and any other information likely to affect safety. The avoidance of other traffic is solely the pilot’s
responsibility.

Basic Service relies on the pilot avoiding other traffic, unaided by controllers/ FISOs. The provider of a Basic Service is not required to monitor the flight.

1.1 Provision

Controllers and FISOs may provide a Basic Service. Controllers may utilise ATS surveillance system-derived information in the provision of a Basic Service.

1.2 Traffic information

Traffic information is not given unless the controller/FISO has information that indicates that there is aerial activity in a particular location that may affect a flight. Where it is practical. They should provide traffic information in general terms to assist with the pilot’s situational awareness. This will not normally be updated by the controller/FISO unless the situation has changed markedly, or the pilot requests an update.

Examples.

  • Intense gliding activity over Smallville.
  • PA28 estimating CPT at 25, altitude 2000 feet.

A controller with access to surveillance-derived information shall avoid the routine provision of traffic information on specific aircraft but may use that information to provide a more detailed warning to the pilot.

Whether traffic information has been provided or not, the pilot remains responsible for collision avoidance without assistance from the controller.

1.3 Deconfliction

Deconfliction is not provided under a Basic Service. If a pilot requires deconfliction advice outside controlled airspace, Deconfliction Service shall be requested.

1.4 Terrain

Basic Service is available at all levels and the pilot remains responsible for terrain clearance at all times. Agreements may be made with pilots to fly at any level, without the requirement for a reminder of terrain clearance responsibility to be passed to the pilot.

1.5 Headings

Unless the pilot has entered into an agreement with a controller to maintain a specific course of action, a pilot may change heading or routeing without advising the controller. Other than for the purposes of identification, a controller shall not issue specific heading instructions; however, generic navigational assistance may be provided on request. The controller is not obliged to provide such assistance and the pilot must not rely on its provision as part of a Basic Service.

Generic navigational assistance may include information relative to the position of significant navigational features and information on routeings as requested by the pilot. Alternative routeings may be suggested to assist the pilot in remaining clear of notified airspace reservations, e.g. “Suggest re-route to the west to remain clear of active danger area”

1.6 Levels

Unless the pilot has entered into an agreement with a controller to maintain a specific level or level band, a pilot may change level without advising the controller/FISO.