Airspace

In this lesson, we shall cover the basics of airspace.

Airspace Classes

We have classes A, C, D, F and G in the UK. Below is an image that shows the VMC Minima and other information about the classifications of airspace.

Sherburn is within class G airspace, so we must be able to fly at or below 3000ft AMSL or 1000ft above the terrain clear of cloud and in sight of the surface. We cannot fly VFR if we cannot do any part of that.

You can see above that to operate within class D airspace we need ATC clearance, what to say is covered in the ATC phraseology lesson. Airspace is not 2D it’s 3D you can fly under it, around it over it and through it. Let’s take a look at the Leeds Bradford class D airspace.

1: Minimum altitude 3000ft maximum altitude 8500ft.
So as long as we stay below 2500ft we can fly under this controlled airspace.

2: Minimum altitude 2500ft maximum altitude 8500ft.
So as long as we stay below 2000ft we can fly under this controlled airspace.

3: Minimum altitude 2500ft maximum altitude 8500ft.
So as long as we stay below 2000ft we can fly under this controlled airspace.

4: Minimum altitude 0ft maximum altitude 8500ft. CTZ (Control Zone)
You must contact the controllers and request to transit the controlled airspace.

4: Minimum altitude 0ft maximum altitude 2000ft. ATZ (Aerodrome Traffic Zone)
You must contact the controllers and request to transit the controlled airspace.

To ensure you remain outside controlled airspace deduct 500ft at least like I have done, so if the lower limit is 3000ft fly at 2500ft.

If no controller is available, you may proceed. Class A is above the Leeds Bradford controlled airspace, and you cannot fly over the Leeds Bradford controlled airspace.

UK Airspace Types

Control Zones (CTZ). The smallest circuit around the airport, 2NM when the longest runway is 1850 m or less or 2.5 m when the longest runway is more than 1850 m. Aerodrome Control Zones afford protection to aircraft within the immediate vicinity of aerodromes such as circuits.

Control Areas (CTA). Control Areas are situated above the Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ) and afford protection over a larger area to a specified upper limit.

Terminal Control Areas are normally established at the junction of airways in the vicinity of one or more major aerodromes.

The London Terminal Control Area is an example of this and deals with air traffic arriving and departing from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, London City, Northolt, Biggin Hill, Southend, Farnborough and other minor airfields in the London area.

Airways. Airways are corridors of airspace connecting the Control Areas and link up with airways in other countries too. Airways are normally 10 miles wide and have bases usually between 5,000 feet and 7,000 feet and they extend upward to a height of 24,500 feet.

Upper Air Routes. Upper air routes (UARs) sit above airways. Their vertical limits are usually FL 250 (25,000 feet) – FL 460 (46,000 feet). Civil and military aircraft operating above FL 245  (24,500 feet) are subject to a full and mandatory Air Traffic Control Service. All airspace above 24,500 feet is Class C controlled airspace.

Restricted.  Restricted areas (sometimes called ‘Danger areas’) prevent aircraft from straying into dangerous places. Danger can come from airborne activities, such as military aircraft training or air-to-air refuelling. It can also come from the ground, such as from weapons testing ranges. To ensure efficient use of the airspace, most Restricted areas can be deactivated when they are not in use, allowing other aircraft to then use the airspace.

Whole UK airspace.

I would advise you to look at this link, it’s an image of the whole of the UK and its airspace. Click here.

When planning your routes take into account airspace, if no ATC is online you can transit, and make blind calls on Unicom if required. If ATC is online you will need to request clearance to enter controlled airspace if you wish to do so. If you are unsure about the phraseology check out the ATC transit lesson.