4 November 2008
NATS has released a consultation document into its proposals to change airspace around the Manchester Control Zone.
The proposed changes will actually free up some previously controlled (Class D)airspace, and return it back to Class G. It will also create a simplified CTR structure with VRPs which should, according to NATS, ‘enable easier navigation and mitigate against controlled airspace infringements’.
Another aim is to ‘reduce the need for controlled airspace entry clearances thereby reducing controller and pilot workload’.
The proposals are being broadly welcomed by pilots. Although there is some disappointment that more wasn’t able to be done to raise some of the vertical limits, the proposals may make the Low Level Route easier to access.
You can read the full document at <a href=’http://www.nats.co.uk/uploads/user/manchester.pdf.pdf’ target=’_blank’>www.nats.co.uk/uploads/user/manchester.pdf.pdf</a>.
