Aerospace

CAA launches class D airspace consultation

Posted 15 April 2019

With the requirements for pilots flying visual flight rules (VFR) in class D airspace set to change later this year, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today launched a consultation aimed at those pilots and ATC units likely to be affected by the change.

Above: CAA offices Gatwick.
Copyright CAA

In the UK pilots have been able to use an exemption to the Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA) allowing certain aircraft operating below 3,000 feet to fly ‘clear of cloud’ when in class D airspace. That exemption to the ‘visual metrological conditions (VMC) minima’ will expire in September 2019.

The CAA launched consultation will provide more detail and explore options for the facilitation of non-instrument flight rule (IFR) operations in class D airspace after September. These options explore potential changes to the separation requirements currently applied to aircraft flying under a Special VFR (SVFR) clearance from air traffic control.

Pilots and air traffic control units are strongly encouraged to participate in the consultation, which will be open until the end of May 2019.

The CAA consultation can be accessed here .

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