
Example Airport |
The Birmingham Control Zone and Control Area are both Class D airspace. The
rules for VFR flights within this airspace are:
- Remain at least 1500 metres horizontally and 1000ft vertically away from cloud
and in a flight visibility of at least 5km
- Fixed wing aircraft at speeds of 140kts or less are to remain clear of cloud,
in sight of the surface and in a flight visibility of 5km
- Helicopters are to remain clear of cloud and in sight of the surface
SSR Code allocation
Birmingham SSR code allocation is 0401 - 0420.
Visual Circuit
Circuits should be flown to the North East of the field (right hand from runway 33, left hand from runway 15). Circuit height is 1000ft.
Only 1 SVFR aircraft is permitted in the circuit at a time. When an SVFR aircraft is in the circuit, INT must give a 20nm range check on the next IFR inbound. The SVFR aircraft will then be told to land or vacate the zone to ensure standard separation between the SVFR and IFR inbounds is achieved.
VFR Fixed Wing inbound/outbound
VFR Fixed wing inbounds must enter the CTR with a clearance to fly not above 2000ft via general compass point directions towards the BHX NDB. Outbound aircraft may exit the CTR via the quickest, direct route.
VFR Fixed Wing transit
VFR Fixed wing transits must not penetrate the ATZ without approval from AIR. They should transit via the BHX overhead. Whilst within the ATZ, the aircraft must be on the AIR frequency to allow traffic information to be passed.
VFR Helicopter traffic
VFR helicopter traffic can be treated in the same way as VFR fixed wing traffic. Helicopters will generally not use the runways.
Special VFR
Special VFR flights may be authorised in the Birmingham CTR however should be discouraged as far as possible due to the requirement to provide standard separation between other SVFR and IFR flights. SVFR transits must route via the overhead and remain clear of the ILS and climbout. SVFR clearances to operate within the Birmingham CTR, for the purpose of proceeding to or from the airport are not to be granted to fixed wing aircraft if the reported visibility at the airport is less than 3km or the reported cloud ceiling is less than 1000ft.
Air Traffic Services Outside Controlled Airspace (ATSOCA)
ATSOCA may be given provided that it does not adversely affect operations at Birmingham
A RAS or radar vectors under a RIS can only be given to aircraft operating between 2500ft QNH and FL100 within 30nm of the airfield. A radar service outside of 30nm must not be given.