In this guide, we will take a closer look at airspaces, airspace classifications and what pilots should know when flying in the UK.
Just like any other sector in the world, the aviation industry is also extremely strict about regulations and, particularly, air law – and for good reasons!
Since the dawn of flight, aviators around the world have iterated better procedures, policies and regulations that have helped make aviation one of the safest industries in the world. Every day, millions of people fly to and from destinations around the globe, and the only thing keeping them safe, apart from the prowess of pilots, is these stringent regulations.
However, air law covers a lot of bases. It not only governs the procedures for how to operate an aircraft but also covers where and when to fly. This is an important factor because it enables modern aviation activities to take place smoothly.
One such air law is regarding airspace. Airspaces, like borders around countries, are invisible lines in the sky. Airspaces help pilots plan routes and avoid restricted airspaces. Several areas in the world are restricted due to security or regulatory reasons and pilots must learn about airspace classifications if they are to perform their duties to the fullest.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at airspaces, airspace classifications and what pilots should know when flying in the UK.
AIR LAW AND AIRSPACE – BASICS
While there are no “air cops” in the skies –pilots are strongly encouraged to fly according to the air law in their country. These laws not only help keep the skies safe but also enable pilots to plan their routes effectively. In the simplest terms, air law establishes legal regulations for flying and ensures safety, order, and compliance in aviation.
It covers legislation from various regulatory authorities such as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) which governs civil aviation in the UK, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which sets global standards, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) which, although, isn’t applicable now post-Brexit, still influences UK aviation regulations.
If you talk about airspaces, there are several categories assigned to certain airspaces to make it easier for pilots to follow regulations. Each category has special requirements that every pilot needs to understand if they are to avoid penalties or worse, suspensions.
The airspaces are classified as: Classes A, B, C, D, and E.
All of these classes require ATC clearance and pilots can be heavily penalised if they enter these airspaces without clearance. It is important to note that some aircraft may not require ATC clearance. For example, uncontrolled Airspace or Class G airspaces don’t require ATC clearance, but pilots must follow VFR rules as applicable during flight.
Finally, there are also restricted or prohibited areas that are completely off-limits and are considered a no-fly zone. These can be, for example, over military buildings or areas occupied by the military.
Air laws are incredibly important for not only enabling smoother flights but also helping pilots stay say. For example, according to air law, an aircraft in distress will always have priority otherwise priority is based on position and manoeuvrability. Pilots are also trained on VFR and IFR rules along with minimum flight altitudes to help them obey these regulations.
Other important topics covered in Air Law include:
- Aircraft documentation such as certificate of airworthiness, registration, radio licence, insurance documents, and pilot licence.
- Aerodrome signals and light gun signals such as flashing green light which signals taxi or take off and steady red which signals stop or give way.
- Emergency codes or Transponder Squawk Codes.
These laws work together to allow pilots to fly in their respective airspace class and enable them to adjust course if there is a change in any airspace mid-flight.
AIRSPACE CLASSIFICATIONS IN THE UK
In the UK, pilots use the ICAO-standard airspace classes (A to G), with some modifications. These classifications determine the level of control, separation, and communication required between aircraft and air traffic control.
Let’s look at each class in detail:
Class A – Most Controlled
Class A airspace is mostly above FL195 or Flight Level 19,500 feet. It is placed on busy airways around London and major airports. This airspace is reserved for Commercial airliners and high-performance IFR traffic only. To fly in Class A airspace, pilots need to hold an Instrument Rating (IR), operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) only and receive full ATC separation from all other aircraft.
The reason why Instrument Rating and Instrument Flight Rules are required is because these flights can take place after dark or in low-visibility conditions, such as during weather phenomena, and pilots need to have the necessary certifications to operate the aircraft without depending on visibility or visual aid.
Furthermore, Class A airspaces don’t permit VFR flights, so this airspace is highly regulated and only specific aircraft with special clearance can fly during specific times.
Class B – Not Used in the UK
The class B airspace is reserved by ICAO for the highest level of control where both IFR and VFR traffic receive full separation. However, Class B airspaces are not implemented in UK Airspace.
Class C – Rare in the UK
Like Class B, Class C is also seldom used and may be reserved for military activities. They are generally not for civilian operations and Class Bs are not common in the UK airspace. They may only be occasionally used for military control zones.
Regardless, this class gets full separation from all aircraft. VFR flights are allowed but must be separated from IFR traffic. It is important to note that Class C airspace also overlaps with Class D which is why they may often be confused but they have specific requirements that set them apart.
Class D – Controlled but VFR-Friendly
Class D, like Class C, is also used for Control Zones or CTRs around regional airports. This airspace gets separated from IFR and VFR flights and pilots must require and receive ATC clearance before entry.
Pilots are also required to always keep a two-way communication and comply with instructions while flying in this airspace class.
Class E – Partially Controlled
Class E is typically placed in Control Areas or CTAs that link lower airspace to larger controlled areas. These airspaces require pilots to take special clearance upon which they receive full separation from other IFR traffic. VFR flights do not require clearance, but pilots are strongly encouraged to maintain two-way radio contact.
Class Es require that pilots keep Squawk transponder code 7000 and listen on relevant frequencies, if not communicating.
Class F – No Longer Used in the UK
Class F was once used for UK airspace but is now considered to be deprecated. These airspaces were for Former Advisory Routes or ADRs and are now generally phased out in favour of Class E or G.
Class G – Uncontrolled Airspace
Class G airspace is usually found below controlled airspaces, especially in rural or low-density traffic areas. Pilots are encouraged to fly as per IFR and VFR and do not require ATC clearance. In most cases, for these rural flights, pilots are responsible for their own separation and must maintain an altitude of below 3,000 feet which is clear of clouds and in sight of the surface with 5 km visibility.
AIRSPACES FOR PRIVATE PILOTS
Private pilots are allowed to fly in airspace classes G, E and D. However, all private pilots must follow the strict regulations for each airspace class and maintain full contact with ATC.
The only airspace private pilots are NOT allowed to fly in is the Class A airspace which is reserved for commercial activities. Pilots must always check airspace classification before their flight and use aeronautical charts or planning tools like mobile apps such as SkyDemon to double-check the airspace they plan to fly in.
All pilots must establish and maintain contact with the ATC as required for controlled airspaces and must follow the minimum equipment and licencing requirements for each class.
ROLE OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL IN AIR LAW AND AIRSPACES
Here is how ATC operations help strengthen and enforce air law for all pilots:
ATC and Safety
ATC operations help govern the sky and improve compliance. We often look at pilots as the primary face of the aviation industry, and while this is true, there is a whole list of secondary and tertiary services that make modern aviation possible. This includes ATC operations.
The reason why travelling via air is the safest form of transportation today is because of the number of redundancies and restrictions placed for the sake of ensuring safety.
Needless to say, aviation is an industry with a lot of inherent risks, but the triumph of the modern age is that humans have been able to create harmony with the elements to make flying the safest way to go from one destination to another.
There are several things that can go wrong. One of the biggest unpredictable factors is the weather. Nature remains a highly fickle variable in aviation and even with modern technology, we still struggle to predict quick weather changes. To be clear, modern meteorology practices make predictions extremely accurate, but there is always a risk for “freak” weather changes, especially with global warming.
This is where ATC comes in. The role of ATC is to direct aircraft in various conditions and guide them safely towards their journey. This includes directing light and commercial aircraft in bad weather conditions or even in severe emergency conditions.
ATC personnel are invisible co-pilots inside the cockpit. They help guide the plane during regular flights and emergencies so that the pilot can only focus on the flight and their aircraft and leave the rest to the ground crew.
Routing as per Air Law
Have you ever wondered how several planes can fly towards one destination and when you look out the window of your plane, you seldom see other planes flying with you? This is because ATC clearly and cleverly assigns special pathways to each plane. Every pilot is given a separate route that does not overlap with other aircraft. This not only enables safer flights but allows several pilots to fly in one direction.
ATC does this by adjusting the altitude and direction of the aircraft. The primary role of ATC is to minimise the workload of the pilot so that they can focus on navigating the aircraft safely. This means allotting a specific route and altitude for them so that they can focus on the skies instead of constantly looking at the onboard guidance instrumentation.
As mentioned above, ATC is also responsible for conveying information about airspace restrictions. Using the most up-to-date information, ATC carefully monitors and directs aircraft away from restricted airspaces.
By providing this information, pilots can make quick and informed decisions. Of course, thanks to the information provided by the ATC, pilots achieve a high level of situational awareness which helps them perform smooth flights.
Emergency Support
ATC is incredibly important in emergencies. Private pilots are often alone in the skies with no one else in the cockpit to help them. This is why they must maintain contact with the ground crew, specifically the ATC for information and guidance.
ATC is more than equipped to help pilots during emergencies. For instance, in the case of engine failure, pilots will likely try to stabilise the plane and then find the nearest airport or landing strip for a smooth touchdown. During this type of emergency, ATC will focus on the aircraft and assign specific ATC personnel to make sure that they can guide pilots smoothly. ATC not only helps them navigate during this time, but they also communicate with the ground crew to make the necessary arrangements for the landing.
For example, during medical emergencies, pilots can relay information to the ATC who will not only assign special and priority access to a nearby runway, but they will also arrange medical personnel so that the pilot or passengers can receive immediate medical attention upon landing.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran. The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on Private Pilot Licences, training requirements, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
Photo by Natalia Fogarty on Unsplash
