AIRSPACE INFRINGEMENTS

Eurocontrol Airspace Infringements Workshop

24 January 2008

Dave DrakeUK CAA Directorate of Airspace Policy

�Can lead to disruption to traffic�Can lead to adverse economic and

environmental impacts

�Can lead to travel delays and inconvenience

�Can lead to loss of separation

�Can lead to Airprox�Can lead to prosecution of pilot

The Problem

So far�No mid-air collisions resulting from an

infringement in UK

BUT

Collision Risk

The Problem

Nature of problem understood �Most UK infringements now reported�Some unreported infringements – number

unknown�Exact scale of the problem remains

unknown

Problem won’t go away

The Problem

�How do you know you have a problem?�How do you know the scale of the

problem?�How do you know how to address the

problem?

The Problem

�ESARR 2 requirement:• States shall ensure that a formal means of

safety reporting and • assessment is implemented for all ATM-

related safety occurrences

• Applies to EUROCONTROL members. • Other ECAC States encouraged to apply

ESARR 2

Reporting System

�ESARR 2 Aim:• Ensure aviation and ATM safety levels can

be monitored and improved

�ESARR 2 Objective:• Implement successful overall national

reporting and assessment scheme

Reporting System

UK Mandatory Occurrence Reporting Scheme (MORS) (predates ESARR 2)

MORS Stats tell us:

�Summer peaks, winter troughs�Random occurrence patterns with ‘hotspots’

�Occasional clusters• e.g. aggressive reporting, specific events

Identifying The Problem

MORS Stats tell us:�On average one reported infringement per

day 1996-2005�Post 2006 more comprehensive reporting

suggests 7 infringements every 4 days

�GA 74%, Military 13%, Unknown 11%, AOC 2%

Identifying The Problem

MOR Stats tell us:� ‘Terminal’ airspace (CTR/CTA/TMA/ATZ)

most infringed environment - 82% in 2006� 90% of all reported infringements in London

FIR

� London TMA area 2006 65% of reports

Identifying The Problem

MOR Stats tell us:� 3% of reported infringements can lead to

Airprox� 10% of infringements can lead to loss of

standard separation

Identifying The Problem

MOR Stats tell us:�GA main infringement airspace user group,

but• Careful with stats as GA movement

numbers unknown

• From GA perspective infringements may not represent significant proportion of GA traffic – AOC and Mil may be proportionally higher

Identifying The Problem

Not Just CAS

�Danger Areas and Restricted Airspace 10% of reported 2007 infringements• Includes infringements of live firing ranges –

DURING FIRING• Disruption of air displays (public events)• AIRPROX and/or display aborts or disruptions

Not Just CAS

�Gliding/Parachuting sites ‘infringed’, ie low overflights, when active• Collision risk to gliders and parchutists• Beware of cable winch sites – cables can kill!• Freefall parachutists difficult to see• Sites clearly marked on VFR charts

�Navigational error inc GPS programming error

�Pilot lost or unsure of position

� Incorrect chart detail�Pilot failed to check NOTAMs

�Pilot entered CAS without clearance

Causal Factors

�Pilot failed to remain clear of CAS having been told to do so

�Pilot entered CAS following instruction to 'standby'

�Pilot ‘too busy’ to contact ATC�Pilot disorientated or distracted

�Comms difficulties

Causal Factors

But not all pilot issues……�Confused over ATC procedures or airspace�Aircraft in receipt of service from adjacent

ATS unit/ATC error

�Pilot error compounded by late co-ordination from ATC unit controlling aircraft in question

Causal Factors

‘On Track’ Project�CAA-sponsored investigation into causes of

infringements� Led by non-CAA pilots

�Comment from GA community sought� Input via letter, e-mail – confidential,

anonymous

� ‘On Track’ Report published 2003

Tackling the Problem

Airspace Infringement Working Group:�CAA/GA/MOD/NATS�Monitor infringements, identify trends�Recommend remedial action

� Awareness material� Identify need for any regulatory solutions

�Contribute to CAA/NATS/MOD Airspace & Safety Initiative work

Tackling the Problem

�Encourage ATC to engage with airspace users

�Encourage pilots to improve airmanship

Tackling the Problem

CAA advice and best practice publicity� publications� briefings

� posters� press releases

• airspace and procedural changes• ‘airmanship’ issues

Tackling the Problem

�www.flyontrack.co.uk�CAA-funded, GASCO-managed�On Track report material�Feedback forum and advice to pilots�Radar replays� Links to Flight Safety material

Tackling the Problem

The General AviationAirspace Infringements

Website

�Pilot awareness• Requires buy-in – serves mutual interests

• National and local awareness campaigns� Regulator/NATS co-ordination of effort

• Local pilot briefings� Visit adjacent airfields� Encourage pilots/groups to visit ATC

Tackling the Problem

�Pilots• Navigation is a skill, needs to be practised• Use correct RT phraseology• Thorough pre-flight planning• Cross the airspace only in receipt of a

crossing clearance.• ‘Standby’ not an ATC clearance • Call ATC and squawk when lost or

uncertain of position.

Tackling the Problem

Tackling the Problem

�Pilots• Pass on best practice to less experienced

pilots• Help fellow pilots become aware of procedural

and airspace changes• Encourage a sense of ‘airmanship’ among

fellow pilots• Help improve club or aerodrome briefing

facilities• Encourage proper use of these

�ATC awareness• Requires buy-in – serves mutual interests

• Understand airspace user requirements• Understand airspace user operating

constraints

• National and local awareness campaigns• Information exchange with local airspace

users

Tackling the Problem

If you’ve got a transponder –don’t be afraid to use it:It helps TCASIt helps ATC

Tackling the ProblemOnline VFR Guide� Where to find aeronautical information� Airspace Classifications and Visual Flight Rules� Airspace subject to Flight Restrictions and

Hazards� Air Traffic Rules and Services� Altimeter Setting Procedures� RT and SSR Operating Procedures� amended in line with AIRAC dates

Tackling the ProblemVFR Guide Supplements� Aids to VFR navigation in and around airport CAS� Each contains map including key features (roads,

rivers, railways, airspace boundaries). � Includes aerial photographs, navaid information,

VRP details, links to relevant AIP sections, AICs

Tackling the Problem

�AIS website•AIP

•AICs

•NOTAMs

•Latest info

�User guide widely available

Tackling the ProblemAIS Information Line 0500 354802

Tackling the Problem

Prosecution�Infringements CAN lead to prosecution�Exception rather than the rule� 'Formal Conditional Cautions’ - recommendation

for further training as alternative to prosecution�Prosecution decision based on circumstances

�Launched late 2006�Brings together CAA, NATS

and airspace user groups (mostly GA)

�Promote safety initiatives in a co-ordinated manner

�Includes infringements, ATSOCAS, etc

Tackling the Problem

�ASI Communications and Education Programme (ACEP)

�Co-ordinate and make more accessible guidance and awareness material

�www.airspacesafety.com�Launch 14 September 2007

Tackling the Problem

Eurocontrol Infringements initiative:�Eurocontrol can provide conduit for

‘best practice’ so States can learn from the experiences of others

But�Conditions differ between States�Local issues require local solutions

Engagement

Long term effort – regular liaison needed�View airspace users as airspace

‘stakeholders’�Encourage positive approach to resolve

mutual issues� ATC doesn’t want infringements

� Pilots don’t want to infringe

�Work to overcome differences

Engagement

�Infringement problem exists �‘Terminal’ airspace most infringed�GA main infringing airspace user group�Ever-present risk�‘Joint and integrated’ awareness

approach to reduce numbers, mitigate impacts

�Regulatory change as last resort

Summary