AIRSPACE INFRINGEMENTS Eurocontrol Airspace Infringements Workshop 24 January 2008 Dave Drake UK CAA Directorate of Airspace Policy
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