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