Tag Archives: navigation

Air navigation chart

Rules of the Air

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You will all be familiar with The Highway Code. It is essential reading for all who want to pass their driving test in the UK. Well, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) produce a flying equivalent, The Skyway Code.

The Skyway code is free to download from the CAA website. It is packed full of easy to read explanations, diagrams and tips for safe and legal flying. Subjects include Met Reports, Navigation, Radio Communications, Crosswind landings and even flying across international borders. If you prefer to keep the book version for bedtime reading, then we can sell you a copy at the cost price £12.95.

If you are planning to learn to fly and therefore must take the CAA theory exams, the Skyway code will not cover each subject in sufficient detail. But once you have qualified as a PPL it is a fantastic resource for keeping current on most aspects of flying. We recommend every PPL adds this publication to their Christmas list.

The Skyway Code a CAA safety publication for pilots
Luton airspace chart

Flying north? Avoid infringing Luton’s airspace

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Latest CAA Guidance on Infringements: Luton

The CAA continue to highlight problems caused by private pilots accidently infringing controlled airspace.

Flying from Kent to the north of the UK often means routing close to Luton's Class D airspace.  Take a look at the latest CAA advice on keeping clear of the Luton zone, or talk to Luton Radar on 129.550 for transit clearance.

The CAA's Airspace & Safety Initiative website provides a lot of useful information about a number of hotspots for air infringements.  A few moments reviewing this site whilst planning a flight to a new airfield, or using a new route could pay dividends, and save considerable embarassment.  You can also follow the tweets from @airspacesafety for more information and helpful links.

CAA South-East 1:5,000000 chart extract showing Luton
Air navigation chart

Airspace infringements: they are expensive!

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Another update about importance of navigation accuracy.  Airspace infringements can be can cause disruption to other flights, as ATC have to route 'known traffic' clear of unknown interlopers.  They cannot predict what an unknown aircraft will do so have to allow significant separation for flight safety.  Infringements can prove very expensive; you will be tracked, interviewed and maybe prosecuted and fined.

The CAA's Airspace & Safety Initiative website provides a lot of useful information about a number of hotspots for air infringements.    A few moments reviewing this site whilst planning a flight to a new airfield, or using a new route could pay dividends.

Headcorn-based pilots flying to destinations west of us (such as Goodwood, Lee-on-Solent, Compton Abbas, Bembridge or Sandown ) need to take care near the Class D airspace at Solent (Southampton).  The Airspace & Safety website covers clearance through the Solent zone, tips on avoiding infringements, and lists the Visual Reference Points (VRPs) that you need to be able to identify when talking to Solent ATC.

If you're considering transitting south-west of the London control zone (flights around Farnborough, Blackbushe, Thruxton, Fairoaks or Dunsfold) then spending a few moments reviewing the information provided by the CAA about south west London should help you plan a safe and successful flight.

Solent chart

Solent CTA‐2 outlined in red

Note the potential for confusion between the Bagshot mast and the Bagshot VRP

Luton airspace chart

Controlled Airspace

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Infringements of Controlled Airspace are a hot topic within General Aviation, and reviewing real-life experience can provide useful learnings for students and the more experienced pilots alike.  Here's the CAA analysis of an infringement of the  Luton Zone that is well worth a read.  As a result of this aircraft being in the wrong place commercial flights were disrupted to avoid further safety risks.  The Pilot was prosecuted and fined over £7000.

  • Take time over planning, make sure you plot your route with care;
  • Check your equipment - make sure your compass reading is correct;
  • Undertake a gross error check;
  • Beware conformation bias - make sure that waypoint is correct;
  • If in doubt communicate.