Belfast Aldergrove |
The Belfast Control Zone and Control Area are both Class D airspace. The
rules for VFR flights within this airspace are:
- Remain at least 1500 metres horizontally and 1000ft vertically away from cloud
and in a flight visibility of at least 5km
- Fixed wing aircraft at speeds of 140kts or less are to remain clear of cloud,
in sight of the surface and in a flight visibility of 5km
- Helicopters are to remain clear of cloud and in sight of the surface
SSR Code allocation
Aldergrove SSR code allocation is 7030 - 7047
VFR inbound/outbound
Pilots inbound to Aldergrove
under VFR must contact Aldergrove Approach Control and request clearance to
enter the Belfast CTR/CTA at least 10 minutes before reaching the CTR/CTA
boundary. 7 VRP's have been established for the use of VFR inbound/outbound
aircraft:
- Ballymena
- Cluntoe
- Divis
- Glengormley
- Larne
- Portadown
- Toome
Although not compulsory, aircraft should route via the VRP's where possible. All clearances within the Belfast CTR/CTA will be at not above altitude 2000ft.
VFR Fixed Wing transit
VFR Fixed wing transits must not penetrate the ATZ without approval from AIR. They should transit via the VRP;s and overhead the field. Whilst within the ATZ, the aircraft must be on the AIR frequency to allow traffic information to be passed.
Special VFR
Special VFR flights may be authorised in the Belfast CTR. SVFR clearances to operate within the Belfast CTR, for the purpose of proceeding to or from the airport are not to be granted to fixed wing aircraft if the reported visibility at the airport is less than 3km or the reported cloud ceiling is less than 1000ft.
Air Traffic Services Outside Controlled Airspace (ATSOCA)
ATSOCA may be given provided that it does not adversely affect operations at Aldergrove.
Controllers must not give a RAS or radar vectors under a RIS to aircraft below 3500ft to the south of the airfield and 3200ft to the north of the airfield, within 25nm from the airfield. A radar service outside of 25nm must not be given.