Gatwick |
Traffic should normally be received by FIN descending to altitude 4000ft (QNH) at 220kts. If any non standard altitudes or speeds are used, FIN should have been informed about these when the aircraft was transferred.
The minimum radar separation between aircraft is 3nm however 2.5nm radar
separation may also be used under certain circumstances. These are:
- The second aircraft of any given pair is within 15nm of the threshold
- When established on the ILS localiser or on a closing heading to establish on
the ILS localiser
- Appropriate vortex spacing is not required between the 2 pairs
- Windshear is not being reported
- Aircraft involved in the procedure are being operated normally
Do not confuse 2.5nm radar separation and 2.5nm spacing. 2.5nm radar separation may be used by FIN all the time, but unless 2.5nm spacing has been approved by the tower, the aircraft must be 3nm apart on the ILS before being handed off to the tower.
The minimum spacing between aircraft is 3nm unless there are vortex implications. There are occasions when the tower may authorise 2.5nm spacing. Gatwick has special permission from the CAA to use reduced vortex spacing on final approach. The final approach vortex spacing to be used by Gatwick Approach is:
| Super | Super | 4 |
| Heavy | 6 | |
| Upper Medium | 7 | |
| Lower Medium | 7 | |
| Small | 7 | |
| Light | 8 | |
Heavy |
Super | 4 |
Heavy |
4 |
|
Upper Medium |
5 |
|
Lower Medium |
5 |
|
Small |
6 |
|
Light |
7 |
|
Upper Medium |
Upper Medium |
3 |
Lower Medium |
4 |
|
Small |
4 |
|
Light |
6 |
|
Lower Medium |
Small |
3 |
Light |
5 |
|
Small |
Small |
3 |
Light |
4 |
Upper Medium aircraft are B707, B757, DC8, IL62 and VC10
Lower Medium are all other medium aircraft
Gatwick directors are to provide the minimum radar spacing or vortex wake spacing between aircraft unless otherwise requested by AIR. A 6 mile gap will enable 1 aircraft to depart. An 8 mile gap will enable 2 aircraft to depart.
During the night, different spacing requirements are used. These are:
- Between 2230 local and 2330 local = 6nm (or vortex)
- Between 2330 local and 0600 local = 12nm
A minimum of 15nm must be used between a known emergency aircraft and any traffic following it on final approach. The tower will be responsible for determining the required gap.
Aircraft that are established on the localiser may be cleared to descend on
the glidepath from altitudes up to and including 5000ft QNH.
Aircraft can not be descended below 3000ft until within 11nm from touchdown
Aircraft can not be descended below 2500ft until within 9nm from touchdown
Aircraft can not be descended below 2000ft until within 7nm from touchdown
FIN is responsible for carrying out SRA's. SRA's with advisory heights on a 3 degree glidepath terminating at 2nm from touchdown are approved for all runways.