active 2020-12-03 - Edinburgh (EGPH), Glasgow (PF), Prestwick (PK) - Scottish TMA Local Areas, 3 NM Buffer and the GDA

[VATSIM UK Operations]

Effective 02 December 2020

 

The upcoming Scottish vMATS and local documentation establishes Local Areas for each of the main Scottish TMA airfields. Previously known as an RMA for both Edinburgh and Glasgow, the Local Area is for the purpose of vectoring inbounds and - when worked by APC - the manoeuvring of outbounds.

Within the Local Areas for Prestwick (EGPK), Glasgow (EGPF) and Edinburgh (EGPH) airfields, as shown in Figure 1 below, responsibility for Air Traffic Services (ATS) is delegated to their respective Approach Radar units – when online – from DB to 6000 feet.

 

Figure 1 - Scottish TMA Airfield Local Areas and 3NM Buffer

 

Release of Inbounds above 6000 feet

The Scottish vMATS APT sections and local vMATS (will) go into more detail, but where aircraft are released to APC from Scottish above 6000 feet and are released by silent handover, said aircraft are released for turn in the general direction of travel until they have descended below 6000 feet. As with an RMA, once inbound traffic enters the Local Area, they shall not be vectored outside of it without coordination.

 

3NM Buffer Zone

A 3NM Buffer Zone is established to ensure separation between traffic being worked by Edinburgh and Glasgow (see Figure 1, above). The buffer is not runway dependent, and may be displayed on the controller display under Display Settings -> Stars -> Edinburgh-Glasgow Buffer in the next sector file release.

 

Glasgow Designated Area (GDA)

In addition to the Local Area as defined above, the GDA is also established, with the lateral extent shown in Figure 2 below.

Figure 2 - Glasgow Designated Area (GDA)

To facilitate arrivals into Glasgow from FOYLE, LOMON, CLYDE and ROBBO, Glasgow APC may – without coordination with Galloway – allow inbound traffic to maintain FL90 in the GDA. Galloway shall thus coordinate all traffic entering the GDA at FL90 or below with Glasgow, who will notify ScAC West/ScAC East (South) as appropriate.

Within the GDA, Glasgow APC is responsible for separating inbound traffic against conflicting outbound traffic and overflying traffic. Departures transferred directly to ScAC West/ScAC East (South) are RFC to FL90 without coordination with Galloway.

 

Documentation Status

The Local Area, Buffer and GDA are documented in the upcoming Scottish and Edinburgh vMATSs. The Glasgow vMATS awaits an update. The sector file will be updated to reflect these procedures.