temporary instruction 2024-04-20 - CTP Westbound 2024 - Departure Flow Control

[VATSIM UK Operations]

Effective 20 April 2024 - 1030-1600Z

 

Introduction

For Cross The Pond Westbound 2024 we are once again collaborating with our colleagues in the ECFMP (European Collaboration & Flow Management Project) to implement flow control measures aimed at controlling demand at event airfields and overlying area control sectors to improve both the pilot and controller experience.

As a Westbound event these measures are with the aim of controlling outbound flow to event destination airfields within the Americas. A reminder at this point that this traffic is strongly discouraged from flying at all due to the additional massive logistical challenges it poses. However, for those that choose to ignore this request, there will be subject to delays and re-routes as coordinated with ECFMP.

All non-event traffic which is routing across the Atlantic will be subject to mandatory flow control by ECFMP from 10:30Z.

Other measures may be implemented on an ad-hoc basis to control flow and demand elsewhere within the UK and European network.

 

UK FMP

At least one of our team will be online as EGLL_FMP / EGLL_A_FMP / EGLL_B_FMP and available in the TeamSpeak channel “UK FMP”. You can contact them via either method.

 

Non-Event Traffic Crossing the Atlantic

All non-event traffic intending to route across the Atlantic is subject to mandatory release by UK FMP and a mandatory level cap of FL290 across the ocean. In practice, as this traffic is routing eastbound, its cruise level should be capped at FL280 if departing from the UK.

As soon as possible, these flights must be notified to UK FMP by the airport delivery controller or top-down position. The controller shall pass the aircraft callsign, route and a requested take-off time. Please ask the pilot for an estimate of their takeoff time if their flightplan’s takeoff time is unrealistic. Where Area Control is providing a top-down service, UK FMP will attempt to proactively identify and contact non-event traffic to reduce controller workload.

The UK FMP will upload the relevant flight information to the ECFMP and put the flight on request. The ECFMP will approve the flight with an ECFMP Slot and once this has been done the UK FMP will: 

• Amend the aircraft flight plan as necessary
• Inform the pilot of any route/level changes (NB: This is not the ATC clearance)
• Inform the requesting controller of the release and CTOT.
• Inform the requesting controller whether a route change or level change has been issued.

The requesting controller will:

• Insert the ECFMP Slot into the EuroScope Departure List Slot field
• Provide the ATC clearance on the amended route/level (and will not issue clearance contrary)
• Inform the pilot of the ECFMP Slot and any delay 

Start the aircraft such that it will depart in the window of -5/+10 minutes relative to the assigned slot.

Non-event traffic on affected routes must not be allowed to depart without a departure release from the UK FMP and must depart within the assigned slot window (-5/+10 minutes). If non-event traffic misses its slot then a new slot must be obtained from UK FMP.

ATC clearances should not be passed until the UK FMP has confirmed the route with ECFMP as all routes will be amended.

 

Other Flow Control Measures

Other flow control measures will be notified in discord in the #flow_measures channel. The UK FMP may remind controllers of important flow measures when issued, subject to their workload.

The following flow measures are already agreed (this list will be updated if required)

1 - Traffic from London TMA, Farnborough Group and Severn Group airfields to the Scottish or Belfast TMAs will be capped at FL280

2 - Traffic from Scottish or Belfast TMAs to London TMA, Farnborough Group and Severn Group airfields will be capped at FL270

 

Controller Handovers

Controllers are reminded of the importance of notifying incoming controllers of any and all active flow control measures at controller handover.