active 2024-07-11 - Glasgow (EGPF) - Overview of Changes

[VATSIM UK Operations]

Effective 11th July 2024

The Glasgow vMATS was released this cycle, after not being revised for over 4 years. In doing so, we have brought it into our current format and standards. This post is to highlight some of the changes and signpost members to the vMATS, as the changes are substantial.

Departing IFR Traffic

The new vMATS includes our standardised UK speed table and a route separation time of 2 minutes (similar to Edinburgh). This removes the use of 1 minute departure separations at Glasgow. 

Flight level capping and delay absorption procedures are specified, similar to the rest of our major vMATS releases. 

Departure handover orders have been expanded to match our current Scottish sectorisation. 

VFR and SVFR Traffic

GMC at Glasgow is permitted to issue standard VFR departures via the entry/exit lanes, with restrictions and squawk codes to be applied. Coordination for VFR/SVFR departures is updated, with INT retaining responsibility for all VFR/SVFR departures and arrivals, and FIN being notified of circuits and coordinating missed approaches.

Radar

Inbound procedures for Glasgow are updated in line with the Scottish vMATS. Controllers should read APC Chapter 3 for full details. Key points to highlight include:

- Glasgow must prioritise issuing descent below agreed levels to facilitate subsequent arrivals

- Vectoring is permitted for all traffic released on own navigation (plus arrivals via TRN released on a heading with an abbreviated release) in the same general direction and towards the runway in use.

- Descent below release level is permitted for all traffic, so long as it does not enter another Local Area or buffer zone. When descending below MSL, Glasgow is responsible for separation against all Glasgow departures.

- Traffic via LANAK must be descended to 6000 ft or below before it crosses the boundary between Talla/Galloway (available in the sector file, or Local Area Diagrams)

- Traffic via STIRA must be descended to 6000 ft or below before it crosses the boundary between ScAC South (Tay) and Galloway (available in the sector file, or Local Area Diagrams)

- Traffic via FOYLE/ROBBO/LOMON/FYNER must enter the ‘Glasgow Designated Area’ at FL90 or below

 

Glasgow (INT) is responsible for departure separation:

- In the Glasgow Designated Area (FL90 and below)

- All inbounds below MSL against departures

- All non-standard departures

- LUSIV/TRN departures from runway 05 (subject to departure release) against arrivals

- TLA departures from runway 05 (subject to departure release) against LANAK inbounds (on release)

 

 

Vectoring for runway 23 is subject to special vectoring procedures involving the Campsie line. Descent below 3500 ft is subject to conditions laid out in APC 3.8.3.

Diagrams

Figure 1 - Glasgow Local Area

 

Documentation Status
The Glasgow vMATS is released with these changes.

 

Edited July 12 by Kieran Hardern