2024-09-04 - [Aerodrome] Gatwick and Heathrow SMR Functionality Changes

[VATSIM UK Operations]

Effective 5th September 2024
 

From the above date, and incorporated into the 2024/09 release of the UK Controller Pack, both the Gatwick and Heathrow SMRs simulate geofencing, and in each, planes located on stand will not display a primary radar trace or a data block, regardless of the SSR code set.
 

At these two aerodromes only, aircraft on stand will now be shown with a small diamond instead of a primary radar trace (yellow plane-shaped symbol):
 

 

As per our previous guidance here, controllers are reminded that they should be vigilant when issuing pushback instructions to aircraft, ensuring that the stand number has been confirmed by the pilot, alongside confirming the assigned stand in the pushback clearance. 

“BAW123, stand 545 right, request push and start.”

“BIG JET 347, stand 545 right, push and start approved, face North”

Thanks to @Alice Ford for updating vSMR to add new functionalities. Any vSMR feature requests can be added to the fork on GitHub.

Controllers wishing to retain the old, unrealistic functionality may do so by utilising the vSMR profiles menu, where the old profiles have been retained.