2024-11-01 to 2024-11-11 – Aberporth/West Wales (EGFA) Radar Opening Restrictions

[VATSIM UK Operations]

Valid 1st November 0001z to 11th November 2359z

During vHelimed’s VSOA Operation ‘Merlin’, controllers with the military approach endorsement may open Aberporth Radar (EGFA_D_APP - 120.835 MHz). Aberporth Radar is responsible for providing Special Use Airspace Activity Information Services (SUAAIS), Low Altitude Radar Services (LARS) to aircraft outside of controlled airspace, and Special Use Airspace Crossing Services (SUACS). Aberporth Radar has a Primary Surveillance Radar, located 2 miles north of West Wales/Aberporth Airport, which can cover up to 66 nm. Aberporth Radar is not a typical APC unit and does not provide approach services to any airports. 

 

The below diagram shows danger areas covered by Aberporth Radar in pink (except D217).

 

Aberporth Radar is responsible for the following danger areas: D201A-K (except E), D202A-D, D133A/B, D115A/B, D117 and D118 on the west coast of Wales. Details of the danger areas can be found in the AIP. UAVs may be flying during the event and will be restricted to the danger areas. They are to be treated as normal aircraft, however will not require approval to enter the zones or be required to contact Aberporth Radar. 

 

Danger Areas are activated by NOTAM (or when a UAV is flying in them), however controllers may use the following times as a guide:

 

D201/202 - 0800-1900

D113/115 - 0730-1600

D117/118 - 0630-1700

 

Aberporth Radar is assigned the following squawk ranges 4521-4527 and 4531-4537.

 

UAVs are reserved 4540-4542.
 

Example Special Use Airspace Crossing Service (SUACS)

‘Aberporth Radar, G-XAVI, request Crossing Service for Danger Area 201’

‘G-XAVI, Aberporth Radar, Danger Area 201 active, remain outside’ or ‘G-XAVI, Aberporth Radar, Danger Area crossing approved between 1130 and 1200, report vacated’. 

 

Example Special Use Airspace Activity Information Service (SUAAIS)

‘Aberporth Radar, G-XAVI, request information for Danger Area 201’ 

‘G-XAVI, Aberporth Radar, Danger Area 201 active, crossing service available on this frequency’ or ‘Danger Area 201 not active’. 

 

More examples can be found in the CAP413 supplementary instruction.

 

In order to avoid confusion with pilots on the network, Aberporth Radar should provide a top down flight information service to West Wales/Aberporth Airport (EGFA) in the absence of West Wales Information (EGFA_I_TWR). Controllers are encouraged to update their controller information/controller ATIS to reflect their responsibilities.