active 2025-02-20 - Manchester (EGCC) - Changes to the Low Level Route

[VATSIM UK Operations]

Effective 20th February 2025

The Manchester Low Level Route (MLLR) is being replaced by a new Restricted Area, the North West Transit Corridor (NWTC). The MLLR as Class D airspace had special rules to allow aircraft to fly through without receiving a clearance. In order to reduce the risk of mid-air collisions and to effectively manage the airspace, the following changes will take effect: 

• The Manchester Low Level Route will now be known as the North West Transit Corridor (NWTC)
• The airspace will be reclassified as Glass G (uncontrolled) 
• A Restricted Area (EGR323) will be implemented, with specific rules for aircraft transiting the corridor
• The corridor will be extended to the east by 0.65 NM 
• The ceiling of the corridor will be raised by 200 ft to altitude 1500 ft (Manchester or Liverpool QNH) 
• Aircraft will not be required to wear a specific squawk, or monitor Manchester Radar.

Figure 1 - New NWTC

The new Restricted Area permits flights operating under the following conditions; 

• Aircraft with a maximum indicated airspeed of 140 knots,
• Minimum visibility of 5 km,
• Maximum certified take-off mass of 40,000 kg,

Police, HEMS, Search and Rescue or Royal Flight Aircraft are exempted from the restrictions.

Manchester Radar (INT South) may continue to provide UK FIS within the corridor, and is encouraged to do so in order to mitigate accidental airspace infringements.

 

Changes to Manchester CTA/CTR delegations

With the changes to the corridor, the responsibility of the Manchester CTA sections has been updated, with Manchester responsible for the CTR portions east of the western edge of the corridor (blue) and Liverpool responsible for the areas to the west (purple).

Figure 2 - Responsibility of Manchester CTA

 

Changes to Liverpool RMA

In order to ensure aircraft remain inside controlled airspace, the bases of area E and F have been raised by 200 ft to altitude 1500 ft. Aircraft should be kept at 2000 ft to ensure 500 ft separation from the base of CAS. 

Figure 3 - Updated Liverpool RMA

Documentation Status
The Manchester and Liverpool vMATS will be updated with these changes at the next release.