NATS proposal to the CAA re Glasgow airspace.

All,

NATS have agreed to changes to their proposal which they will present to the CAA once the consultation has closed on 24th March. The existing proposal is to re-classify the Class E sector between Edinburgh and Glasgow to Class D with a base level of 2500ft. Broadly speaking none of the existing boundaries change but the proposed classification and base levels will change. NATS have agreed to amend their proposal to the CAA following the consultation process as outlined below. The amendments listed are from Stephen Patterson - NATS' airspace designer for this proposal. Comments in brackets are mine.

"... 1.raising a significant portion of the proposed base of Class D in the northern area by 500ft within proposed lateral boundaries. (i.e. Base of Class D 3000ft over Gargunnock extending down the Carron Valley to Denny)

2. raising a significant proportion of the proposed base of Class D in the southern region by 1000ft within proposed lateral boundaries. (Base of class D at 3500ft as far N as Larkhall/Calder). 3. reclassification of a substantial volume of current Class D Glasgow CTR to the south from Class D to Class G from SFC up to 6000ft. (I have requested clarification of the boundaries of this proposed class G and will post the response once I receive it.) ..."

With regard to a central corridor NATS feel "unable to share the airspace with current technologies available to non radio users". They have rejected all proposals from the gliding communities (Sailplane and foot-launched aircraft) for a central corridor. This does not prevent negotiation of agreements in the future but the discussion has effectively stopped for the purposes of this consultation.

I have attached a roughed out plan of the proposals which Stephen Patterson has provided but it is only a guide and in no way final or binding. Stephen has to get back to me with some answers regarding base levels and boundaries so I may not be able to field questions on that at the moment.

Glasgow NATS have indicated a willingness to discuss provisions for gliding in the north (Gargunnock) through LOAs with the local Ochils club who manage this site. These provisions would be to allow for extended access for XC flight in the area that will be somewhat curtailed by the proposed Class D base of 3000ft.

Some details still have to be confirmed but NATS have indicated that after consultation with all aspects of GA including gliding communities via the BGA, SHPF, local clubs and individual meetings these amendments are as far as they can go in amending their proposal to the CAA to accommodate non-radio gliding traffic whilst maintaining the original purpose.

The Ochils club have indicated their support for the proposals with the new provisions.

If you have read this far then you have enough interest in what's happening to have an opinion. Please write in either on the open forum or privately to me and make your opinion known. At the very least send a simple "Agree" or "Disagree" to indicate your position with regard to the amended proposal.

Cheers,

Steve Durkin

Email Steve with your response.

Here is a link to the final consulation document