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| CAA SEEKS YOUR OPINION ON AIRSPACE |
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| 15th July 2010 |
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As mentioned in the last issue of this magazine, the CAA, NATS and other organisations, that make up the Airspace and Safety Initiative, are beginning a survey of Class G airspace users to find out who we are and what we’re up to. The survey, with which AOPA is closely involved, and is being undertaken because AOPA and others have long complained that airspace changes are made without considering their knock-on effect on the Open FIR. Nnew segments of controlled airspace can have a major effect on traffic in Class G airspace and this has not traditionally been taken into account. In announcing the survey, the CAA says that collecting accurate data “will enable bodies such as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to have better information available when making decisions on issues like airspace design.”
The Authority goes on to say: “The fact that users of Class G airspace are so diverse, ranging from paragliders to civilian operated ex-military jet fighters, and are able to use the airspace without the requirement to register their flight centrally, means that there has historically been very little data collected on what actually occurs. That means decisions on airspace changes and design have to be based on the limited information available, which can result in changes to controlled airspace creating choke points for Class G users."
“In the future, if more accurate data on flights conducted in Class G airspace is available this can be used by airspace designers and will also help to provide a better understanding of areas where safety may be a concern. Better data on the amount of flying undertaken in Class G would also enable more accurate assessments of accident and Airprox data and trends, as the number of incidents can be viewed against an improved understanding of overall activity levels.”
The survey will initially take the form of a feasibility study undertaken by QinetiQ over a six month period. Using computer modelling based on the amount of flying each pilot undertakes, their average type of flight and the weather conditions, a prediction of airspace activity on a given day or time can be generated.
To make the computer model as accurate as possible, they want as many pilots as possible to provide information on the type of flights that they make. A ten-minute online survey has been put together for pilots to complete with their logbook to hand. All information is non-attributable and will only be used for the airspace model.
Phil Roberts, Assistant Director of Airspace Policy at the CAA, says: “The more information we can gather, the more accurate the model will be and the more benefit to GA in terms of influencing airspace changes and helping to remove choke points.”
And Martin Robinson, Chief Executive of AOPA, adds: “Once we have the model up and running, the data it can produce will be extremely useful in showing just how important GA is. It will provide air traffic control organisations and regulators with the true levels of activity when making their proposals and decisions on airspace changes. It is therefore very important that all GA pilots complete the questionnaire.”
The survey can be completed at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/G5Z9BNB
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