in controlled airspace what set of standards ensures aircraft are safely seperated?
each aircraft is seperated from others by internationally agreed standards
how is international agreed standards for seperation achieved?
by allocating aircraft different heights or issuing headings (vectors) so aircraft can be the same height but a minimum horizontal distance apart
how is aircarft seperated in London Terminal Control Area and Prestwick Lower Airspace?
aircraft operating under radar control must be seperated by 3 nautical miles from others at the same level or seperated by a minimum of 1,000 feet
how is aircraft seperated outside of London terminal control area and Prestwick?
under radar must be 5 nautical miles apart at the same level or seperated by 1,000 feet up to FL290. Above this 1000 feet can be provided up to FL410 if aircraft has RVSM rules otherwise 2000 feet applied
what is RVSM?
reduced vertical seperation minima
who introduced RVSM and what does it allow?
NATS was at the forefront of introducing RVSM enabling more aircraft to fly through airspace where RVSM is allowed
what enables aircraft to use reduced vertical seperation minima?
aircraft that have had their altimetre checked to a high degree of accuracy and that can comply with other strict criteria
what can aircraft do with RVSM on Atlantic track structure?
cross the atlantic track structure with only 1000 feet seperation from FL290 and below FL410
