Eurocontrol Unveils Toolkit to Help Prevent Airspace Infringements

September 21, 2006 // Published as a news service by IHS

The toolkit:

• Identifies best practices in the implementation of short-term solutions in this risk safety area.
• Provides guidance and support material for the establishment of dedicated Airspace Infringement Working Groups.
• Aims to help create briefings for air traffic controllers and GA pilots.
• Offers guidance on airspace structure reviews.

The toolkit was developed as part of the Eurocontrol Airspace Infringement Initiative launched at the end of 2005 with the objective of developing a Europe-wide action plan by early 2008 to reduce the risk of airspace infringements.

According to Eurocontrol, the kit identifies a set of initial actions that have been agreed upon for immediate implementation to help reduce both the number of airspace infringements caused by GA aircraft and the associated level of risk.

The main focus of the safety initiative is the infringement of controlled airspace - International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) airspace classes A to E - infringements of other airspace, such as restricted or prohibited areas, also will be addressed.

While airspace infringement cannot occur in class E airspace since clearance is not required for visual flight rules (VFR) flights to penetrate this airspace, the serious incidents which have occurred between instrument flight rules (IFR) and VFR flights deserve dedicated effort as well, Eurocontrol said.

Eurocontrol developed the toolkit with assistance from European civil aviation authorities, air navigation service providers and military authorities.

Source: Eurocontrol.