EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations restrict flying in airspace in the vicinity of London Stansted Airport, as specified in regulation 3.
They require any aircraft flying in the specified airspace to operate secondary surveillance radar equipment which includes a pressure altitude reporting transponder, or to be issued a clearance to fly in the specified airspace by an appropriate controlling authority if not fitted with such equipment. The transponder must be operating in Mode A and Mode C and have the capability and functionality prescribed for Mode S Elementary Surveillance.
These Regulations are effective in relation to the specified airspace until 6th April 2012, by which time the requirement for aircraft to be fitted with secondary surveillance radar equipment having Mode S capability and functionality is expected to be contained in separate legislation.
A general exemption valid until 31st March 2012 for Visual Flight Rule flights by aircraft equipped with Mode A/C is contained in the Civil Aviation Authority’s Official Record Series 4 (ref. ORS4 No. 670), published on 31st January 2008, which can be viewed at: www.caa.co.uk/publications.
Infringements of Controlled Airspace, mainly by general aviation aircraft, including gliders, have continued to rise, particularly in the vicinity of the London Stansted Control Zone. NATS, the air traffic service provider at London Stansted has formally requested that the Directorate of Airspace Policy (DAP) designate two portions of Class G airspace (currently below Class D Controlled Airspace and aligned with the final approach at either end of the runway) as Transponder Mandatory Zones. The procedures outlined in these Regulations are considered by DAP significantly to enhance aircraft and passenger safety by improving the known air traffic environment in areas that currently do not require aircraft to operate secondary surveillance radar equipment. The Department for Transport has endorsed the request for this restriction.
Full details of the contents of this Statutory Instrument will be promulgated by Aeronautical Information Circular and NOTAM.
Further enquiries of the Civil Aviation Authority may be made of Mr M M Lee, DAP Airspace Specialist 7, Telephone 020 7453 6587.