Andy
Thompson attended the meeting on Tuesday on behalf of LAGAUA to hear
the details of the proposal from Hawarden for an RMZ (Radio Mandatory
Zone). Thanks to Andy, I pass on to you the feedback.
“Firstly
the staff at Hawarden are very aware of the type of traffic in the area
and want it to remain class G. However due to increased traffic,
particularly the Belugas, they really need to be aware of what a pilots
intentions are. This will help them coordinate with traffic coming in
and out of Hawarden better.
There is still a consultation process going on and they are actively listening to pilots comments and their concerns.
Following
on from previous feedback the proposed RMZ area has now been reduced.
LLandegla is no longer in the RMZ, but more importantly to Liverpool
users the Chester VRP is now outside the RMZ too.
The
amended design is much better for us Liverpool users as traffic going
north/south via Chester will not need to contact Hawarden. However if
you go to Chester then turn west for Wales you would need to contact
them – I think this would be rare for Liverpool users as they would
normally go via Neston to reach Wales.
For
those aircraft which are non-radio equipped, there will be a telephone
line available to pre-arrange a transit before taking off. I don’t
think this would apply to users of Liverpool who already have radios
anyway.
The
controllers at Hawarden have no power to control you at all – you are
still in class G. However they may request that you route a certain way
to avoid traffic, the pilot is under no legal obligation to comply
Finally,
the RMZ will be proposed to the CAA in early 2015 with a view to
becoming active later in the year. When the RMZ is active anyone
transiting the area without establishing radio communications (i.e. a
basic service at least) will be prosecuted under the ANO.”
