CAA approves establishment of Stansted Transponder Mandatory Zones (TMZs) airspace change proposal

In January 2009 NATS consulted with the aviation community and local authorities on its proposal to establish a TMZ in accordance with the CAA’s Airspace Change Process.

The proposal was designed to solely enhance safety and the airspace classification (Class G) will remain unchanged. NATS states that the change will provide a more informed ATC environment allowing controllers to see the altitudes of aircraft, which will help reduce the impact of airspace infringements.

The TMZs will extend from surface level to the base of controlled airspace (1,500 feet) beneath the Stansted Control Areas (CTAs) to the northeast and southwest of the airport.

This proposal includes arrangements under which the requirements of local airspace users will be accommodated. In addition, access is permitted to any aircraft which is operating a fully functioning pressure altitude reporting transponder in accordance with the CAA’s TMZ Policy Statement or to those aircraft which the aircraft commander has obtained permission from the air traffic control unit at Stansted Airport, Farnborough Radar, or Essex Radar, as may be appropriate, to enter the restricted airspace.

Assistant Director at the CAA’s Directorate of Airspace Polic,y Phil Roberts said: “Airspace infringements continue to be one of the most significant safety risks in UK airspace. The CAA has therefore approved NATS’ proposal to implement the TMZs around one of the worst affected areas of airspace at Stansted with the aim of helping to reduce infringements.”
Statutory Instruments (SI)

Stansted’s TMZs are implemented by means of The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (London Stansted Airport) (No. 2) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2020) which come into force on 24th September 2009. The SI will be available from 28 July 2009 at:
 

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 27-Jul-09