Remember – Take 2
Give yourself a safety margin:
- 2NM from the edge
- 200 feet above or below
- increase 200 feet for turbulence or thermic conditions
In many of the airspace infringement occurrences reviewed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, lapses in conducting effective pre-flight planning were identified as a significant contributory factor in the occurrence.
It is essential that pilots carry out focused and unhurried pre-flight planning considering all aspects of their flight, from procedures required at the departure aerodrome, during the enroute phase, and at the destination aerodrome.
This planning must incorporate the use of regulated aeronautical information products from the NATS Aeronautical Information Service which includes, but not limited to, referencing the UK AIP, the most appropriate VFR charts and all additional information provided on aerodrome specific websites.
When flying a route that requires changes in altitude due to, for example, Control Areas (CTA and TMA), it is good practice to annotate on your chart climb and descent points that take into account the requirements of the airspace and should incorporate the Take 2 guidance (where able, plan to remain at least 2NM from the edge or 200 feet below the base/above the upper limit of the subject airspace); these points should then be noted on your PLOG and added as separate waypoints on your VFR moving map device to act as triggers.
As part of Threat and Error Management, pilots are recommended to maintain adequate separation from notified airspace through the application of the Take 2 guidance to avoid airspace infringements. The suggested 200 feet distance may need to be increased during flights where turbulence or thermic conditions are encountered to prevent inadvertent climbs into controlled airspace.
> Download REMEMBER TAKE2
