FIA 2024 - Blackbushe Procedures
The Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2024 returns from 15th-26th July 2024. With it comes some Temporary Restricted Airspace or RA(T) which has some impact on the way we operate at Blackbushe.
THE Restricted airspace (temporary)
This year’s RA(T) is simpler than in previous years. It is a 3NM circle centred on Farnborough. It therefore lies entirely within their CTR1, although it does overlap with our LFA
There are no restrictions on Blackbushe operations that remain outside of Controlled Airspace and the RA(T). The following only apply to aircraft requiring the use of the Blackbushe Local Flying Area (LFA). Therefore, helicopter circuits which remain outside of the LFA and CTR are not affected.
RA(T) PROCEDURES
The RA(T) will be restricted to a couple of hours per day. See the schedule below.
During RA(T) operation, the following apply:
Minimum pilot in charge qualification (P1) – PPL with Flight Radio Telephony Operators Licence for operations requiring the use of the LFA. No student solo circuits during RA(T) activated times.
All aircraft operating within the LFA may continue provided they operate at a height of not above 800ft whilst in the LFA. Aircraft joining on the deadside must ensure they have descended to this height in good time.
Joining traffic will be keep a tight circuit and operate at a height of not above 800 feet whilst within the LFA portion of the ATZ.
Departures from Runway 07 that require entry to the LFA will operate at a height of not above 800 feet whilst within the RA(T)
Blackbushe will be instructed to cease operations for a Red Arrows display (notified by NOTAM) and may be instructed to cease operations because of a request from a display pilot, the Chairman of the Flying Control Committee (CFCC) or NATS General Manager or for other operational need.
Aircraft will comply with regulations applicable to flying in a RA(T).
Airshow display pilots will be briefed not to fly below 1800ft AGL when north of the M3 motorway and will be advised that Blackbushe will be active as part of the daily briefings.
SVFR operations are only permitted within the LFA with the permission of the CFCC through the VCR Coordinator.
ATS ROUTE NETWORK ARRIVALS / DEPARTURES DURING AIRSHOW PERIODS
During the Airshow period there will be times when the ATS Route Network is not available for arriving aircraft using a Farnborough STAR. These times will be promulgated and it is advised that operators should consider using alternative routings / times to avoid interaction with the airshow RA(T).
It is likely that UKFMP will impose flow regulations on the Farnborough Wessex Group (of which Blackbushe is a part) to ensure a safe delivery of traffic.
ATS Route Network departures will be handled in accordance with current procedures, however, delays are to be expected during Display Periods.
SCHEDULE FOR DISPLAY RA(T)
PRACTICE WEEK (ALL TIMES UTC)
MONDAY 15 JULY: 1200z-1300z; 1400z-1500z
TUE 16 & WED 17 JULY: 0830z-0930z; 1200z-1300z; 1400z-1500z
THU 18 & FRI 19 JULY: 0800z-0930z; 1230z-1530z
WEEKEND BACKUPS (WILL ONLY BE USED IF VALIDATION NOT COMPLETED EARLIER IN WEEK):
SATURDAY 20 JULY: 1400z-1530z
SUNDAY 21 JULY: 0800z-0930z
AIRSHOW WEEK
MONDAY 22 JULY: 1200z-1530z
TUE 23, WED 24, & THU 25 JULY: 1245z-1615z
FRIDAY 26 JULY: 1100z-1530z