Special VFR in the Blackbushe LFA
On 11th March 2021 ORS4 No 1467 comes into effect which enables “autonomous Special VFR” within the Blackbushe LFA. In addition an AIP Supplement has been published to notify of this change.
The background to this exemption, is that since the introduction of the Farnborough Controlled Airspace in February 2020, most of the Blackbushe circuit lies within Class D airspace. SERA 5001, ENR 1.2, and SERA 8005 (b) (5) between them place higher weather minima on circuit traffic, and when operating Special VFR, limit this to just one aircraft at a time.
The exemption as published enables multiple aircraft to operate under Special VFR simultaneously without needing to be separated from Farnborough.
NEW RULES & PROCEDURES
Our airport Rules & Procedures have been updated to v6. All pilots should read these and ensure they are aware of the changes.
There is a lot of detail there, and most of it is the result of comprehensive risk assessments covering lots of different types of flights. It’s unlikely that this exemption will be relied upon very often.
KEY POINTS
The key points to bear in mind when operating are:
Special VFR minima are linked to the EGLF METAR. They are not pilot interpreted.
If the cloud ceiling drops below 1,500ft, or the ground visibility is less than 5,000m, SVFR rules apply.
SVFR circuits are limited to 3 at a time plus one joining or departing aircraft. If you are joining, anticipate that you may be asked to standby whilst the FISO tries to arrange a circuit slot for you.
All aircraft must be below 1,500ft in the LFA at all times during SVFR.
Standard VFR clearances are unavailable during SVFR, aircraft will need to depart to the North West, remain outside CAS, and freecall EGLF Radar for a clearance to transit.
Joining aircraft will not be able to cross from the EGLF CTR into the EGLK ATZ, and so will need to route to the North West, and join from that direction.
There are lots of types of IFR operations that will require the LFA to be “secured”. If the Blackbushe FISO relays an instruction from EGLF that SVFR is to be suspended, all aircraft will be required to land on the next approach, or vacate the LFA and ATZ to the North West, avoiding CAS and noise abatement areas.
Listen carefully to the information provided by the FISO, and they will provide you with reminders of the rules and procedures where necessary to avoid an infringement.