UK AIP
(8 Mar 12) ENR 1-7-1 ENR 1.7 — ALTIMETER SETTING PROCEDURES
1
Notification
1.1 The Sel Select ected ed Trans Transiti ition on Alti Altitud tudes es list listed ed in in paragr paragraph aph 4 are are notifi notified ed for for the the purpos purposes es of of Rule Rule 34 34 of the Rul Rules es of of the the Air Air Regulations 2007.
2
Introduction
2.1 The Alti Altimet meter er Setti Setting ng Proc Procedu edures res in in use use in the the UK gene general rally ly conf conform orm to to those those cont contain ained ed in ICA ICAO O Doc Doc 8168-P 8168-PANS ANS OPS OPS/61 /611 1 and Doc 4444-PANS ATM/501. ATM/501. Differences are in bold bold.. 2.2 The purp purpose ose of of these these proce procedur dures es is to to provid provide e pilots pilots with with suit suitabl able e pressu pressure re infor informat mation ion whic which h will will assist assist them them in in mainta maintaini ining ng adequate terrain clearance and also to ensure a safe standard of flight separation by the general use of altimeters set at 1013.2 mb.
3
General Procedures
3.1
The Tra Transi nsitio tion n Altit Altitude ude wit within hin the UK UK is 300 3000 0 ft exce except pt in, in, or ben beneat eath, h, that that Airs Airspac pace e speci specifie fied d at para paragra graph ph 4.1. 4.1.
3.2 3.2 Trans Tra nsit itio ion n Altitu Altitude des s are sho shown wn in the the aerod aerodrom rome e direc director tory y in AD AD 2.17 2.17 as well well as on on aerod aerodrom rome e Approa Approach ch and and ATC ATC Surveillance Minimum Altitude Charts. 3.3 The ver vertic tical al posi positio tion n of airc aircraf raftt at, or belo below, w, any any Tran Transit sition ion Alt Altitu itude de will will nor normal mally ly be be expre express ssed ed in in terms terms of Alti Altitud tude. e. The vertical position at, or above, any Transition Level will will normally be expressed in terms of Flight Level. When descending through the Transition Layer the vertical position will be expressed expressed in terms of Altitude, and when climbing in terms of Flight Level. It should not be assumed that separation exists between the Transition Altitude and the Transition Level. 3.4 Flight Fli ght Lev Levels els are mea measur sured ed with with ref refere erence nce to the the Stan Standar dard d Press Pressure ure dat datum um of of 1013. 1013.2 2 mb. mb. In the the UK, UK, cons consecu ecutiv tive e Fligh Flightt Levels above the Transition Level are separated by pressure intervals corresponding to 500 ft in the ISA; at and above FL 200, by pressure levels corresponding corresponding to 1000 ft (except in an active TRA where 500 ft pressure levels levels are applied up to FL 245). FL 195 will not be allocated as a cruising level. 3.5 QNH and tem temper peratu ature re repor reports ts for for cert certain ain aer aerodr odrome omes s are are given given in MET MET broa broadca dcasts sts and can als also o be obt obtain ained ed from from ATS Units. These QNH values are rounded down to the nearest whole millibar but are available at certain aerodromes in tenths of millibars for landing aircraft on request. 3.6
Altime Alt imeter ter set settin ting g proc procedu edures res at mil milita itary ry aer aerodr odrome omes s may may var vary y from from tho those se det detail ailed ed in in this this sec sectio tion. n.
3.7 Altimeter Setting Regions (ASR). To make up for any lack of stations reporting actual QNH, the UK has been divided into a number of ASRs for each of which the National Meteorological Office calculates the lowest forecast QNH (Regional Pressure Setting) for each hour. These values are available available hourly for the period H+1 to H+2 and may be obtained from all aerodromes aerodromes having an Air Traffic Service, from London AC (Swanwick) and Scottish AC (Prestwick), or by telephone. 3.8 The ASR ASRs s are are lis listed ted bel below ow tog togethe etherr with with the MET Off Office ice Code Codes. s. The area cov covered ered by the Regi Regions ons are sho shown wn on the combined Flight Information Region (FIR) and ASR Chart at ENR 6-1-7-1. Skerry (01) Portree (02) Rattray (03) Tyne (04) Belfast (05)
Holyhead (07) Barnsley (08) Humber (09) Scillies (10) Wessex (11)
Chatham (12) Portland (13) Yarmouth (14) Cotswold (15) Shetland (16)
Orkney (17) Marlin (18) Petrel (19) Skua (20) Puffin (21)
3.9 Airspa Air space ce with within in all all Contr Control ol Zones Zones (CTR (CTRs), s), and and withi within n and bel below ow all all Termi Terminal nal Con Contro troll Areas Areas (TMAs (TMAs), ), Contr Control ol Area Areas s (CTAs (CTAs)) except Airways and the Worthing and Clacton Control Areas, during their notified hours of operation, does not form part of the ASR Regional Pressure Setting system. 3.10 3.10 When Whe n flying flying in in Airspa Airspace ce below below TMAs TMAs and and CTAs CTAs detail detailed ed above above,, pilots pilots shou should ld use use the QNH QNH of an adjac adjacent ent aerod aerodrom rome e when flying at or below the Transition Altitude. Altitude. It may be assumed that for aerodromes located located beneath such Areas, the differences differences in the QNH values are insignificant. insignificant. When flying beneath Airways whose whose base levels are expressed as Altitudes Altitudes pilots are recommended to use the QNH of an adjacent aerodrome in order to avoid penetrating the base of Controlled Airspace. 3.11
Within With in the the Channe Channell Islands Islands Contr Control ol Zone, Zone, the lowes lowestt forecas forecastt QNH QNH value value is avail available able for terrain terrain clea clearance rance purpo purposes. ses.
3.12 3.12 Pilots Pil ots oper operati ating ng north north of of 6130N 6130N withi within n the Airs Airspac pace e detail detailed ed at ENR ENR 2-2 2-2-1-1-1 1 when when not recei receivin ving g a service service from from Sumb Sumburg urgh h Radar are advised to set the Puffin Regional Pressure Setting as the pressure datum whilst flying at or below 3000 ft. 3.13 3.1 3
The QNH set settin tings gs to to be use used d withi within n the the North Northern ern Nort North h Sea Sea Radar Radar Ser Servic vice e Areas Areas are sho shown wn at at ENR ENR 6-1 6-1-15 -15-1. -1.
Civil Aviation Authority
AMDT 3/12
ENR 1-7-2R (8 Mar 12)
UK AIP ENR 1.7 — ALTIMETER SETTING PROCEDURES
4
Selected Transition Altitudes
4.1
The following Transition Altitudes apply to flights within or beneath the following Airspace:
Aberdeen CTR/CTA Belfast CTR/TMA Birmingham CTR/CTA Bristol CTR/CTA Cardiff CTR/CTA Clacton CTA Daventry CTA Doncaster Sheffield CTR/CTA Durham Tees Valley CTR/CTA East Midlands CTR/CTA Edinburgh CTR/CTA
6000 ft 6000 ft 6000 ft 6000 ft 6000 ft 6000 ft 6000 ft 5000 ft 6000 ft † 6000 ft 6000 ft
Glasgow CTR/CTA Leeds Bradford CTR/CTA Liverpool CTR/CTA London TMA Manchester TMA Newcastle CTR/CTA Norwich CTR/CTA Scottish TMA Solent CTA Sumburgh CTR/CTA Worthing CTA
† Note:
Outside the notified hours of operation the Transition Altitude is 3000 ft.
5
Detailed Procedures
5.1
Take-off and climb
5.1.1
A QNH altimeter setting is given with the taxiing clearance prior to take-off.
5.1.2
At UK aerodromes the designated location for pre-flight altimeter checks is the apron.
6000 ft 5000 ft † 5000 ft 6000 ft 5000 ft 6000 ft 3000 ft 6000 ft 6000 ft † 6000 ft † 6000 ft
5.1.3 For all major UK aerodromes, the apron elevation (or the elevation of various parts of an apron where there is significant variation between them) has been determined and the value is displayed in the flight clearance office at the aerodrome concerned. It is also given at AD 2.8. 5.1.4 Within Controlled Airspace a pilot should set one altimeter to the latest Aerodrome QNH prior to take-off. While flying at, or below, the Transition Altitude vertical position will be expressed in terms of altitude based upon the Aerodrome QNH. When cleared for climb to a Flight Level, vertical position will be expressed in terms of Flight Level, unless intermediate altitude reports have been specifically requested by Air Traffic Control. 5.1.5 Outside Controlled Airspace, a pilot may use any desired setting for take-off and climb. However, when under IFR, vertical position must be expressed in terms of Flight Level on climbing through the Transition Altitude. 5.1.6 Pilots taking-off at aerodromes beneath Terminal Control Areas and Control Areas should use aerodrome QNH when flying below the Transition Altitude and beneath these Areas, except that the aerodrome QFE may be used when flying within the circuit. It may be assumed that for aerodromes beneath the same TMA or CTA the differences in their QNH values are insignificant. 5.2
En-route
5.2.1
Within Controlled Airspace
5.2.1.1 At and above the transition level and during en-route flight the aircraft should be flown at Flight Levels. The latest and most appropriate Regional Pressure Setting value is to be used for checking terrain clearance in flight. Aircraft flying in a Control Zone or TMA at an Altitude at or below the Transition Altitude will be given the appropriate QNH setting in their clearance to enter the Zone/TMA. 5.2.2
Outside Controlled Airspace and within Active TRAs
5.2.2.1 In flight at or below 3000 ft amsl, pilots may use any desired setting. However, pilots flying beneath a TMA or CTA should use the QNH of an aerodrome situated beneath that area when flying below the Transition Altitude. It may be assumed that for aerodromes beneath the same TMA or CTA, the differences in the QNH values are insignificant. References to vertical position in flight plans and communications with ATC are to be expressed in terms of altitude. Pilots in flight at or below 3000 ft amsl on an Advisory Route should set altimeters to the appropriate Regional Pressure Setting. 5.2.2.2
Outside Controlled Airspace
(a) IFR. When flying under IFR above the Transition Altitude, pilots must have 1013.2 mb selected on an altimeter and conform to the Quadrantal Rule in accordance with ENR 1-7-4, paragraph 6.1, when flying below FL 195, and the Semi-Circular Rule when flying at and above FL 200. (b) VFR. When flying under VFR, pilots are recommended to conform to the Quadrantal and Semi-Circular Rules, as appropriate. The latest and most appropriate lowest forecast Regional Pressure Setting value should be used for checking terrain clearance. 5.2.2.3
Flight within Active TRAs
(a) IFR. When flying under IFR above the Transition Altitude, pilots must have 1013.2 mb selected on an altimeter and conform to the Quadrantal Rule in accordance with ENR 1-7-4, paragraph 6.1, when flying below FL 245. (b) VFR. When flying under VFR, pilots are recommended to conform to the Quadrantal Rule. The latest and most appropriate lowest forecast Regional Pressure Setting value should be used for checking terrain clearance.
AMDT AIRAC 3/12
Civil Aviation Authority
UK AIP
(10 May 07) ENR 1-7-3 ENR 1.7 — ALTIMETER SETTING PROCEDURES
5.3
Approach and Landing
5.3.1 When an aircraft is descended from a Flight Level to an Altitude preparatory to commencing approach for landing, ATC will pass the appropriate aerodrome QNH. On vacating the Flight Level, the pilot will change to the aerodrome QNH unless further Flight Level vacating reports have been requested by ATC, in which case, the aerodrome QNH will be set following the final Flight Level vacating report. Thereafter, the pilot will continue to fly on the aerodrome QNH until established on final approach. When requested by the pilot or local procedures require, the appropriate QFE and aerodrome or threshold elevation shall also be given. 5.3.2 When carrying out a radar approach, ATC will assume that an aircraft is using QNH on final approach and will include a reminder of the appropriate QNH setting in the RTF phraseology. If the pilot requests to undertake the approach using QFE, then ATC will pass the appropriate QFE and 'height' will be substituted for 'Altitude' in the RTF phraseology. It should be noted that the Obstacle Clearance Height is always given with reference to the aerodrome or threshold elevation. 5.3.3 Pilots landing at aerodromes beneath Terminal Control Areas and Control Areas should use aerodrome QNH when flying below the Transition Altitude and beneath these Areas, except that the aerodrome QFE may be used when flying within the circuit. It may be assumed that for aerodromes within the boundary of the same TMA or CTA, differences in their QNH values are insignificant. 5.3.4 The threshold elevation of each instrument runway that is 7 ft or more below the aerodrome elevation is given at AD 2.12. The barometric pressure setting to be used for landing on such a runway will be passed by ATC as QNH . . . . threshold elevation . . . . , or QFE . . . . threshold . . . . . Note:
At USAF operated aerodromes QFE is not used. All procedures below the Transition Altitude will be based on aerodrome QNH, and all vertical displacements given as altitudes. Aerodrome QFE will be available on request.
5.4
Missed Approach
5.4.1 In the event of a missed approach, pilots may continue to use the altimeter setting selected for final approach, but reference to the vertical position of the aircraft exchanged in communication with ATC should be expressed in terms of altitude on aerodrome QNH, unless otherwise instructed by ATC.
5.5
Flight Planning
5.5.1
The levels at which a flight is to be conducted are to be specified in the flight plan: (a) In terms of flight level numbers for that part of the flight to be conducted at or above the transition level; and (b) in terms of altitudes (ft) for that part of the flight at or below the Transition Altitude.
5.5.2 The flight level or levels selected for a flight should ensure adequate terrain clearance at all points along the route to be flown, should meet Air Traffic Service requirements and should comply with the Quadrantal or Semi-Circular Rule, where applicable. 5.5.3 The information required to determine the lowest flight level to ensure adequate terrain clearance may be obtained from the appropriate Air Traffic Service Unit or Meteorological Office. A chart for converting QNH values to flight levels for this purpose is shown at ENR 1-7-5. 5.5.4 noted.
The Transition Altitude applicable to the aerodromes of departure and destination and for alternate aerodromes should be
5.5.5
Flight levels are to be specified in the flight plan by number and not in terms of ft as is the case with altitudes.
5.5.6 When flight plans are filed for IFR flights above 3000 ft amsl outside Controlled Airspace in the UK, the cruising level must be selected from the appropriate table at paragraph 6.1.
Civil Aviation Authority
AMDT 5/07
ENR 1-7-4 (10 Feb 11)
UK AIP ENR 1.7 — ALTIMETER SETTING PROCEDURES
6
Tables of Cruising Levels
6.1
The cruising levels to be observed when so required are as follows: (a) Within Controlled Airspace in areas where, on the basis of regional air navigation agreement and in accordance with conditions specified therein, a vertical separation minimum (VSM) of 1000 ft (300 m) is applied between FL 290 and FL 410 inclusive (†); IFR Flights at levels below 19500 ft. Magnetic track°
Cruising level
Less than 180°
1000 ft and above at intervals of 2000 ft.
180°but less than 360°
2000 ft and above at intervals of 2000 ft.
IFR Flights at levels above 19500 ft. Magnetic track°
Cruising level
Less than 180°
21000 ft and above at intervals of 2000 ft 41000 ft and above at intervals of 4000 ft.
180°but less than 360°
20000 ft and above at intervals of 2000 ft to 40000 ft 43000 ft and above at intervals of 4000 ft.
(†) Except when, on the basis of regional air navigation agreements, a modified table of cruising levels based on a nominal vertical separation minimum of 300 m (1000 ft) is prescribed for use, under specified conditions, by aircraft operating above FL 410 within designated portions of the airspace. (b) IFR Flights Outside Controlled Airspace above 3000 ft amsl or above the appropriate transition altitude, whichever is the higher. IFR Flights at levels below 19500 ft. Magnetic track°
Cruising level
Less than 090°
Odd thousands of ft
090°but less than 180°
Odd thousands plus 500 ft
180° but less than 270°
Even thousands of ft
270°but less than 360°
Even thousands plus 500 ft
(c) IFR Flights within Active TRAs. IFR Flights within Active TRAs below 24500 ft. Magnetic track°
Cruising level
Less than 090°
Odd thousands of ft
090°but less than 180°
Odd thousands plus 500 ft
180° but less than 270°
Even thousands of ft
270°but less than 360°
Even thousands plus 500 ft
AMDT 2/11
Civil Aviation Authority
UK AIP
(4 Sep 03) ENR 1-7-5
FLIGHT LEVEL GRAPH 1013·2 FLIGHT LEVEL
26000 25000 24000 23000 22000 21000 20000 19000 18000 17000 ) t f ( E16000 D U15000 T I T L14000 A M13000 U M I 12000 N I M11000 10000 9000 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0
950
960
970
980
990 1000 1010 1020 1030 1040mbs
FLIGHT LEVEL
- 3 5 9 2 7 0 2 4 5 - 2 6 9 1 8 0 0 2 4 7 9 9 0 - 1 2 3 5 0 - 8 9 2 3 0 - 3 5 9 2 7 0 2 2 5 - 2 6 9 1 8 0 0 2 2 7 9 9 0 - 1 5 1 2 0 - 8 9 2 1 0 - 3 5 9 2 7 0 5 0 2 - 2 6 9 1 8 0 2 0 0 7 9 9 0 - 1 1 9 5 0 - 8 9 1 9 0 - 3 5 9 2 7 0 5 8 1 - 2 6 9 1 8 0 0 8 1 7 9 9 0 - 1 1 7 5 0 - 8 9 1 7 0 - 3 5 9 2 7 0 5 6 1 - 2 6 9 1 8 0 1 6 0 7 9 9 0 - 1 1 5 5 0 - 8 9 1 5 0 - 3 5 9 2 7 0 1 4 5 - 2 6 9 1 8 0 0 1 4 7 9 9 0 - 1 5 3 1 0 - 8 9 1 3 0 - 3 5 9 2 7 0 5 1 2 - 2 6 9 1 8 0 0 2 1 7 9 9 0 - 1 1 1 5 0 - 8 9 1 1 0 - 3 5 9 2 7 0 5 0 1 - 2 6 9 1 8 0 1 0 0 7 9 9 0 - 1 9 5 0 - 8 9 9 0 - 3 5 9 2 7 0 8 5 6 9 8 0 - 2 1 8 0 7 9 9 0 - 1 5 7 0 - 8 9 7 0 - 3 5 9 2 7 0 5 6 - 2 6 9 1 8 0 6 0 7 9 9 0 - 1 5 5 0 - 8 9 5 0 - 3 5 9 2 7 0 4 5 - 2 6 9 1 8 0 0 4 7 9 9 0 - 1 5 3 0 - 8 9 3 0 - 3 5 9 2 7 0 5 2 - 2 6 9 1 8 0 2 0 7 9 9 0 - 1 1 5 0 - 8 9 1 0
2 8 0 2 7 5 2 7 0 2 6 5 2 6 0 2 5 5 2 5 0 2 4 5 2 4 0 2 3 5 2 3 0 2 2 5 2 2 0 2 1 5 2 1 0 2 0 5 2 0 0 1 9 5 1 9 0 1 8 5 1 8 0 1 7 5 1 7 0 1 6 5 1 6 0 1 5 5 1 5 0 1 4 5 1 4 0 1 3 5 1 3 0 1 2 5 1 2 0 1 1 5 1 1 0 1 0 5 1 0 0 9 5 9 0 8 5 8 0 7 5 7 0 6 5 6 0 5 5 5 0 4 5 4 0
0 5
3 5
0 0
3 0
9 5
2 5
9 0
940
950
960
970
980
990 1000 1010
M A G N E T I C T R A C K
1020 1030 1040 1050mbs
1013·2 26·11·96
Civil Aviation Authority
AMDT 9/03
I N T E N T I O N A L LY
BLANK