14 August 2015
Policy Statement
POLICY FOR RADIO MANDATORY ZONES AND TRANSPONDER MANDATORY ZONES
1 Introduction
1.1 This document details the policy and guidance for the establishment and operations within Radio and Transponder Mandatory Zones (RMZs/TMZs).
1.2 The CAA’s statutory obligations within reference A include the need to ‘satisfy the requirements of all airspace users’, and to ‘secure the most efficient use of airspace consistent with the safe operation of aircraft and expeditious flow of air traffic’1. This has enabled the principle that the least restrictive categorisation of airspace should be the norm in UK airspace design, with more restrictive classifications only being established where necessary when the safety need is clearly demonstrated.
1.3 Where additional measures to enhance flight safety are required, but the establishment of a more restrictive classification of airspace is not warranted, proportionate measures are necessary. Such measures include the establishment of either an RMZ or a TMZ. The creation of an RMZ/TMZ allows the airspace to retain its original classification, yet also allows for enhanced situational awareness for all users and for ATC. This therefore increases safety for all aircraft flying in that block of airspace while imposing minimal additional restrictions.
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