The presentation of TRAs and other airspace notifications in the AIP and through NOTAMS tends to be set out in a way that is convenient for the author but is ineffective as a source for airspace users. This is particularly important for the VFR user where there is no intermediate service provider to translate the source data into a more useful format as is usually the case in commercial operations. This represents an airspace safety hazard.
Although significant airspace reservations which are planned well ahead are commonly depicted in the AIP the presentation is usually an IFR-type chart, centred on the airport or facility in question and showing its position from that viewpoint. However, the VFR user needs to be able to understand the reservation as viewed from outside the airspace and for the VFR pilot this increases workload and infringement risk. The VFR user is familiar with CAA topographical charts but these are rarely used to depict airspace reservations.
Shorter term airspace reservations are described only by text only NOTAMS and whilst that is legally sufficient it is of little direct value for navigation and manual plotting is difficult on plastic-surfaced charts and is prone to error.
FASVIG would review the human factors issues for airspace users related to the way airspace reservations are promulgated or depicted and propose changes to improve airspace safety.
