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Classifications & Division
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Division of Airspace:
UK Airspace is divided into two Flight Information Regions (FIR's). At and above FL245, this is known as the Upper Flight Information Region and below FL245, it is known as the Lower Flight Information region.
Classification of Airspace:
The classification of airspace determines which flight rules apply and the minimum services that are to be provided in that airspace. There are 7 types of airspace in the UK; A to G, A being the most restrictive and G being the least restrictive.
Class A:
- IFR Only
- ATC Clearance before entry
- Comply with ATC Instructions
- All aircraft are separated from each other
VFR flights are not permitted in Class A airspace - Special VFR is permitted in Class A Control Zones.
Class A airspace in the UK can be found in the London and Channel Island Control Zones and airways above FL245.
Class B:
- IFR and VFR
- ATC Clearance before entry
- Comply with ATC Instructions
- All aircraft are separated from each other
There is currently no Class B airspace located within the UK.
Class C:
- IFR and VFR
- ATC Clearance before entry
- Comply with ATC Instructions
- IFR flights separated from other IFR and VFR flights
- VFR flights separated from IFR flights
- Traffic Information on VFR flights passed to VFR flights, with avoidance advice if requested
Class C airspace in the UK can be found in airways between FL195 and FL245.
Class D:
- IFR and VFR
- ATC Clearance before entry
- Comply with ATC Instructions
- IFR flights separated from other IFR flights
- Traffic Information on VFR flights passed to IFR flights, with avoidance advice if requested
- Traffic Information on VFR flights and IFR flights passed to other VFR flights
Class D airspace in the UK can be found in most control zones around airports.
Class E:
- IFR and VFR
- IFR flights obtain clearance before entry
- IFR flights comply with ATC Instructions
- IFR flights separated from other IFR flights
- Traffic Information on VFR flights passed to IFR flights, as far as practicable
- VFR Flights in contact to be given traffic information as far as practicable
VFR flights do not have to be in contact, or require an ATC clearance in Class E airspace. Class E airspace in the UK can be found in the Newcastle control zone, and the Scottish TMA.
Class F:
- IFR and VFR
- Participating IFR flights comply with ATC instructions
- Participating IFR flights separated from each other
Class F airspace can be found on Advisory Routes in Scotland and Northern England.
Class G:
- IFR and VFR
Class G airspace is Uncontrolled Airspace - More than half of the UK airspace is class G, and can be found all around the country.