The Process
One of the most complex and pressing aspects of airspace modernisation is the need to redesign flightpaths, to make the most of the capabilities of modern aircraft and navigational technology that have been developed in recent decades.
The Airspace Modernisation Strategy is a guiding vision set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Department for Transport (DfT). It asks the main airports to redesign their airspace (below 7000ft) and for NATS, the UK’s main navigation service provider, to modernise the network that sits above, known as en-route airspace.
To do this, airports and NATS are developing individual Airspace Change Proposals (ACPs). When developing these, they’re required to follow the Airspace Change process known as the CAP1616.
ACOG was established to co-ordinate these changes through an Airspace Masterplan.
This will provide detailed information on each ACP, any potential areas of overlap and what trade-offs may be necessary to ensure they fit together seamlessly.
The Masterplan is being delivered in a series of iterations as more information becomes available.
After the final is published, it will be up to the CAA and DfT to assess and track the delivery of the changes.
The Masterplan
The Airspace Change Organising Group (ACOG) has been commissioned by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to create a single coordinated implementation plan – or Masterplan – for the interdependent airspace change proposals in the UK. The purpose of the Masterplan is to identify where airspace changes are needed to support the delivery of the Airspace Modernisation Strategy.
The changes that make up the Masterplan will upgrade the airspace design and help achieve the airspace modernisation objectives.
The Masterplan coordinates but does not determine changes to the airspace design – it will not set out the new airspace designs, these must be developed by a sponsor of airspace change.
It will then be for the Department for Transport and the CAA to assess and track the delivery of this Masterplan.
Airspace Change Process
Sponsors of airspace change (usually airports and NATS) must follow the CAA’s Airspace Change Proposal process (‘CAP 1616’) for making airspace changes.
The process involves numerous stages and places great importance on engaging and consulting with a wide range of stakeholders. The CAA is responsible for assessing proposals and in most cases, deciding whether to approve or reject them.
The ACPs required to deliver modernisation are coordinated by ACOG, which was set up to prepare the Masterplan.
This process ensures that when the CAA decides whether to approve an individual ACP, it does so in an impartial and evidence-based way that takes proper account of the needs and interests of all affected stakeholders and with appropriate consultation.