IVAO Ireland > Controllers > Airspace System > Controlled Airspace

Controlled Airspace


Controlled Airspace Uncontrolled Airspace Division & Classifications RVSM

General

Controlled Airspace is an airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control service is provided in accordance with the airspace classification.

Services

There are 3 services available in controlled airspace:

  • Air Traffic Control Service
  • Flight Information Service
  • Alerting Service

Air Traffic Control Service:

Air Traffic Control Service may be provided to aircraft operating IFR, SVFR or VFR. When providing the service controllers issue instructions to which:

  • Pilots of aircraft operating IFR are required to comply, and
  • Pilots of aircraft operating SVFR or VFR will comply unless they advise the controller otherwise.

Flight Information Service:

A Flight Information Service (FIS) is a non-radar service provided, either separately or in conjunction with other services, for the purposes of supplying information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights. Under a FIS the following conditions apply:

  • Provision of the service includes information about weather, changes of serviceability of facilities, conditions at aerodromes and any other information pertinent to safety.
  • The controller may attempt to identify the flight for monitoring and co-ordination purposes only. Such identification does not imply that a radar service is being provided or that the controller will continuously monitor the flight.
  • Pilots must be left in no doubt that they are not receiving a radar service.
  • Controllers are not responsible for separating or sequencing aircraft.

Alerting Service:

An alerting service is provided to notify appropriate organisations regarding aircraft in need of search and rescue aid, and assist such organisations as required.

Flight Level Allocation

IFR Traffic:

In Irish airspace up to FL290, the semi circular rule shall apply. From FL290 up to FL410, cruising levels are allocated according to the RVSM system.

  • Eastbound: FL130, FL150, FL170, ... FL310, FL330, FL350, FL370 etc.
  • Westbound: FL120, FL140, FL160, ... FL320, FL340, FL360, FL380 etc.

Cruising levels above FL410 up to FL660 shall be selected according to the semi circular rule, therefore, flight levels available are:

  • Eastbound: FL410, FL450, FL490 etc.
  • Westbound: FL430, FL470, FL510 etc.

VFR Traffic:

Unless authorised by the appropriate ATS authority, controlled VFR flights shall not be operated above FL200.

  • Eastbound: FL75, FL95, FL115, ... FL175, FL195
  • Westbound: FL85, FL105, FL125, ... FL165, FL185