IVAO Ireland > Pilots > Airspace System > Uncontrolled Airspace

Uncontrolled Airspace


Controlled Airspace Uncontrolled Airspace Division & Classifications RVSM

General

Within uncontrolled airspace (Class G) in Ireland, aircraft may operate free of the control of an ATC unit. However all aircraft are required at all times to conduct their activities with regard to the Irish regulations.

When cruising in uncontrolled airspace pilots are advised to monitor continuously the frequency 122.800 and 121.500.

Services

There are 2 types of ATC service available to aircraft outside of controlled airspace:

  • Flight Information Service
  • Alerting Service

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

When cruising above 3000ft from ground or water (AGL) in uncontrolled airspace, aircraft should comply with the semi circular rule. The altimeter should be set to 1013.25hPa and the cruising level is selected according to the table below.

The maximum Flight Level for uncontrolled flights is FL70.

IFR traffic:

  • Eastbound: FL10, FL30, FL50, FL70
  • Westbound: FL20, FL40, FL60

VFR traffic:

  • Eastbound: FL35, FL55
  • Westbound: FL45, FL65

It is the responsibility of the pilot to ensure that the Flight Level or Flight Levels selected provide adequate terrain clearance at all points along the routes to be flown. The latest and most appropriate QNH altimeter setting report should be used for assessing terrain clearance.

The picture below shows the Class G airspace within Dublin TMA.
VFR traffic needs to stay clear of controlled airspace.