Frequency Monitor Codes (or ‘squawks’) are an important part of airspace management. They provide a simple way for aircraft to communicate with air traffic controllers and are used by commercial, military, and general aviation aircraft.

If you asked any air traffic controllers to name a threat to our operation, they would likely name infringements. An infringement occurs when an aircraft makes an unauthorised entry into controlled airspace and unfortunately, they are a daily occurrence during the warmer summer months. Find out five ways you can avoid infringing controlled airspace and help keep the airspace safe for everyone.

The end of lockdown and the arrival of blue skies has permitted many general aviation (GA) pilots to get airborne for a flight. There may be some who thought that a one-hour flight was all they needed to refresh their skills, while others have realised that a bit more familiarisation wouldn’t go amiss.  Over the next few weeks, we’ll be looking at the various aspects of infringements, and highlighting specific areas of concern, as well as including some of the methods that can be used to minimise and/or remove the risk. We are all in this together. 

From sonic booms and Quick Reaction Alert, to deployments during Covid and military training exercises, let’s explore the world of 78 Squadron… 

Happy International Women In Engineering Day 2021! We’ve been speaking to some of our engineers about their experiences at NATS and how the past year has impacted them…

For Armed Forces Week 2021 we’re sharing stories from our own armed forces community made up of people who have served in any branch of the forces: individuals who benefit others by volunteering with their local cadet organisations, reservists who have learned new skills and veterans whose skills and experience now help enrich life at NATS…

This Saturday, 26 June, is Armed Forces Day; an opportunity each year for the public to show support for Armed Forces personnel and their achievements, both past and present. It is also a time to engage, outside of routine work, at the hundreds of formal and informal celebratory events across the country.

As the Prime Minister arrived in Cornwall for last week’s G7 meeting, he declared “the UK is actually in the lead in developing sustainable aviation fuel, and one of the points in the 10 point plan of our green industrial revolution, is to get to ‘jet zero’ as well.”

So what is the UK doing to deliver ‘jet zero’ and reduce emissions from aviation? And how is NATS playing a part?

It’s not every day even the President of the United States gets to have tea with The Queen, but getting him in and out of what is the UK’s busiest airport – albeit with far less traffic than normal right now – is not entirely straightforward.

This week marks Volunteers’ Week, a chance to recognise the amazing contribution that volunteers make to local communities. Read more about what Martin Smith, NATS Safety Assurance Consultant, had to say about his experience of volunteering for the Jon Egging Trust (JET).