In this data visualisation, we share an example of a recent infringement at Southampton Airport, to explain how such an incident can have an impact on other airspace activity and users and to help raise awareness in the hope of minimising these occurrences in the coming months.

In uncontrolled airspace, it is up to individual pilots whether to use an air traffic service or not. Pilots don’t have to call and use the Flight Information Service (FIS) available to them, but here’s some information on why we think you should consider it…. 

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. 

Brian Ringrose, an air traffic controller at Swanwick centre looking after airspace around Gatwick, talks about his experience with airspace infringements for this week’s Infringement Series story…