Hello everyone,
Effective from Thursday, 20 MAR 2003, a big part of the ATS-route system in
Amsterdam ACC sector 5 (the northwest sector) will change. The changes also
reflect changes in the STARs for EHAM/Schiphol Airport. Additionally, ATS
services in a small part of the London FIR will be delegated to Amsterdam
ACC. This means that Amsterdam ACC ("Amsterdam Radar") will be controlling
and be responsible for seperation in this area.
Maps of the delegated area and the ATS route system in the United Kingdom
(London & Scottish FIR) can be found here:
http://home.wanadoo.nl/~markjans/nats5_charts/uk/
Maps of the modified ATS route system in the Amsterdam FIR can be found at:
http://home.wanadoo.nl/~markjans/nats5_charts/netherlands/
The following list is a summary of the changes:
- Major change of ATS route system in the UK North Sea area in in Amsterdam
FIR northwest sector.
- Delegation of North Sea A + B areas between FL175 and FL245 to Amsterdam
ACC (sector 5)
- Introduction of MOLIX and LAMSO STARs for EHAM
- Introduction of new SIDs for EHRD and other regional airports
- Discontinuation of waypoints TEXEL, ELDIN, BLUFA, TISKI, VOLLA, NEPTU,
UNIDO and MC16
- Modification in REDFA STAR for EHAM
- Introduction of -unfortunately for you guys- tens of new waypoints in the
area we have to control <g>
A new sectorfile by Ton Out will be available via VATEUD very soon. As an
alternative you may use the following amendment to an older sectorfile that
I am using personally. You might find this better readable/workable because
the number of waypoints have been reduced and things have been done to im-
prove the readability of the sectorfile. Give both options a chance and de-
cide for your own which of the options you find the most convenient. The
amended sectorfile can be downloaded from:
http://home.wanadoo.nl/~markjans/sectorfile_test/
A short word on the delegated airspace. This airspace is *NOT*, repeat *NOT*
the Amsterdam FIR so it is not our airspace. The area is delegated airspace
in the London FIR. Amsterdam ACC provides ATS services between FL175 and
FL245. The airspace is, just like our civilian CTA's, class A airspace which
means that VFR flying is not permitted and all aircraft will be seperated
from each other. !!!IMPORTANT!!: The airspace BELOW FL175 is class G airspace
which means that it is UNCONTROLLED and flight information services is given
only (by London FIC ("London Information")).
Since traffic via NEPTU is not accepted anymore, this traffic is now routed
via KOLAG. Outbound aircraft with a cruise level of FL170 or lower, will as
a result enter uncontrolled airspace and actions shall be taken accordingly
(R/T: "UKA26W, you are leaving controlled airspace at KOLAG, radar services
terminated, frequency change is approved"). Aircraft will most likely contact
London Information then.
Inbound aircraft from uncontrolled airspace (cruise level < FL175) shall be
routed via MOLIX to enter the MOLIX STAR. This should be coordinated with
London Information or alternatively with the concerned aircraft itself. R/T
example: "UKA29Z, identified/radar contact, proceed to MOLIX, maintain FL170"
(Ik zou me niet druk maken, hoeveel keer hebben jullie een NEPTU inbound
gehad in de oude situatie? <g>)
Traffic inbound and with a destination in the Amsterdam FIR shall cross the
points DIBAL/LARDI at FL250 (or below). Outbound (climbing) traffic shall
cross the FIR boundary (MIMVA/KOLAG) at FL180 or above (otherwise they will
enter uncontrolled class G airspace). This traffic shall be handed over to
London ACC/Scottish ACC when:
A) passing the transfer point (EMLON, SOPEK, SONOL, KOLAG, ROKAN, ROXAT)
*or*

climbing out of FL245
-whichever comes earlier-
A new LoA (Letter of Agreement) will follow within the next couple of days
(still waiting for final approval by VATSIM-UK staff). Please take some time
to study this carefully.
More information about the purpose of the new routes (READING HIGHLY RECOM-
MENDED!!!):
http://www.eurocontrol.int/ais/ahead/airac/north-sea/ris.htm
STAR charts for EHAM are already included in the package that is available
on the Dutch VACC website.
Charts of EHRD/Rotterdam Airport are ready and will be published shortly on
the Dutch VACC website.
Questions regarding this matter may be posted on the Dutch VACC discussion
mailing list or can also be sent via private email to depdirector@dutchvacc.nl
Regards,
Mark Jansen
Deputy Director Dutch VACC
http://www.dutchvacc.nl