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SECTION 2

GUIDELINES
FOR ATS AIRSPACE CLASSIFICATION

2.1  INTRODUCTION
2.1.1 Backdrop
2.1.1.1  The initial goal of ICAO in implementing, in 1992, a new ATS Airspace Classification(1) was to simplify the designation of airspace and to standardise equipment and pilot requirements for IFR and VFR operations. The purpose was to eliminate the confusion between the characteristics of CTA, CTR, TMA and ATZ airspaces and to clarify the services provided to IFR and VFR flights in each class of airspace.

2.1.2  Current ICAO Requirements for Classification of ATS Airspace
2.1.2.1  According to ICAO Annex 11 -2.5, when it has been determined that air traffic services are to be provided in a particular portion of airspace or in airspace associated with particular aerodromes, then those portions of the airspace shall be designated in relation to the air traffic services that are to be provided.
2.1.2.2  Airspace shall be classified and designated in accordance with the seven classes -A to G, defined in ICAO Annex 11 - 2.6.  The requirements for flights within each class of airspace are defined in ICAO Annex 11 - Appendix 4, in terms of the type of flight allowed, the separation provided, the services provided, meteorological conditions, speed limitations, radio communication requirements and the ATC clearance required.
2.1.2.3  States shall select those airspace classes appropriate to their needs from the least restrictive Class G to the most restrictive Class A.

2.1.3  Differences Notified to ICAO
2.1.3.1  These ICAO provisions were interpreted in different ways by the ECAC States to best meet their own national requirements. Some States have therefore notified differences between their national regulations and practices and the corresponding International SARPS to ICAO. Other States have not yet introduced ICAO Airspace Classes.
2.1.3.2  Some ECAC States authorise VFR flights above FL 195, either by establishing Class B or C airspace, or by allowing VFR flights in Class A in accordance with specific conditions and/or with special ATC instructions.  Some States relieve IFR flights from mandatory requirements for continuous two-way radio communication in Classes F &
G. Other States do not permit IFR flights in Class G. Another State requires ATC clearances for IFR flights to operate in Class F airspace.
2.1.3.3  Most of the States have adapted VMC minima to their national conditions. Some States provide an ATC service to VFR flights or at least separation from IFR traffic.
(1) Reference: Third Meeting of the Visual Flight Rules Operations Panel [VFOP] (1986)
Edition: 2.0 Released Issue  Page 2-1

2.1.4  Need for a Simplified and Harmonised Airspace Organisation
2.1.4.1  The EUROCONTROL Airspace Strategy for the ECAC States has, accordingly, identified a lack of harmonisation in the current application of ICAO ATS Airspace Classes by the ECAC States.
2.1.4.2  Therefore, the Airspace Strategy calls for a uniform application of these Classes appropriate for the traffic operating in the airspace in order to avoid over and under classification. In addition, classifications should be as simple as possible and should also permit unambiguous rules and safe flight operations.
2.1.4.3  Direction for Change A of the Airspace Strategy identifies the strategic steps towards a simplified airspace organisation based on the proposed Traffic Environment Models N, K, and U. The first of 5 steps -Operational Improvement 1A (OI-1A), refers to the harmonisation of the existing ICAO airspace classifications in ECAC airspace starting with the common classification of the airspace above a common agreed level. The second step -OI-2A, refers to the simplification and harmonisation of the remainder of ECAC airspace to the surface.
　
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