VFR procedures in the vicinity of Reykjavik

• 1st. of June 2016 a new procedure for the East exercise area and Sandskeið gliding area

became effective.

• As of 8th. of December 2016 a new structure of single engine VFR routes applies within

BIRK CTR.

• In order to have in one place information about VFR procedures in the vicinity of Reykjavik

the following slides include the changes from 1st. of June 2016 as well as the route structure

change effective on 8th. of December 2016.

• Special emphasis is placed on introducing changes to Routes 3 and 4. Routes 1, 2 and 6 have

been in place for years and should not need special introduction.

• This introduction also covers the airspace structure in Iceland, placing special emphasis on

which airspace a clearance must be obtained before entry.

Controlled airspace in Iceland

• Class A IFR flights only are permitted, all flights are provided with air traffic control service

and are separated from each other.

• Class D. IFR and VFR flights are permitted and all flights are provided with air traffic control

service, IFR flights are separated from other IFR flights and receive traffic information in

respect of VFR flights, VFR flights receive traffic information in respect of all other flights.

• Class B. Not applicable in Iceland

• Class C. IFR and VFR flights are permitted, all flights are provided with air traffic control

service and IFR flights are separated from other IFR flights and from VFR flights. VFR

flights are separated from IFR flights and receive traffic information in respect of other VFR

flights.

• Class E. IFR and VFR flights are permitted, IFR flights are provided with air traffic control

service and are separated from other IFR flights. All flights receive traffic information as far

as is practical.

• Terminal Area (TMA) BIKF Class A/C.

• Terminal Area (TMA) BIRK Class A/D.

• Terminal Area (TMA) BIAR Class D, Class E outside ATC operating hours. (AIP AD 2.3

operating hours).

• Class G below TMA´s, outside CTR´s

• Class G. IFR and VFR flights are permitted and receive flight information service if

requested.

• Control Zone (CTR) BIRK and BIKF Class D.

• Control Zone (CTR) BIAR Class D. Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ) Class G, outside ATC

operating hours. (AIP AD 2.3 operating hours).

• Aerodrome Traffic Zones(ATZ) Class G.

Terminal Areas, Control Zones, Aerodrome Traffic Zones

Outside controlled airspace

Class A above FL195 only IFR with clearance.

FL195

Class E extends upwards from 3000 feet

MSL or 1000 feet AGL, whichever is higher,

up to Class A, around airspace classified as

C or D. IFR flights need clearance to enter

and are separated from other IFR flights.

VFR flights do not need a clearance to enter.

All flights need a clearance to enter

airpace C and D. In Iceland clearance is

considered to be given when Approach or

Tower give airport information and route

clearance. Remain clear of airspace C

and D until cleared to enter by ATC.

FL245

Faxi TMA

Keflavik Approach Sector Class A/C

Reykjavík Approach Sector Class A/D

Upper limit FL245

Lower limit 3000/2000/1000 feet MSL or 1000 feet

AGL whichever is higher (AIP ENR 2.1)

Below Faxi TMA, outside CTR´s, Class G

Akureyri TMA Class D/E

Upper limit 7000 feet

Lower limit 3000 feet MSL or 1000 feet AGL,

whichever is higher.

CTR

KF/RK/AR

Class D

G, 1000 feet AGL

G, 3000/2000/1000 feet

MSL

Terminal Areas

Class C/D/E

Class A

Class E

ATZClass G

Controlled airspace

Icelandic airspace structure

FAXI TMA and BIRK/BIKF CTR´s

TMA and CTR

• East of BIRK CTR, Reykjavik Approach Sector (FAXI TMA) lower limit is 2000 feet MSL.

In some cases pilots have climbed up to or flown into the area without a clearance. Same

applies to Keflavik Approach Sector.

• It is mandatory to remain outside these areas, except for flight safety, until in contact with

Approach Control.

• Same applies to Control Zones until in contact with Tower.

• East exercise area extends to Sandskeið gliding area,

• frequency 119.9 Mhz in both areas.

• BISS traffic circuit to be flown at 1300´MSL /

700´AGL north of runway 15/33.

• Traffic circuit at (Hólms)Heiði ultra-light field max 1000´MSL /

550´AGL. Frequency 122.7 Mhz.

• BIMS traffic circuit 700 fet MSL/AGL. Frequency 118.2 Mhz.

VFR procedures in the vicinity of Reykjavík

• Routes 1, 2 and 6 remain unchanged. There will be new and changed Route 3 and changed

Route 4. The changes to Routes 3 and 4 are to enhance flight safety and for noise abatement.

• Under VFR the common rule „to see and avoid“ other traffic applies..

• Normal procedure for Routes 3 and 4 will be to use one for outbound flights and the other for

inbound flights.

• It is important that pilots keep well to the right of centerlines of the routes, so as to maintain

not less than 45 degrees angle from the centerline (with reference to the surface) to aircraft at

1500 feet. Thus some 450 meters separation on each side of the centerline, or 900 meters

between opposite aircraft, is obtained. It is also important not to be to far to the right of

centerline, especially close to the inner ends of routes 1, 2 and 3.

• An accurate position reporting is important and that reports are made when at the reporting

point (abeam the reporting point on VFR routes within CTR). If found necessary to report

early, the word - approaching - may prefix the name of the reporting point.

• It is important that pilots report on the next area frequency before entering that area.

VFR procedures in the vicinity of Reykjavík

• Single engine aircraft on the VFR routes within RK CTR shall, for noise abatement, maintain

1500 feet (1 000 feet on route 6) weather permitting, if not then normal VFR minima apply.

Maximum speed 120 kts.

• Single engine aircraft on the VFR routes within CTR shall keep their landing lights on, if

available.

• Tower and/or Approach can grant exemptions if safety or traffic reasons require.

• VFR pilots inbound to Reykjavík shall report to tower latest approximately 10 DME from the

airport and obtain traffic information and arrival route or holding instructions.

• After passing abeam the inner fix of a VFR route (e.g. Vífilsstaðir) a direct route to the final

approach fix (e.g. Arnarnes), shall be flown.

• Do not hesitate to ask ATC for clarification if required.

VFR procedures in the vicinity of Reykjavík• In the east exercise area, in Sandskeið gliding area as well as in airspace G between the

exercise area and BIRK CTR the frequency is 119.9 Mhz

• This means west of the mountain range, south of a line between Grímannsfell and Svínanes

and from there south to Bláfjöll (Blue mountains).

Outside this area 118.1 Mhz applies or airfield frequencies as appropriate.

VFR procedures in the vicinity of Reykjavík

• Between the East area and BIRK CTR, airspace G is below 2000 feet MSL. Above is FAXI

TMA so a clearance needs to be obtained from Reykjavík approach on 119.0 Mhz before

climbing above that altitude.

• Avoid unnecessary radio transmissions as this can disturb important communications, for

example when gliders at BISS are being towed.

• It is recommended, situation permitting, to have a one half to one minute silence on the

frequency when start of towing is announced so as not to disturb communication between the

winch operator and pilot.

• Gliders have the right of way to powered aircraft and ultralights.

• It is important to report before entering any area and monitor the next frequency when aircraft

are equipped with two radios.

• Keep in mind that the east exercise area is not a danger area or in any way a protected area.

There is simply more likelihood that there are training flights within the area than outside it.

• Descending aircraft inbound for BIRK, descending below 3000 feet, entering the East area,

are to report on the East area frequency.

• Route 1.

Viðey building – Lundey – Brimnes – Tangi í Hofsvík – 1500 feet.

It is advicable to request higher altitude and/or different route in north

and easterly wind direction if turbulence is expected.

Note closeness to Route 2.

!

• Route 2.

• Gufunes – Blikastaðanes – Tungubakkar airfield (BIMS) -1500 feet.

Note closeness to Routes 1and 3.

!

• Route 3.

• Gullinbrú bridge - tanks Grafarholt – Langavatn lake– 1500 feet.

• Note closeness to Route 2.

!

1

2

3

BIMS

Fis

Ultralight field

Lundey

Brimnes

Viðeybuilding

Gufunes

Gullinbrúbridge

Tanks

Langavatn

!

• Route 3.• When passing Grafarholt district it is appropriate to show the inhabitants

consideration and fly a bit further away from the centerline than 45°

Tanks

Langavatn lake

Úlfarsfell

Hang/para gliders

Gullinbrú

Bridge

Hafrafell

Hang/paragliders

Ultralight field

Ultralight field

Golf course

Grafarholt

• Route 3.

• Outbound over the golf course and ultralight field.

Langavatn lake

Tanks

Hafrafell

Hang/para glidersÚlfarsfell

Hang/para gliders

Ultralight field

Ultralight field

Golf course

Úlfarsá valley

Grafarholt

• Route 3.• Inbound over Úlfarsár valley.

Langavatn lake

TanksGullinbrú

Bridge

Úlfarsár valley

• Route 3 outbound.

Tanks

Gullinbrú

Bridge

Langavatn lake

• Route 3 outbound.

Langavatn lake

Tanks

Golf course

Úlfarsár valley

• Route 3 outbound.

Langavatn lake

Ultralight field

• Route 3 inbound.

Langavatn lake

Ultralight fieldÚlfarsár Valley

• Route 3 inbound.

Tanks

Gullinbrú

Bridge

Úlfarsár Valley

Gufunes

• Route 3 inbound.

Tanks

Gullinbrú

Bridge Gufunes

Viðey

• Route 3 inbound.

Gullinbrú

Bridge

• Route 4.

• Vífilsstaðir buildings – Vegamót (Heiðmörk crossroads) – 1500 feet.

• Route 4.

Vegamót

(crossroads)

4VífilsstaðirGuðmundarlundur

grove

Grunnavatn lake

• Route 4.

Vífilsstaðir

Vífilsstaðir lake

• Route 4 outbound.

Vífilsstaðir

Vegamót (crossroads)

Grunnavatn lake

Guðmundarlundur

grove

• Route 4.

Vatnsendahlíð hill

Route 4

Vífilstaðir lake

Vegamót (crossroads)

Cancelled Route 4 Grunnavatn lake

• Route 4 outbound.

• Approximately over Grunnavatn lake (dries up in the summer).

Vífilsstaðir

Vegamót (crossroads)

Grunnavatn lake

Guðmundarlundur

grove

• Route 4 inbound.• Approximately over Guðmundarlundur grove. Avoid flying over

Elliðavatn lake and the neighbourhood south-west of the lake.

Vífilsstaðir

Grunnavatn

Guðmundarlundur

grove

• Route 4 outbound.

Vífilsstaðir

Grunnavatn lakeGuðmundarlundur

grove

• Route 4 outbound.

Vífilsstaðir

Grunnavatn

lake

GuðmundarlundurVegamót

• Route 4 outbound.

Vífilsstaðir

Grunnavatn lake

(dry)

GuðmundarlundurVegamót

• Route 4 outbound.

• Vegamót (Heiðmörk crossroads).

Vegamót (Heiðmörk crossroads)

• Route 4 inbound.

• Vegamót (Heiðmörk crossroads).

Vegamót (Heiðmörk crossroads)

• Route 4 inbound.

Vífilsstaðir

Grunnavatn lake Guðmundarlundur grove

• Route 4 inbound.

Vífilsstaðir

Vífilsstaðir lake

• Route 6.

Garðakirkja church – Alu factory – Reykjanesbraut road– Kúagerði

creek– Seltjörn pond– Patterson abandoned airfield– 1000 feet.

• Route 6.

6

Alu factory

Garðakirkja

church

• Route 6.

Kúagerði

Seltjörn

Patterson

• Route 6.

Höfn

Vegamót

Álver

Garðakirkja

Flugmódel

• Single engine VFR arrival routes.

• Single engine VFR departure routes.

Multi engine VFR and visual approach procedure• Multi engine aircraft inbound to Reykjavik, shall communicate with Reykjavik Approach as

long as necessary and until instructed to contact tower. Within Reykjavik CTR aircraft shall

not be flown below 2000 feet without clearance from tower. If flying through the east exercise

area (below 3000/2000 feet), then report on the east area frequency. Multi engine aircraft shall

not be flown below 2000 feet within BIRK CTR without clearance from Tower.

• Multi engine aircraft shall be established on final not later than 2.5 DME for runway 19, same

applies after right hand approach to runway 01 and left hand approach to runway 13. Aircraft

making left hand approach to 01 shall be established on final 1.0 DME. Normal approach is

for right hand approach to runway 13.

• Runway 31: Multi engine aircraft approaching in a quadrant from north-east to south-east

shall fly an offset final (approx. 25 degrees) from bridge/dam in Ellidaa, approx. 3.5 DME,

1500 feet, descent via Fossvogur valley onto final (DUE TO NOISE ABATEMENT, approx.

3.78 degrees glide path). Aircraft from the north shall fly via Geirsnef, Ellidaardalur and

Fossvogsdalur. Other aircraft shall fly normal traffic circuit.

• It is important that pilots report to ICETRA if becoming aware of any issues endangering

aviation safety.

• Same applies to any aviation related issues that pilots believe not to be in order.

• Reports can be made to http://www.aviationreporting.eu/

• or

• http://www.aviationreporting.eu/AviationReporting/OLR.aspx?occsrc=1&countrycode=IS

• Occurrence Reports are treated confidentially to maintain full and free reporting from the

aviation community and to protect the identity of the individual in accordance with EU

legislation.

• Received information can only be used for the purpose of maintaining or improving aviation

safety.

END

September 2017