VFR in the Enroute Environment

VFR traffic entering Class C or D airspace of a TMA (e.g., the Faxi TMA) require clearance to enter the airspace. Clearance is considered to be given when the APP unit gives airport information and route clearance. For example:

🎧 (TF-)ISN, cleared to enter the Faxi TMA routing Southbound towards Reykjavik, 6500ft, QNH 1014, report 6 miles from Reykjavik airport.

For VFR traffic in Class E enroute airspace, or beneath controlled airspace (e.g., Class G airspace below a TMA or enroute airspace), the ACC unit may provide them flight information service, workload permitting (traffic information, as well as known weather, aerodrome, etc. information at pilot’s request.) 

Aircraft within ATS surveillance coverage may be radar identified and provided a radar service (either air traffic control service, or flight information service) by the relevant APP/ACC unit.

VFR aircraft in the TMA and enroute airspace are expected to maintain their own navigation, and generally (except in Class C airspace, like that of the Faxi TMA) to maintain their own separation with other traffic, based on traffic information from ATC.

If necessary to ensure separation or avoid an imminent collision between two aircraft, ATC may temporarily vector VFR aircraft. When vectoring is complete, the VFR aircraft should be instructed to “resume own navigation.” This is, however, not preferred and should be considered a last resort.

VFR Cruising Levels (>3000ft)

From 3000ft – FL195, VFR aircraft are allocated cruising levels separated by 1000ft, following the East/West semi-circular rule plus 500ft (i.e., Eastbound flights fly at odd thousands of ft + 500ft, and Westbound flights fly at even thousands of ft + 500ft). For example:

• An Eastbound VFR flight might cruise at 3500ft, 5500ft, FL75, etc.
• A Westbound VFR flight might cruise at 4500ft, 6500ft, FL85, etc.

No VFR levels are allocated above FL195, as all airspace in BIRD CTA above FL195 is Class A, and thus VFR is not permitted.