Enabling RPAS and RAF Aerobatic Team Operations Out of RAF Waddington

Closed 30 Nov 2022

Opened 7 Sep 2022

Contact

Airspace Change Manager

07906572851

uascdc-ACP@qinetiq.com

Published responses

View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.

Overview

 

This Portal aims to provide stakeholders with the information that they require in order to fully understand the MOD’s airspace change proposal in the vicinity of RAF Waddington.

The airspace change has been commenced to facilitate the introduction of segregated airspace as required by UK regulation for the operation of a large Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS), Protector RG Mk1, out of RAF Waddington from the mid-2020s.  In addition it will provide appropriate protection for the RAF Aerobatic Team (RAFAT) whilst conducting display flying activity over RAF Waddington.  The Statement of Need is as follows:

  1. There is a requirement for a large Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) to operate out of RAF Waddington from the mid-2020s.  Pursuit of an ACP optimises an approach, in terms of efficiency and safety, for RPAS to operate from and to RAF Waddington.  Furthermore, this approach will support the safe integration of the RPAS into the national airspace structures, given the anticipated performance of on-board systems and the surrounding airspace classification.  Access to existing training areas around the UK will also be considered as part of the integration into the national airspace structures. There is an emerging requirement for the RAF Aerobatic Team to conduct display flying activity over RAF Waddington from early 2023 following the Team’s relocation from RAF Scampton in late 2022. Integration of this requirement within the Protector ACP is considered the safest operating model.
  2.  

This Portal allows stakeholders to provide feedback on the airspace options proposed in the consultation document. The consultation document, as well as all supporting documentation can be found below. All other documentation relating to this airspace change proposal to date can be found on the CAA Airspace Change Portal, a link to which can be found at the bottom of this page.

The Change Sponsor is conducting formal consultation on an airspace design which comprises 2 portions of segregated airspace (in the form of danger areas).  The 2 areas are joined vertically and provide sufficient airspace for RAFAT to conduct flying display activity and for Protector to access its UK operating and training areas in accordance with UK regulation. 

Why your views matter

The MOD would like the views of a wide range of stakeholders including:

  1. Members of the National Air Traffic Management Advisory Council (NATMAC)
  2. Aviation stakeholders
  3. Local Authorities
  4. General public

The purpose of this consultation period is to provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to comment on the proposed airspace design options. This feedback will be collated and analysed by the Change Sponsor and help to shape the final proposal that will be submitted to the CAA.

The key themes that the Change Sponsor is seeking to answer through consultation include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Your feedback on the airspace design presented
  • The perceived effect of this proposal (positive or negative)
  • Key concerns for stakeholders
  • Mitigating factors that could be employed to minimise impact

The consulation period will commence on Wednesday 7 Sep 2022 and will close on Wednesday 30 Nov 2022.

Events

  • The Lincoln Guildhall and Stonebow Drop-in Session

    From 21 Sep 2022 at 10:30 to 21 Sep 2022 at 18:00

    Lincoln Guildhall and Stonebow, Saltergate, Lincoln, LN2 1DH.
    Please note that there is limited access for wheelchair users in this venue. City centre parking is available (nearest is Central Car Park, 5 minutes from venue)

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  • Waddington Drop-in Session

    From 28 Sep 2022 at 10:30 to 28 Sep 2022 at 18:00

    Redwood Drive Community Centre, Redwood Drive, Waddington, Lincs, LN5 9BY.
    Parking is available at the venue and it has disabled access.

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