ATC Availability
The daily availability of each ATC service is notified here.
Notes:
- An Approach (Procedural) Service is available subject to staff availability.
- In order to manage demand and parking availability, we request that all visitors notify us of their arrival in advance. Either by contacting ATC (01273 467377) or electronically via the PPR bookings page of this website. Airborne requests may be accepted subject to workload. All requests for Instrument Training require a booking slot which can be obtained from ATC.
- An Air/Ground Service is provided before 1000 local and occasionally at other times. Such times will be stated by NOTAM.
- RNP (Instrument Approach) is only available when an Approach controller is on duty and is strictly prohibited at other times.
- ATS availability can be subject to potential short notice change due to staff sickness or unplanned operational changes, pilots should check with ATC to confirm that the desired service is available prior to flight.
ATC Services Explained
APPROACH – “SHOREHAM APPROACH”
An approach service means the controller can offer a ‘Procedural Service’ to aircraft who are operating IFR. This allows pilots to utilise the RNP approach.
TOWER – “SHOREHAM TOWER”
This is an Air Traffic Control service which issues information and instructions for the purpose of Aerodrome Control. As this is an ATC service, the controller can therefore offer a ‘Basic Service’ in accordance with UK F.I.S. Please note the RNP Approach is not available when a ‘Tower-only’ service is in effect – IFR traffic may still operate under clearance however.
AIR GROUND COMMUNICATION SERVICE – “SHOREHAM RADIO”
Air Ground Communications Service (AGCS) is a service provided to pilots at specific UK aerodromes. However, it is not viewed by the UK as an Air Traffic Service because it does not include an alerting service as part of its content. AGCS radio station operators provide traffic and weather information to pilots operating on and in the vicinity of the aerodrome. Such traffic information is based primarily on reports made by other pilots. Information provided by an AGCS radio station operator may be used to assist a pilot in making a decision; however, the safe conduct of the flight remains the pilot’s responsibility.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
- During an AGCS, you will hear us call ourselves “Shoreham Radio”.
- AGCS cannot issue any instructions to aircraft. You will never receive a ‘clearance’ from an AGCS operative (unless joining the airways, where the operator will relay the clearance on behalf of London Control, to the pilot). Please bear this in mind when you manoeuvre on the aerodrome and surrounding airspace.
- Traffic information is based primarily on reports from other pilots. Traffic avoidance is entirely the pilot’s responsibility.
- METAR and TAF information will be issued. This information can be found via the Met Office website and various METAR /Weather Apps.
- You may be asked to use a conspicuity squawk for ‘Shoreham’. This does NOT mean you are receiving an ATC service, but is to benefit those who carry EC devices and other adjacent ATC units.
- The ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information System) will be operational and broadcasting the runway state, weather and other relevant operational information.
- Use of an Instrument Approach is not available under any circumstances.
If you have any questions please contact ATC and who will be happy to provide more information.