PI-26-010 - Gatwick Split GMC Position and new ITHPs¶
| Instruction ID | PI-26-010 |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | 16/04/2026 (AIRAC 2604) |
| Status |  Active |
| Applicable To | EGKK |
| Incorporated into Docs | No |
Summary¶
There is an additional GMC position established at Gatwick following the real world change, along with the addition of Intermediate Taxiway Holding Positions (ITHPs).
GMC North is the default logon position, and GMC South may only be opened under certain conditions specified in the vMATS Part 2.
Gatwick (EGKK) vMATS Part 2 GEN 4.3.1 (excerpt)
GMC may only be split when Runway 08R/26L is in use, GMP is open, and at least one of the following conditions apply:
1. The positions are rostered for an event.
2. There are at least 30 departures.
3. GMC North agrees.
The position must be combined within a reasonable period when these conditions no longer apply.
Note: If there are less than 30 departures, a controller with a booking can take the combined position.
New positions¶
| RT Callsign | Coordination Callsign | Logon | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick Ground | GMC North | EGKK_N_GND | 121.540 |
| Gatwick Ground | GMC South | EGKK_S_GND | 121.805 |
Coordination
The combined GMC unit may be referred to in coordination as GMC.
Warning
The old logon EGKK_GND shall no longer be used. You must update your Sector File and Controller Pack.
Intermediate Taxiway Holding Position (ITHP) Changes¶
Six new ITHPs, R2, Q2, P2, N2, MARLO, and JACKA, will be introduced as shown in the chart extract below. The holding positions U1, T1, S1, R1, Q1, P1, N1, and J8, which have previously been used only during Northern Runway (08L/26R) operations, will now be able to be used at all times.
Warning
G2, H2, J2, J5, J6 and Z1 are still only available during Northern Runway (08L/26R) operations.
Note
Some charts have not yet been updated with the new ITHPs. If a pilot cannot find the new holding points, instruct them to hold short of a specific taxiway.
Split GMC Operations¶
The image below shows the area of responsibility (AoR) for each GMC controller.
Delegated areas
When 08R is active P1 to P2 and Q1 to Q2 are delegated to GMC South.
When 26L is active R1 to R2 is delegated to GMC South.
Split GMC Standing agreements¶
08R Standing agreements
When GMC is split between two controllers these agreements are to be followed when transferring traffic between GMC positions:
GMC South -> GMC North (Arrivals):
Holding short P2
Holding short Q2
GMC North -> GMC South (Departures):
Holding short N1
Holding short R1
Holding short S1
26L Standing agreements
When GMC is split between two controllers these agreements are to be followed when transferring traffic between GMC positions:
GMC South -> GMC North (Arrivals):
Holding short R2
GMC North -> GMC South (Departures):
Holding short N1
Holding short P1
Holding short Q1
Holding short S1
Tip
As soon as an aircraft is no longer able to conflict with any other aircraft in your AoR, you should hand them off to the next controller even if they are not near their clearance limit yet, to avoid aircraft stopping unnecessarily.
Tip
When no conflict is expected, GMC controllers should coordinate in order to provide direct routings to the stand/holding point. Such aircraft should be instructed to monitor the other GMC frequency before entering their AoR. Aircraft taxiing to Runway 26L with no relevant traffic along the taxi route, aircraft may be handed from GMC North straight to AIR.
TWR Operations¶
When Runway 26L is active vacating aircraft shall be instructed to:
-
Via ER to hold JACKA
-
Via FR and GR to hold MARLO
Documentation Status¶
The Gatwick (EGKK) vMATS Part 2 has been amended to reflect this change. The latest versions are always available at docs.vatsim.uk/EGKK.
Errors in this instruction should be reported to operations@vatsim.uk