Introduction

All enroute documentation for the London, Scottish and Shanwick FIRs is published on this site in PDF format.

Validity of Procedures

Controllers must ensure they are using the most recent version of documentation when controlling and mentoring.

Variations to the procedures and information published in the vMATS and Agreed Levels Diagrams are handled as described below.

Permanent Instructions (PIs)

Amendments to existing procedures and the introduction of new procedures will be notified through a Permanent Instruction in the Briefing Area (PIs). These shall have precedence over any outdated documentation on this site.

Significant changes will also be highlighted to controllers via a UK Controller Plugin notification, but controllers are expected to check the Briefing Area and Discord for relevant changes.

AIP-Published Data

Some information included in the vMATS documentation is aeronautical data published in the UK AIP, e.g., the inbound course/axis for holds. Where there are differences, the information published in the AIP shall take precedence.

Temporary Instructions (TIs)

A Temporary Instruction is used to notify of a temporary change to local ATC procedures. These will most often be published in advance of events for the purpose of opening non-standard sector splits but may also be used in case of vRAF military activity, or to set out VATSIM UK’s operational response to a temporary change to real world procedures.

All published TIs in the Briefing Area (TIs) shall have precedence over procedures published in permanent documentation for the period of their validity.

Letters of Agreement (LoAs)

Letters of Agreement between VATSIM UK and adjacent FIRs/vACCs are published on this site. Where there are conflicts between information, the LoAs shall always have precedence over the vMATS and Agreed Levels Diagrams, except where instructions are otherwise notified to the Briefing Area (PIs).