Manchester (EGCC) Pilot Guide¶
All UK airports in general, but especially Manchester, Heathrow, and Gatwick have very high traffic levels on VATSIM. We appreciate you visiting this page to ensure you are prepared for your flight.
General information¶
Charts¶
If you don't have a payware chart subscription, you can access free charts from 
ChartFox using your VATSIM login.
Scenery¶
| Simulator | Payware | Freeware |
|---|---|---|
| MSFS | iniBuilds | - |
| X-Plane | - | Gateway |
Controller Positions¶
| RT Callsign | Logon | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester Departure ATIS | EGCC_D_ATIS |
121.980 |
| Manchester Arrival ATIS | EGCC_A_ATIS |
128.180 |
| Manchester Delivery | EGCC_DEL |
121.705 |
| Manchester Planner | EGCC_P_GND |
130.650 |
| Manchester Ground | EGCC_GND |
121.855 |
| Manchester Tower | EGCC_N_TWR |
118.630 |
| Manchester Tower | EGCC_S_TWR |
119.405 |
| Manchester Director | EGCC_F_APP |
121.355 |
| Manchester Radar | EGCC_S_APP |
118.580 |
| Manchester Radar | EGCC_N_APP |
135.005 |
Tip
It is good airmanship to have the next frequency pre-tuned as the controllers will expect you to keep moving to your previously assigned clearance limit. The faster you get onto the new frequency, the faster we can get you moving!
Tip
If you are unable to tune an 8.33 kHz frequency in your aircraft, you can tune these frequencies by typing .com1 and the frequency into your pilot client. For example: .com1 121.855
Departure¶
Stand selection¶
Please select a stand that is appropriate for the size of your aircraft.
Tip
You can find an unoccupied and appropriate stand suggestion before spawning on the UKCP website.
Clearance¶
Departure clearance is obtained from Manchester Delivery EGCC_DEL, or in its absence by the position providing top-down coverage.
At Manchester, PDC is the preferred method of obtaining clearance. If you are not using the Hoppie's ACARS network, you may be sent a PDC to your pilot client via text. You should NOT read this back on frequency!
If requesting clearance via voice, report:
- Aircraft type
- Stand number
- ATIS
- QNH
Radiotelephony
Manchester Delivery, EZY642P, A320neo, stand 64 right, information Delta, QNH987 hectopascals, request clearance to Edinburgh
All SIDs at Manchester are runway dependant, thus the runway in use will not be included in the departure clearance. You should check the ATIS for the runway in use and check that you have planned the correct SID before calling for clearance.
Manchester operates dual runways during the following periods in the summer months (between 1st May and 31st October):
-
Mon-Fri (0615-2000L)
-
Sat (0615-1600L)
-
Sun (0615-0930L) (1300-2000L)
And the following periods in the winter months (between 1st November and 30th April):
-
Mon-Fri (0630-1100L) (1600-2000L)
-
Sat (0630-1100L)
-
Sun (1600-2000L)
Manchester may additionally operate a dual configuration on VATSIM when required by traffic to reduce delays. Make sure to listen to the ATIS and clearance to select the correct SID for the active runway.
Note
Some SIDs only exist for one runway configuration, or have a restriction on the type of aircraft that can fly them.
| SID | Restriction / Availability | File Instead |
|---|---|---|
| LISTO 2Y/R | Restricted to non-jet aircraft, jets up to 35,000 kg MTOW, and BAe 146/Avro RJ, E135/E145, CRJ1/2/7/9, Gulfstream 5 and BD-700 |
Jets outside these restrictions: SANBA joining N859 towards HON |
| ASMIM | Not available | Ireland: EKLAD Y53 WALSouthwest: KUXEM P17 NOKIN |
| DESIG | Not available | SONEX, joining L975 towards DESIG |
| SID | Restriction / Availability | File Instead |
|---|---|---|
| EKLAD | Not available | ASMIM, joining L975 to WAL |
| KUXEM | Not available | ASMIM, then route towards NOKIN |
| SONEX | Not available | DESIG, joining L975 at DESIG |
| SANBA | Not available | LISTO, joining L612 towards HON |
Warning
You must report fully ready for push via voice to Manchester Delivery or the position providing top-down coverage, they will hand you to the next appropriate frequency. Do NOT just switch to ground without being instructed to do so, as your flight may be subject to delay.
Pushback¶
Warning
Do not request pushback until the tug is connected and the aircraft is fully ready to move.
Tug release points do not exist at Manchester. Most pushback instructions will contain a direction, and optionally a taxiway/stand to push onto.
Be prepared to comply with non-standard pushback instructions:
Radiotelephony
EZY624P stand 28 push and start approved, straight push
Aircraft may be instructed to make a long pushback finishing abeam (next to) a stand.
Radiotelephony
EZY624P stand 12 push and start approved, face East, long push abeam stand 18
Warning
Pilots shall ensure that the aircraft position after pushback is clear of any taxiway intersections, unless explicitly specified by the controller.
Taxi out¶
Manchester has received a large number of updates to its taxiway layout. If you are on an older scenery and cannot accept one of the new taxiways please let the ground controller know on first contact.
Take-off¶
Pay close attention to the holding point you were assigned by ground. These allow the tower controller to create the most efficient departure sequence. Don't just follow the aircraft in front of you as they may be on a different route!
Switch to the Tower frequency as soon as instructed, do NOT wait until reaching the taxi clearance limit. You may be told to contact Tower with your "callsign only" or to simply "monitor" the frequency - see the general advice section for what these mean.
If you need additional time at the hold, or on the runway for operational reasons, tell the tower controller as soon as possible. Don't wait until you've been cleared to line up or take off, as that will be too late.
To keep traffic moving, expect the use of conditional line-up clearances. These will always be against the next aircraft to use the runway. Once the aircraft has passed in front of you, begin your line-up. The aircraft does not need to have touched down. If instructed to line up behind a departing aircraft, you do not need to wait for them to begin their takeoff roll to cross the stop bar.
Radiotelephony
EZY624P, behind the landing EasyJet A320 at 5 miles, via J1 line up runway 23R behind
SID¶
Warning
The airspace around Manchester is incredibly busy, with many conflicting routes. You must follow the altitude and speed constraints of the SID exactly, otherwise you risk colliding with other traffic.
All SIDs at manchester climb to 5,000ft initially.
Info
All speed restrictions, initial altitudes, and step climbs are found on the charts. Ensure you study and understand these before departure.
The manchester TMA is covered by controllers based in Prestwick. Despiting logging on with MAN_CTR, the callsign is "Scottish Control" not "Manchester Control / Center".
On your first contact with Scottish Control report:
- Callsign
- SID Designator
- Current altitude
- Cleared altitude
Radiotelephony
Scottish Control, EZY642P SONEX 1Y, passing 3200', climbing 5,000'
It is very likely you will be vectored off the SID during the initial stages of your flight. Follow each instruction promptly and be ready to rejoin your filed route when directed by ATC.
Tip
You can start turning / climbing while ATC is giving the instruction. You are expected to comply immediately, and do not need to wait to read back before turning.
Arrival¶
STAR¶
Altitude constraints noted on the charts are for reference only. Actual descent will be as directed by ATC. You can expect clearances to be level at or abeam a certain fix. Make sure you are able to comply with this in your aircraft, and advise if unable.
Radiotelephony
EZY576N, descend FL200 level by ELVOS
Warning
Aircraft shall NOT pass the STAR clearance limit (DAYNE/MIRSI/ROSUN) without clearance from ATC. You are expected to hold by default. ATC may not explicitly tell you to hold.
If further clearance has not been received when reaching the clearance limit, aircraft shall enter the published hold procedure as shown on the STAR charts.
| Holding Fix | Inbound Course | Turn Direction | Leg Length | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROSUN | 171° | R | 1 min | Max 230 kts |
| DAYNE | 310° | R | 1 min | Max 230 kts |
| MIRSI | 060° | R | 1 min | Max 230 kts |
Tip
It is good airmanship to have the hold pre-programmed in the aircraft FMC/MCDU, so that in case ATC does not give you any further instruction the aircraft automatically enters the published hold.
You will typically be given a heading to fly after the terminal hold fix if there is no delay or it is your turn to leave the hold.
Radiotelephony
EZY576N leave DAYNE heading 020 degrees
You must wait until you have passed overhead before turing.
All planes will be vectored onto the ILS by default. If you require a different approach type inform Manchester Radar EGCC_S/N_APP at the earliest suitable opportunity, ideally on initial contact.
Pilots should plan the following speeds unless otherwise instructed. Keep in mind that ATC instructions always take precedence.
-
Below FL100 - 250 KIAS
-
When instructed to fly a heading - 220 KIAS
-
Base - 180 KIAS
-
Established on final - 160 KIAS until 4nm
On first descent to an altitude Manchester Radar EGCC_S/N_APP will inform you of an estimated track mileage from your current position to touchdown. If online, this will also be updated by the Final Manchester Director EGCC_F_APP on initial contact, and in both cases does NOT need to be read back. You should use this to calculate and fly a Continuous Descent Approach.
On transfer from the Manchester Radar to Manchester Director report ONLY your callsign to them, unless otherwise instructed by the previous controller.
Report your callsign only to Manchester Director 121.355
Manchester Director, EZY576N
Landing¶
Check in with Manchester Tower EGCC_N/S_TWR with your callsign ONLY, unless otherwise instructed by the previous controller.
Radiotelephony
Manchester Tower, EZY576N
It is normal not to receive landing clearance by the approach minimums. If a landing clearance has not yet been received, you may continue the approach until the numbers before initiating a go-around.
Warning
Not having landing clearance at approach minimums is NOT solely a cause to go-around. This will delay you and other pilots.
Due to high traffic volume it is imperative you vacate the runway as quickly as possible to avoid go-arounds. Plan to use the first available Rapid Exit Taxiway.
Tip
You can take the Rapid Exit Taxiways at high speeds. (Typically up to 50kts)
Warning
You are not considered vacated until your entire aircraft is passed the appropriate runway holding point.
Taxi in¶
What to do after landing
P and F are not available to vacate the runway, so plan to roll down to BD or later.
Once vacated continue onto A and hold at A4, or onto B and hold at B2. Remember to give way to aircraft vacating the runway from your right as they have priority.
Vacating P or F: Continue all the way over the hold short bar, then come to a stop once your tail is clear. The Tower or Ground controller may direct you left or right to hold as well.
Vacating H: Continue left onto J and hold at J4, unless you are parking on Terminal 3. In which case hold at G1 or H2.
Vacating M or later: Continue left onto J and hold at J3. Remember to give way to aircraft vacating the runway from your left as they have priority.
Once vacated continue onto V, and do not stop until on V. Expect to hold at DZ1, FZ1 or HZ1 to cross the northern runway.
Manchester has received a large number of updates to its taxiway layout. If you are on an older scenery and cannot accept one of the new taxiways please let the ground controller know on first contact.