Skip to main content

Uncontrolled airfield

Introduction

After receiving your student rating, you will proceed to training for the Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) and eventually gain permission to provide AFIS within your designated vACC. This manual is designed to support you throughout this process.

This guide has been kept as general as possible, but some examples may be presented differently depending on the Flight Information Regions (FIRs).

Aims of this Guide

This guide covers all the duties an AFIS controller is responsible for, including:

  • Providing correct traffic information to pilots.

  • Forwarding IFR clearances received from air traffic control units.

  • Understanding the limitations of AFIS in terms of clearances and instructions.

This guide also outlines the expected service from AFIS stations and the limitations regarding clearances and/or instructions to air traffic.

Uncontrolled Airfields

The term "uncontrolled" refers to airfields that do not have Air Traffic Control (ATC) but are served by AFIS.

Surrounding Airspace

Uncontrolled aerodromes are typically located in Class G airspace, where both VFR and IFR traffic are permitted. At airfields with IFR approach and departure procedures, a Radio Mandatory Zone (RMZ) is established around the aerodrome. Within this zone:

  • Pilots must comply with the visual minima of Class G airspace.

  • Pilots must be prepared to make and receive radio calls on the RMZ frequency at all times.

  • The frequency is usually the published aerodrome frequency.

  • At airfields with IFR traffic, Class E airspace may be lowered to 1,000 ft AGL.

Uncontrolled airfields without IFR procedures typically bear the name of the nearest town followed by the suffix "Radio". For example, the airfield near Lille would use the callsign "Lille Radio". Exceptions to this rule can be found on the VFR charts and in the AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication).

Airfield Layout

Larger uncontrolled aerodromes have layouts similar to controlled airfields, featuring:

  • One or more runways.

  • Taxiways connecting the runways to an apron.

Smaller grass airstrips may not have designated taxiways. In such cases, pilots indicate which side of the runway they will taxi to when announcing their intentions.

Traffic Circuit

The traffic circuit is a standard procedure used to maintain separation during approach and departure. It follows a rectangular pattern and is usually flown at 1,000 ft AGL.

A standard circuit consists of left turns after departure, but exceptions exist for noise abatement and other operational reasons. These are published on aerodrome charts.

Phases of a Traffic Circuit

English French
Departure Départ
Crosswind Vent traversier
Downwind Vent arrière
Base Vent de base
Final Finale

At designated airfields, traffic circuits are published on VFR approach charts (VAC), and pilots are expected to follow them. However, deviations are permitted when required by safety or operational constraints.

When no official circuit is published, pilots determine their own routing, considering minimum safe altitudes and noise abatement procedures.

AFIS Preparation

Similar to controlled aerodromes, the active runway must be selected based on:

  • Weather conditions.

  • Local regulations.

The active runway announcement is a guideline for pilots but may be disregarded for valid reasons, such as safety concerns. Most uncontrolled airfields do not have certified equipment for determining barometric pressure (QNH). In such cases, pilots must obtain QNH by setting their altimeter to the aerodrome elevation (MSL).

A fundamental AFIS rule is that no clearances or instructions may be given to aircraft unless there is an immediate safety concern. This does not apply to ground movements, where the aerodrome operator may delegate authority to an AFIS officer to manage taxiing and parking areas.

Initial Call

VFR aircraft arriving at or departing from an uncontrolled aerodrome must establish radio communication on the AFIS frequency.

Structure of the Initial Call

French English
Lille Radio, F-ABCD Lille Radio, F-ABCD
F-ABCD, Lille Radio F-ABCD, Lille Radio

This exchange establishes contact between the pilot and the AFIS station, after which the pilot provides their intentions.

This guide ensures that new AFIS controllers understand the scope and limitations of providing AFIS services at uncontrolled airfields. Let me know if you need any modifications!

Approaching Traffic

After the initial call, approaching traffic will communicate:

  • Call sign

  • Aircraft type

  • Current position (in NM, including altitude)

  • Intentions (e.g., landing, touch-and-go, etc.)

Since the main flight log at uncontrolled airfields is often maintained via radio, pilots will also state:

  • Departure location

  • Number of persons on board

Relevant information for approaching traffic includes:

  • Active runway

  • Other flight operations (e.g., heavy traffic, glider/aerobatic operations, runway conditions, etc.)

Example Phraseology

French English
F-ABCD, C172, VFR de Lille, 8 miles sud du terrain, 2.200ft, pour atterrissage. F-ABCD, C172, VFR from Lille, 8 miles south of field, 2,200ft, for landing.
F-ABCD, piste 25, activité planeurs au nord du terrain. F-ABCD, runway 25, glider activity north of field.

Once the initial call is complete, no further response is required unless necessary. Pilots should self-announce their turns in the traffic pattern (downwind, base, final). Callsigns may be shortened only if the ground station does so first. When reporting base, the current ground wind should ideally be provided.

Example Calls

French English
F-ABCD, en vent de base pour la 25. F-ABCD, turning base 25.
F-ABCD, en finale pour la 25. F-ABCD, final 25.

Departing Traffic

Departing traffic requires the active runway and any additional traffic information. First, the pilot makes an initial call, then requests taxi instructions if needed.

Example Phraseology

French English
F-ABCD, C172, VFR vers Lille, au parking, demande informations de roulage. F-ABCD, C172, VFR to Lille, apron, request taxi information.
F-ABCD, piste 25. F-ABCD, runway 25.

If the aerodrome operator has authorized ground control, the AFIS officer can instruct taxi movements.

Example Taxi Instructions

French English
F-ABCD, piste 25 via aire en herbe sud / taxiways A et B. F-ABCD, runway 25 via southern grass area / via taxiways A and B.

Once the aircraft lines up on the runway, the AFIS officer can provide wind conditions.

Example Wind Report

French English
Vent 240 degrés, 9 nœuds. Wind 240 degrees, 9 knots.

Traffic in the Traffic Circuit

Aircraft remaining in the circuit are treated similarly to arriving/departing traffic. Wind information does not need to be repeated every time the aircraft turns.

Special Procedures / Flight Exercises

Pilots may conduct practice approaches, such as simulated engine failures or spot landings. Other traffic should be informed if possible.

Example Phraseology

French English
F-ABCD, en vent arrière piste 25, panne moteur simulée / atterrissage de précision. F-ABCD, downwind runway 25, simulated engine failure / spot landing.

Other aircraft may delay their approach to allow for completion of the exercise (approx. 2 minutes).

Traffic Information

Traffic information is broadcast when two aircraft are likely to encounter each other. Unlike controlled aerodromes, uncontrolled aerodromes do not have radar; instead, binoculars may be used.

Traffic information at uncontrolled fields differs because:

  • No altitude or heading data is available.

  • The aircraft's last known position is used.

  • Right-hand circuits must be explicitly mentioned.

Example Phraseology

French English
F-ABCD, point d’arrêt piste 27, prêt au départ. F-ABCD, holding point runway 27, ready for departure.
F-ABCD, information trafic, Cessna 172 au décollage de la piste 27. F-ABCD, traffic information, Cessna 172 departing runway 27.
F-ABCD, trafic en vue, (roule pour alignement piste 27). F-ABCD, traffic in sight, (lining up runway 27).
F-ABCD, en vent arrière piste 27. F-ABCD, downwind runway 27.
F-ABCD, information trafic, Piper 28 en vent de base piste 27. F-ABCD, traffic information, Piper 28, base runway 27.
F-ABCD, surveillez le trafic. F-ABCD, looking out.

VFR at Night (NVFR)

Night VFR (NVFR) refers to visual flight during civil twilight. Pilots operating NVFR must:

  • File a flight plan (if leaving the aerodrome vicinity).

  • Use the suffix "VFR Night" in all calls.

  • Ensure the aerodrome is NVFR-approved.

Example Phraseology

French English
F-ABCD, C172, VFR Nuit vers Paris, au parking, demande roulage. F-ABCD, C172, VFR Night to Paris, at the apron, request taxi information.
F-ABCD, piste 25. F-ABCD, runway 25.

If the pilot continues NVFR in Class E airspace, they must contact the appropriate ATC unit.

Gliders

Uncontrolled aerodromes, especially grass airstrips, are major hubs for glider operations. Unpowered gliders rely on:

  • Aerotow launches

  • Winch launches

These operations are coordinated locally and are not controlled by AFIS. However, traffic information is recommended.

Example Glider Calls

French English
F-1234, position, train sorti et verrouillé. F-1234, position, gear down and locked.

Gliders use a tighter circuit and land faster than powered aircraft.

VHF Direction Finder (VDF)

Some small aerodromes are equipped with a VHF Direction Finder (VDF), allowing controllers to assist lost pilots.

  • QDM: Magnetic bearing from aircraft to the station.

  • QDR: Magnetic bearing from the station to the aircraft.

Example: An aircraft north of the station has QDM 180° / QDR 360°.

Emergency Procedures

Emergencies at uncontrolled aerodromes are handled like those at controlled airports:

  • The aerodrome is closed to all traffic.

  • Pilots are informed of the emergency.

  • Once the situation is resolved, the aerodrome is reopened.

This guide ensures AFIS controllers provide essential services while respecting the limitations of an uncontrolled airfield environment.

 

Back to top