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2. Airspace Structure

2.1 General

The Terminal Manoeuvring Area (TMA) is the controlled airspace in which Approach Control provides radar services to arriving and departing aircraft.

The Approach Controller shall apply control within this airspace to ensure safe separation and efficient traffic flow.

2.2 Purpose of the TMA

The TMA is designed to:

  • Facilitate safe climb and descent of aircraft
  • Enable sequencing of arriving traffic
  • Integrate departing aircraft with en-route traffic

The Approach Controller shall manage traffic within the TMA to maintain separation and ensure orderly flow.

2.3 Airspace Components

2.3.1 Control Zone (CTR)

The Control Zone (CTR):

  • Surrounds the aerodrome
  • Is controlled by Tower (TWR)

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Coordinate all arriving aircraft with Tower
  • Transfer aircraft prior to entering the CTR
  • Ensure spacing is suitable for Tower operations
  • Avoid creating compressed or unstable traffic on final

Separation responsibility within the CTR rests with Tower unless otherwise coordinated.

2.3.2 Terminal Manoeuvring Area (TMA)

The Terminal Manoeuvring Area (TMA):

  • Surrounds and overlies the CTR
  • Is controlled by Approach (APP)

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Provide radar control within the TMA
  • Maintain separation between aircraft
  • Sequence arrivals and departures
  • Manage vertical and lateral traffic distribution

The Approach Controller retains separation responsibility within the TMA unless transferred.

2.4 Airspace Boundaries

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Maintain awareness of lateral and vertical limits of the TMA
  • Ensure aircraft remain within controlled airspace unless coordinated
  • Coordinate with adjacent sectors prior to boundary penetration

Aircraft shall not be vectored outside controlled airspace without coordination or procedural control.

2.5 Transfer of Control

2.5.1 Arrival Transfer

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Sequence aircraft prior to transfer
  • Ensure appropriate spacing on final
  • Transfer aircraft to Tower in a timely manner

Transfer shall occur when:

  • The aircraft is established on final approach, or
  • As defined by local procedures

2.5.2 Departure Transfer

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Accept aircraft from Tower after departure
  • Establish radar identification
  • Integrate departing traffic with existing traffic

2.6 Standard Routes

Standard routes support predictable and efficient traffic flow.

These include:

  • Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs)
  • Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs)

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Use standard routes where applicable
  • Modify routes using radar vectors when required
  • Ensure separation is maintained when deviating from standard routes

2.7 Traffic Flow Management

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Balance arrivals and departures within the TMA
  • Avoid overloading any sector of airspace
  • Maintain continuous traffic flow

Where required, the controller shall:

  • Delay aircraft
  • Re-sequence traffic
  • Coordinate flow restrictions

2.8 Key Principle

Airspace structure defines control responsibility.

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Understand airspace limits
  • Apply control within assigned airspace
  • Coordinate effectively with adjacent units

Safe and efficient use of airspace is fundamental to radar control.