Norfolk TMZ proposed by MoD/USAF
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is sponsoring an airspace change proposal (ACP) which currently proposes to contain the USAF-operated Mildenhall and Lakenheath IFR and visual procedures within a TMZ up to 10,000 feet. The ACP also refers to controlled airspace, with no details currently available. The MoD is proposing to develop the ACP as a trial, which will result in a fast-track approach with minimum involvement by CAA.
The MoD has stated that this is part of the project to modernise airspace around military aerodromes in future, i.e. to replace MATZ’s (a military-use airspace construct) with another category of airspace. Details of this MoD project that is being discussed by MoD with CAA are not currently available, with CAA, when asked, describing the replacement of MATZs as ‘some way off’.
The BGA supports activity that contributes to safe shared airspace, and is consistent in it’s view that airspace change proposals must be fully justified and proportionate. The MoD/USAF ACP design proposals are awaited with interest.
The concept design from the MoD/USAF ACP presentation is reproduced below.
