The major effects of the Olympic Restricted Airspace will be felt in the south-east of England, where Restricted Area R112 will operate from July 14 till August 15 2012. Special rules apply for those who wish to operate from airfields and strips within R112, or enter/leave the zone during the Olympic period.

 

Within R112 is a Prohibited area, P111 which includes the London Heathrow CTR, London City and an area to the NE that straddles the Lea Valley – this area is effectively closed to the typical GA, recreational pilot and you must remain clear.

 

In order to operate within R112 during the Olympic period you must follow some relatively straightforward rules – file a flight plan, receive an acceptance reference before take-off or entry, maintain contact with Atlas Control, squawk Mode C, and follow your prescribed route.

 

Light Aviation has carried a number of articles over recent months which outline the procedures and how to comply with them. None of them are particularly difficult, and if you follow the rules you will be able to fly in the SE throughout the period with little inconvenience.

 

It is vitally important that if you fly in the SE of England between July 14 and August 15 you ensure you understand what is required of you as a responsible pilot. Please plan and fly carefully, the very future of the way that GA operates within the UK could be dependent on how we perform over those four short weeks.

 

Get a Gold in Olympic Flight Planning.  This article explains the basic operating criteria for operating within R112.

 

Filing an Olympics Flight Plan with AFPEx. This article explains the differences AFPEx users will need to apply to their Flightplans.

 

Olympic Flight Planning with SkyDemon. This article explains how to register and file a flight plan on the free SkyDemon Light software.

 

SkyDemon Light. This article explains how to use the free SkyDemon Light program to plan your route, check NOTAM and avoid possible infringements.

 

Flying around R112. This article explains some of the potential traps when operating close to, but outside of R112.

 

A quick start guide to the airspace changes for the London 2012 Olympics. The regularly updated Airspace and Safety Initiative website containing the official procedures and guidance tools for operating during the Olympic period.

 

London 2012 Pilot's guide. This 100-page manual navigates pilots through the various security and operational airspace restrictions in place for the duration of the Games.

 

The LAA Shop. You must have an up to date (Edition 38) Half Mil Southern England and Wales chart, which includes a free London 2012 Olympic Games supplementary chart, if you intend operating anywhere in the south of the country during the Olympic period. Many changes have been made to airspace in the region, including additional restricted airspace and the lowering of existing airspace lower limits well outside of R112. Restricted airspace (R005) in the Weymouth area is also depicted on the chart, plus stadiums and other locations around the country (marked with a star) which will have RATs in operation, notified by NOTAM, when they host Olympic events.