Citation

Psyllou E, Majumdar A. J. Navig. 2020; 73(5): 1036-1051.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Royal Institute of Navigation of Great Britain, Publisher Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/S0373463320000156

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The increase in the number of commercial flights highlights the need for air traffic to follow air procedures. Unfortunately, general aviation aircraft used for recreational purposes keep entering controlled and restricted airspace without obtaining permission from air traffic services. Given the safety and operational problems this could potentially cause, this paper examines the underlying reasons for these incidents occurring. In particular, it analyses airspace infringements between 2008 and 2017 involving general aviation flights that were recorded in airspace in which a large number of commercial flights also fly in Europe and America. The reports were analysed based on an initial assessment of their quality. Information was latent in the narrative and subsequently both qualitative (content analysis) and quantitative methods (descriptive statistics) of analysis were used. The analysis revealed that airspace infringements were related to the pilot's flight planning, that is, flight-route choice, navigation skills and communication, in addition to requirement to adhere to airspace procedure. The findings could be used by national authorities and flying clubs to promote safe flying in these regions.

Language: en

Keywords

Airspace Design; Airspace Infringement; Aviation; General Aviation