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When flying outside controlled airspace there are 3 main types of Air Traffic Service in the UK, which I will explain as simply and as best as I can below.
Basic Service (VFR)
Aircraft fly under their own Navigation and are not informed about other traffic in the area.
Traffic Service (VFR or IFR)
Aircraft fly under their own navigation and ATC will advise them of other traffic in the area.
It is up to the pilot to keep a safe distance from other traffic.
The controller may provide radar vectors at the request of the pilot, however vectors shall not be provided to maintain separation from other aircraft which remains the responsibility of the pilot.
There is no requirement for a pilot to accept vectors under a Traffic Service.
Deconfliction Service (Only available to aircraft flying under IFR rules)
Aircraft fly headings and altitudes given by ATC (Vectors).
VFR aircraft can not have this service in case ATC give them a vector which would put them into IMC Conditions.
Deconfliction means ATC would keep you separated from other aircraft.
Inside controlled airspace you would recieve what's known as a Radar Control Service.
So the next time a controller in the UK asks you what type of service you require?
You'll know exactly what to say and what you'll get.
IMC = Instrument MET Conditions Basically Cloud, you can't fly Visual Flight Rules if your not visual with the ground.
VMC = Visual Met Conditions ie a nice clear day
Basic Service (VFR)
Aircraft fly under their own Navigation and are not informed about other traffic in the area.
Traffic Service (VFR or IFR)
Aircraft fly under their own navigation and ATC will advise them of other traffic in the area.
It is up to the pilot to keep a safe distance from other traffic.
The controller may provide radar vectors at the request of the pilot, however vectors shall not be provided to maintain separation from other aircraft which remains the responsibility of the pilot.
There is no requirement for a pilot to accept vectors under a Traffic Service.
Deconfliction Service (Only available to aircraft flying under IFR rules)
Aircraft fly headings and altitudes given by ATC (Vectors).
VFR aircraft can not have this service in case ATC give them a vector which would put them into IMC Conditions.
Deconfliction means ATC would keep you separated from other aircraft.
Inside controlled airspace you would recieve what's known as a Radar Control Service.
So the next time a controller in the UK asks you what type of service you require?
You'll know exactly what to say and what you'll get.
IMC = Instrument MET Conditions Basically Cloud, you can't fly Visual Flight Rules if your not visual with the ground.
VMC = Visual Met Conditions ie a nice clear day
