Background of the project
The so-called "Zurich Redesign" was developed in close co-operation with the Swiss air navigation service provider Skyguide, the Swiss Air Force, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) and other stakeholders. The aim of the project is to achieve an improved level of safety and enable more efficient utilisation of airspace.
An important component of the project is the application of the Collision Risk Modelling (CRM)which aims to reduce the collision risk to a level of "one incident per one billion aircraft movements (1×10-⁹)" to reduce.
The new structure takes into account:
✔ The safe and efficient movements of commercial aircraft to and from Zurich.
✔ The requirements of the Swiss Air Force at the Dübendorf military airfield.
✔ The interests of the General aviation and gliding through adapted restricted zones (LSR).
✔ A clear demarcation of the TMA areas and airspace classes.
The most important changes at a glance
1. adjustments to the Zurich CTR (Control Zone)
The control zone around Zurich Airport (CTR) will be reduced in certain areas:
- In the north-east a large part of the CTR will be removed to create more space for aircraft - especially for the Winterthur area.
- In the south-west there is also a reduction in the CTR area.
2. revision of the Zurich TMA structure
The Terminal Manoeuvring Areas (TMA) around Zurich are being reorganised, with some airspaces being adapted or renamed.
New Zurich TMA 1-7
- Zurich TMA 1: This zone lies directly below the final approach to Runway 14 and has recorded many airspace violations in the past. Special navigation discipline is recommended here.
- Zurich TMA 2B: It was designed so that the Existing departure route E from Birrfeld remains unchanged. Pilots should note that the distance to TMA 2B is only about 300 metres.
- Zurich TMA 3B: This airspace requires increased attention, as there are many approaching commercial aircraft from the north and east on 5000 ft AMSL sink.
- Zurich TMA 4A to 4D: In these areas Minor adjustments made, in particular south of Amlikon, north of Aarau and near Birrfeld and Buttwil.
- Zurich TMA 5A & 5B: Small Boundary changes south of Amlikon and in the Aarau region must be observed.
- Zurich TMA 6A to 6C: Slight shifts were observed south of the Midland-Jura/Alps line especially in the vicinity of Lucerne-Beromünster.
- Zurich TMA 7The south-west corner of the TMZ north-east becomes easy reduced over German territory.
Special TMA S1-S3 for approaches to RWY 34 and RWY 28
These special airspaces are Only activated when requiredespecially during the DVO times (German Implementing Regulation) or in bad weather. Activation takes place with a Lead time of 15 minutes.
DVO times for the TMA S1-S3:
- Working days: 21:00 LT - 07:00 LT
- Weekends: 20:00 LT - 09:00 LT
- Public holidays (Baden-Württemberg): 20:00 LT - 09:00 LT
When using RWY 34, all three TMAs are activated, while for approaches to RWY 28 only TMA S2 and S3 be activated.
3rd adjustments in Dübendorf and Speck-Fehraltorf
In addition to civil airspace, the Dübendorf CTR and TMA 1 and 2 updated. The existing procedures between Dübendorf ATC and the Speck-Fehraltorf airfield remain unchanged.
In addition, a New restricted zone (LSR) around Speck-Fehraltorf set up in order to Local regulatory requirements to fulfil.
4. changes along the Central Plateau-Jura/Alps line
Due to the new TMA structure, the so-called "Alpine Line" in the areas of Uznach, Wattwil, Bütschwil, Degersheim and Gossau slightly adjusted. This leads to minor changes in the boundary between airspace class C and E.
5. modifications to corridor A9.1
- The Airspace along the A9.1 corridor was realised in the regions Hombrechtikon and west of Hausen am Albis changed.
- The lower limit of this corridor is now FL90.
Important information for pilots
✔ The obligation to register for crossing a Zurich TMA remains in placePilots must be at least 10 minutes before entry with Zurich Information on 124.700 MHz report.
✔ Flights must perform their navigation and altitude control preciselyespecially in the busier TMAs, in order to avoid airspace infringements.
✔ The new airspaces are already available online: The complete map can be viewed at this link can be viewed here.
Conclusion
The new airspace design around Zurich represents one of the biggest changes in recent years. The changes affect both the controlled airways for scheduled services as well as the General aviation and gliding. The careful coordination between Skyguide, the Swiss Air Force and FOCA shall be a Optimum balance between safety, efficiency and flexibility in the airspace.
Pilots should familiarise themselves with the familiarise with new structures and actively participate in safety training and information events to ensure a safe and smooth transition.
Source references:
Skybriefing
