A small ATC unit comprising three controllers and two assistants provides air traffic control services at St. Mary's Airport throughout the published hours of operation. It is interesting and varied work frequently made more demanding by the very nature of air operations to remote and unsheltered islands. An emergency call-out system enables air ambulance flights and military rescue services to use the airport on a 24-hour basis and satisfy the need to maintain a lifeline to the mainland.
Situated approximately 30 miles from Cornwall on the edge of the Atlantic, weather conditions in the Islands are often subject to very rapid and sometimes un-forecast deteriorations. Sudden changes in flying conditions can make for considerable operational difficulties, particularly for those private pilots untrained, or unequipped to fly in cloud or poor visibility. Controllers are experienced observers of local weather and able to make any necessary adjustments to the way in which traffic is handled and ensure pilots are kept informed of significant changes to conditions.
Unlike most modern-day activities, the work of controllers here is not over-dependant upon very costly and sophisticated electronic equipment. Much reliance therefore is placed upon the skills and judgement of both controllers and professional pilots and the use made of well-tried procedures. These local procedures, which have been developed over many years in partnership with the two airlines serving the Islands, adjacent ATC units and the Civil Aviation Authority, are designed to ensure safe and efficient operations in less favourable weather conditions. Whenever practicable, to avoid the delays that usually result from flying instrument approach procedures, pilots may make approaches visually, along very familiar routes.
Over 90% of the operations are public transport flights of 15 to 30 minutes duration, made by large, S61-type helicopters, Islanders and Twin-otter aircraft. These flights vary seasonally in frequency from 20 to 120 daily and operate below 4000ft in a narrow corridor of airspace that passes through a military flying area and links Penzance and Lands End with the Islands. Close liaison is maintained with the radar units safeguarding the area and St. Mary's co-ordinates with these (RNAS Culdrose or Newquay Cornwall Radar) to ensure the safe operation of flights climbing out of the Corridor into the military area.
Pilots visiting the Isles are advised to obtain Radar Information Services from Newquay Cornwall (133.400) and RNAS Culdrose (134.05) before entering the AIAA and to contact Lands End (120.25) before crossing the LND VOR.
