Transition Altitude

[True North]

Hi Folks,

Quick question on Transition altitudes. How do you find out what the transition altitude is for an area? I know that in some parts of the UK the TA is 3000' and in others it is 6000'. Is there a chart somewhere showing the transition altitudes across the country or is it just a case of asking the local ATC in the area?

Cheers

TN.

[GrahamB]

Without having to dig too far into the AIP for the consolidated chart or list, It will be shown on any instrument approach chart.

[Keef]

It's also in the reference section of the Jepp VFR Manuals (formerly Bottlang).

[Intercepted]

You will find the transition altitudes in Altimeter Setting Procedures ENR 1-7 of the AIP.

[Keef]

... and if you think the UK ones confusing, the French ones are shambolic.

The day is coming (hopefully) when there will be one common European TA. It may even be the same as the common US one

[GrahamB]

If you are stuck with just your half mill, you can take an educated guess by looking at the base of controlled airspace, if there is some in the area you are considering.

If the base is shown as an altitude, then you know that the TA is at least that. Outside and away from under any TMAs and CTAs, it is likely to be 3000'. If you are in CAS, ATC will tell you what to fly at, whether it be an FL or an altitude.

[True North]

Thanks guys, some useful info.

GrahamB thanks, I hadnt thought of using the base of CAS on my half mil chart, great tip. I wonder why they dont show it on the chart. Surely they dont change very often??

[steveFI]

Hello

In the Uk the transition alt is 3000' exept under the London TMA or some CTAs where itis 6000'.
Good news is there are plans to soon raise it much higher everywhere so most of us will always be under it.
Hope that helps.

[bookworm]

GrahamB thanks, I hadnt thought of using the base of CAS on my half mil chart, great tip. I wonder why they dont show it on the chart. Surely they dont change very often??

It wouldn't be useful to show it. If the base of controlled airspace is shown as an altitude, it's below the TA. If it's a FL, it's above TA. If you're in controlled airspace, you just use the altimeter setting the controller tells you to.

OK, technically speaking when flying IFR below the East Midlands CTA where the base is FL75, you are not required to use the quadrantal rule when below 6000 ft. But for all practical purposes, you might as well fly quadrantal FLs, unless you're talking to East Midlands.