[russp]

You will find Shawbury unfailingly helpful and pleasant. I haven't overflown Ternhill but have flown close to it and through the CMATZ quite a lot. I should think it may well be the same as if you were going to Sleap when Shawbury keep you until you are visual with Sleap. It's always a good idea to ask if Ternhill is active if you are going to be anywhere near there. Shawbury ATCOs like people to talk to them. If you ask Shawbury they will be happy to help, which is far better than not asking and making a mess of things which they then have to sort out. I never cease to be amazed at the patience shown by Shawbury controllers when confronted by people who don't do what they are asked to do or are uncertain of what they are supposed to be doing. I think the worst I have ever heard from them(to another aircraft) was "G-XXXX will you PLEASE READ BACK..... !" (whatever it was they wanted)

About half the time I request a MATZ transit I end up reading back something different to what they've told me! So many times I seem to get a 'clearance' to transit not below some random alt or remain 3 miles from aerodrome.. I've taken to reading back the QNH (or RPS if they give me that although I'll never set that) and then just "confirm remaining clear of atz". The most ridiculous one was with Boscombe Down who once cleared me to fly not below 3500ft on their QFE .. so 500ft above their class G MATZ!! (They had one light aircraft in the circuit).

I find the 'request' transit/penetration phraseology for a MATZ very misleading for newer pilots. Always remember that it's you helping them out calling them up .. there is no requirement to do so and they have no 'control' over you and cannot refuse your 'request'. Any instructions or directions they give to you should be treated as a request from them to you and if it's not convenient tell them so and tell them your intentions.

Too many pilots get into the habit of treating a MATZ as defacto class D and it really isn't!

[malcolmfrost]

I usually "Request MATZ penetration, remaining clear of the XXXXX ATZ" and that seems to make it more straightforward!

[FlightDek]

I'd just give Shawbury Zone a call. Unlikely to be any response at the weekend. If you're passing close the Tern Hill you could listen in but I don't think there's much point in calling them

[Dave W]

@Hxrv3y Call Shawbury and if no reply make blind calls entering and in the MATZ, being accurate with your position.

Remain clear of the Tern Hill ATZ (and Shawbury's, of course). They are active 24H and during the day at weekends there may be gliding.

Double check the Zone frequency; there's a NOTAM for a change to an 8.33 channel.

If you're a student, run through the process with your instructor - they will clarify.

Have a good flight.

[Rjk983]

I've got a navigation flight on Saturday/Sunday (weather permitting) and it takes me through Shawbury's MATZ and close to Tern Hill's ATZ. I am aware that the MATZ isn't operational on weekends but just just looking for some advice on who i should be calling ? Do i just go straight to Tern Hill or still call up Shawbury Zone and and see if anyone answers.

@Hxrv3y a couple of points…

1. Some good replies to your question but please make sure you also discuss this with your instructor before you fly.

2. Holy thread resurrection Batman!! Well done, this looks like the winner so far this year @russp , all good points mate, but about 17 years late

[PeteSpencer]

17 years on the Lakenheath-Mildenhall-Honington CMATZ, having dumped Honington years ago is still controlled by Lakenheath alone but they will still tell you if asked of any NOTAMed activity at Honington like RAF Gliding..