PaulB wrote:Absolutely true.... I'll edit (My excuse? It was early!)
So if you don't even need to listen or squawk, why is it still Class D?
It's VFR only and 'remain clear of cloud and in sight of the ground' and minimum flight visibility: 4 km
and....
For the purposes of SERA.3105 Minimum Heights, an aircraft flying within the Manchester Control Zone Special Low Level Route is permitted to fly below 1000 ft above the highest obstacle within a radius of 600 m from the aircraft....
So a bit more restrictive than class G on one hand, and a bit less on the other.
I guess the logic was:
1) We need a north - south route through the Liverpool/Manchester area - otherwise you'd be out over the sea or east of the Pennines.
2) The maximum altitude available without impacting on Liverpool/Manchester procedures is 1,300ft.
3) 1,300ft wouldn't normally be possible because of SERA.3105 Minimum Heights and the transmitter near Warrington
4) Give a derogation to the SERA.3105 Minimum Heights, but require specific minima given the reduced margins and the inevitable higher density of traffic through the narrow corridor.