¶ Italian Airspace
Clicca qui per la versione in italiano
The italian airspace is organized in 3 Flight Information Regions (FIR) and 3 Upper Information Regions (UIR), each with their subdivision and responsibilities.
The FIR extend up to FL195 and are controlled by Area Control Centers (ACC) who provide service to all type of aircraft (VFR and IFR)
- Milano FIR/UIR
- Milano ACC
- Padova ACC
- Roma FIR/UIR
- Roma ACC
- Brindisi FIR/UIR
- Brindisi ACC
VATITA provides ATC service also in Malta
¶ Classification of airspace
In Italy the most used airspace classes are A, C (above FL195), D ang G.
Knowing the various classes of airspace and their differences is fundamental to understanding the type of service you will receive and how to interact with the controller and other aircraft.
-
Class A: the type of service provided in A airspace is ATC (Air traffic control) and the controller is tasked with the separation of all aircraft inside the airspace, in Italy this class is found in the Rome and Milano TMA. VFR flights are prohibited to enter class A airspace.
-
Class C: the type of service provided is ATC and TFCI (Traffic Information), the controller is tasked with the separation between IFR aircraft and of VFR aircraft from IFR aircraft. This airspace in Italy can be found above FL195. FL195 is also the limit for VFR flights. To access class C airspace, clearance is needed.
-
Class D: the type of service provided is ATC and TFCI, the controller is tasked with separation between IFR aircraft but NOT of VFR aircraft who must separate by themselves. This is the most common airspace in Italy and it can be found in all the CTRs. **To access class D airspace, clearance is needed
-
Class G: the type of service is FIS (Flight Information Service) and provided only upon request, the controller does not provide any separation. To enter G airspace no clearance is needed.
The biggest difference is between G airspace and D airspace and it is noticed mainly by VFR flights.
In D airspace you can expect to receive instructions and clearances:
I-ICPO, Venezia Tower, runway 04R cleared for takeoff, wind 130/5 KT
While in G airspace you will receive only information and you can proceed at your discretion:
I-ICPO, Padova Information, runway 04 no reported traffic, wind 060/3 KT
¶ Aeronautical Charts
¶ Freeware
- ENAV Online Services (Free registration required)
- Eurocontrol EAD (European AIS Database) Basic (Free registration required)
- AutoRouter (Free registration and approval required after up to 24h)
¶ Payware
- Navigraph (Jeppesen)
Use of charts is mandatory to be able to follow Air Traffic Controllers' instructions.