Humberside Radar:

Navigating the Surveillance Gaps at EGNJ

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Humberside Airport (EGNJ) is currently operating with a degraded radar service due to the use of backup secondary equipment. This operational briefing explains the impact of reduced low-level coverage on UK General Aviation, offering critical advice on communication and transponder safety for pilots operating within 20nm of the Humber.

The 20-Mile Rule:

The CAA and Humberside ATC have issued a specific request via NOTAM (C0885/26) for all aircraft operating within a 20-nautical-mile radius of the airfield.

As a result of the degraded service, the controllers may not "see" you on their screens due to the reduced surveillance footprint, your voice position report becomes the primary method of maintaining separation. In an environment where the "see and avoid" principle is already challenged by high-intensity offshore helicopter operations and commercial traffic, being "electronically invisible" adds a layer of risk that can be mitigated through proactive communication.

Impact on Traffic Service and Deconfliction:

Pilots should manage their expectations regarding the type of service available. Under reduced surveillance coverage, a "Traffic Service" may be limited or, in some sectors, impossible to provide with accuracy. Controllers may revert to providing a "Basic Service" or a "Procedural Service" if they cannot confidently identify your aircraft on the backup system.

Furthermore, the "listening squawk" (7045) remains a useful tool, but pilots should be aware that if the radar isn't picking up the squawk at low levels, the controller remains unaware of your presence. If you are operating below 2,000ft in the vicinity of the Humber Bridge or the Lincolnshire coast, do not assume you are being tracked.

Pilot Best Practice for the Humberside Region:

Contact Radar Early: Call Humberside on 119.130 MHz well before reaching the 20nm boundary.

Verify Your Position:

Provide clear, concise position reports relative to well-known landmarks (e.g., "North of the Humber Bridge").

Transponder Integrity:

Ensure your transponder is set to ALT (Mode C/S) to give the backup secondary radar the best possible chance of detecting your airframe.

Height Awareness:

If weather permits, climbing slightly higher may improve the line-of-sight required for the backup secondary radar sensors.

This "Yellow" status serves as a reminder that technology is not infallible. By reverting to robust radiotelephony and heightened situational awareness, the GA community can ensure that safety standards are maintained despite these infrastructure challenges.