Heathrow (EGLL)

Heathrow (EGLL) – Guide to Applying RSIVA

Effective 07 September 2023

Guide to Applying RSIVA

Revision 2023/09 - Effective 07 September 2023
This guide provides advice on the application of Reduced Separation in the Vicinity of the Aerodrome (RSIVA)
on the VATSIM network while controlling Heathrow AIR Departures.

Part 1 – The Rules

Background Information
The effective use of RSIVA between aircraft on diverging routes can significantly increase the overall
departure rate.
However, if wake turbulence separation is ever greater than any of the time periods or advice referenced in
this document, then that should take precedence. Additionally, controllers must consider the effect of
aircraft speed groups on the required route separation, particularly where the time required is increased.
It cannot be stressed enough that Part 2 of this document is not procedure. This document contains advice
on where it may be appropriate to reduce the route separation.

Using RSIVA
‘RSIVA’ is a form of separation applied by Aerodrome controllers. MATS Part I (CAP 493) Section 1 Chapter 3
sets out the ‘rules’:
3A.1 In the vicinity of aerodromes, the standard separation minima may be reduced if:
(1) adequate separation can be provided by the aerodrome controller when each aircraft is
continuously visible to this controller; or
(2) each aircraft is continuously visible to the pilots of other aircraft concerned and the pilots
report that they can maintain their own separation; or
(3) when one aircraft is following another, the pilot of the succeeding aircraft reports the
other aircraft is in sight and can maintain their own separation.
On VATSIM, 'being visual' with aircraft as a tower controller roughly equates to seeing the aircraft on the
ATM. Controllers must use their own judgement, but when the visibility reported in the METAR is poor, or
when in IMC conditions, you should think twice about trying to apply RSIVA – even on VATSIM!
Prior to the transfer of communications of an aircraft to London TC, Heathrow AIR must ensure that RSIVA
(as a form of separation) is replaced by another form of separation – usually that’s radar separation.
The Heathrow (EGLL) vMATS, Section ADC 3.13 states:
AIR Departures must, using the ATM, ensure 3 NM radar separation has been achieved between
diverging aircraft before aircraft are handed to the appropriate TC departure sector.
If for any reason 3 NM cannot be achieved, coordination with other controllers may be necessary to agree
corrective action.

1 FOR VATSIM USE ONLY

Heathrow (EGLL) – Guide to Applying RSIVA
Effective 07 September 2023

Part 2 – The Advice

Westerlies
During westerly operations, all the 1-minute separation pairs listed in the route separation tables on both
the crib sheet and in the vMATS should be able to have RSIVA applied safely to them. In addition, the
following combinations should be safe to reduce the time-based requirement of 2 minutes:
First Second Remarks
DET MAXIT -
MAXIT CPT Waiting for the MID to pass the end of the runway before
clearing the CPT for departure may assist in achieving
3 NM sooner.
CPT UMLAT / BPK Runway 27L
UMLAT / BPK CPT Runway 27L

Easterlies
Again, all the 1-minute separation pairs listed in the route separation tables on both the crib sheet and in the
vMATS should be able to have RSIVA applied safely to them. In addition, the following combinations should
be safe to reduce the time-based requirement of 2 minutes:
First Second Remarks
CPT DET -
DET CPT Waiting for the DET to pass the end of the runway before
clearing the CPT for departure may assist in achieving
3 NM sooner.
MODMI DET -
DET MODMI Waiting for the DET to pass the end of the runway before
clearing the MODMI for departure may assist in achieving
3 NM sooner.
GASGU DET Waiting for the first departure to reach about a mile from
the end of the runway before clearing the second aircraft
DET GASGU for departure may assist in achieving 3 NM sooner.

Note: GASGU -> CPT/MODMI 3 minutes - following coordination of a non-standard heading, TC

Heathrow INT South may agree to reduce the standard separation.

2 FOR VATSIM USE ONLY