AIP Supplement – ÍSLAND / ICELAND
Isavia ANS ehf., Reykjavíkurflugvelli, 102 Reykjavík /
Isavia ANS, Reykjavik Airport, IS-102 Reykjavik, Iceland
Sími / Telephone: + 354 424 4000
ais@isavia.is
http://www.isavia.is/
 
AIP SUP nr 11/2024
Effective from  30 MAY 2024
Published on 30 MAY 2024
 
 
Skipulag vegna Reykjaneselda /
Procedures due to Volcanic activity at Reykjanes peninsula
Content Responsibility: Isavia ANS

1 Introduction

Volcanic eruption may be expected near Grindavik on a regular basis for the next months. Therefore, the Icelandic Transport Authority, in cooperation with Isavia ANS, has decided on the following procedures to maintain safety of flight.
A volcanic area will be determined as a restricted area (BIR4) within a 2 NM radius around the volcano.
These amendments will be published with NOTAMs.
Due to wind, the location of the eruption and ash fall it is possible that adjustments need to be made to the set up.
For amendments to the airspace and in case of a landing ban, limitation of the number of aircraft or prohibited area around the volcanic eruption or other changes needed a NOTAM will be published.

2 Volcanic area (BIR4)

2.1 Restricted Area boundary (BIR4)published by NOTAM

A restricted area defined within a 2 NM Radius around the volcano.

2.2 Air navigation obstruction

Two antennas are near Grindavík, identified with a light in the center and on top, see ENR 5.4.1. Pilots shall take notice of guy wires supporting antennas.
Due to the volcanic eruption, loss of electricity is possible, pilots are advised to monitor NOTAM publications.

2.3 Use of area

Attention is drawn to that a clearance is required before entering the volcanic Area (BIR4), BIRK CTR, BIKF CTR and FAXI TMA from BIRK TWR or BIKF TWR as applicable.
Emergency and Investigative flights on behalf of Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management have priority for the area. BIKF TWR will restrict the number of aircraft within the area if needed or close the area in accordance with the decisions of the authorities.
Limitations: announcement on closure of the area will be on 131.8 Mhz and in BIKF and BIRK ATIS.
Restrictions: Transponder. 
Air to Air communications 131.800 MHz.    
The Police and the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management publish other restricted areas, those areas are also published by NOTAM.

3 VFR routes between BIRK and volcanic areapublished by NOTAM

VFR routes have been established between BIRK and the Volacnic Area. 
VFR route 10A to volcanic Area: Climb outbound to 2000 feet for helicopters and 1500 feet for airplanes Skerjafjord via Holmar then direct Hrakholmar (westest part of Alftanes) direct Melshöfði direct Garðakirkja direct Aluminum factory direct Keilir direct BIR4.
VFR route 10B to BIRK: at 2000 feet for helicopters and 1500 feet for airplanes from BIR4 direct Keilir direct Aluminum factory direct Gardakirkja and follow VFR routes to BIRK.
Flying via the new route should be like flying on other VFR routes, it is important that pilots keep well to the right of centerline of the route, so as to maintain not less than 45° angle from the centerline (with reference to surface) to aircraft.

4 VFR route 11A between Heidi and volcanic area published by NOTAM

An exemption has been made for microlight operation from Heidi to the volcanic area via Hraunsvik east off Grindavik while BIR4 is in use, daily from 08:00 to 21:00 weekdays and 09:00 – 21:00 on weekends and public holidays. The excemption is not valid if the area is closed.
The following conditions apply:
  1. Fisfelag Reykjavik shall ensure that no more than 3 microlights are planning to fly within the volcanic area at the same time.
  1. An electronic FPL shall be submitted with a minimum of one hour prior to take off.
  1. The flight shall remain outside BIRK CTR and below FAXI TMA.
  1. Air to Air communications within the volcanic area is on frequency 131.800 MHz
  1. Microlights shall be equipped with a transponder and the transponder shall be turned on.
  1. Pilots shall follow instructions from BIRK TWR. BIRK TWR may reject requests for a microlight to fly into the volcanic area and give instructions to evacuate the volcanic area.
  1. Microlight pilots shall follow the procedures introduced in this SUP and NOTAM regarding flights to and within the volcanic area.
Microlight flying between Heidi and the volcanic area via VFR route 11A:
  1. The flight to and from Heidi in and out of the volcanic area shall be outside BIRK CTR, BIKF CTR and below FAXI TMA að Hraunsvik east of Grindavik.
  1. An approval to enter the volcanic area shall be requested from Reykjavik TWR as soon as possible after departure from Heidi.
  1. BIRK TWR will instruct frequency change to the volcanic area frequency.
  1. Departing the volcanic area shall via Hraunsvik east of Grindavik, a report shall be made to BIRK TWR when leaving the volcanic area and when the FPL is closed.
  1. Instructions to leave the area may be in accordance with the decisions of the authorities to limit the number of aircraft within the area, to secure the priority of the area for Emergency and
    Investigative flights on behalf of Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management or to minimise traffic load on ATS Units.

5 Flying inside the volcanic area

Airspace within BIR4 is classified as Class G.
Rules of the air apply to flying within the Area. 
Pilots are urged to use extreme caution due to possible heavy traffic and risk of mid-air collision.
Attention is drawn to a restricted area at 1500 feet and below ASL.
Recommendations:
  • stay on the windward side of eruption 
  • do not fly over the eruption
  • pilots decide on a waypoint at a safe distance
  • orbit with left turns around the waypoint.

6 Map showing VFR Routes and a possible position of BIR4.

 

7 Contacts

The following may be contacted for information or to provide feedback:
Netfang / Email: procedures@isavia.is
 

 
 AIP Supplement cancelled:
AIP SUP 06/2024
 
NOTAM incorporated in this Supplement:
NIL
 
END