Approach Control is responsible for issuing the zone exit clearance. The clearance will be co-ordinated with Aerodrome Control, with Aerodrome Control giving the clearance to the departing aircraft.
Aircraft shall only be transferred to Approach Control once they are clear of any traffic under the responsibility of Aerodrome Control.
NB: If there is no approach controller online, then the tower controller may issue the clearance to leave the CTR, however must release the aircraft when leaving the ATZ and is no longer responsible for it after this point.
Approach Control is responsible for issuing the clearance into controlled airspace.
Example:
INT: ”Stansted AIR, INT”
AIR: ”AIR, Pass your message”
INT: “G-ABCD, via Audley End, To join the circuit”
AIR: “G-ABCD, via Audley End, To join the circuit”
INT: ”Correct”
3. Aerodrome Control shall pass any relevant information.
4. The aircraft is transferred from Approach Control to Aerodrome Control once the aircraft has the aerodrome in sight.
5. Aerodrome Control shall give the arriving aircraft circuit joining instructions.
Aerodrome Control can refuse traffic in cases where the traffic situation dictates. For example, when an emergency is in progress or there is a high amount of traffic within the circuit. Approach Control shall then inform the arriving traffic of the reason zone entry cannot be granted, an expected time to enter the zone and an instruction to remain clear of control airspace.
NB: If there is no approach controller online then the tower controller shall not issue a clearance to enter the CTR. The pilot should contact the tower in good time when visual with the airfield for instructions on how to enter the ATZ. If the tower controller is unable to accommodate the joining traffic then they shall instruct the pilot to "remain clear of controlled airspace", the pilot should then be accommodated when possible.
NB: If approach control is not online, then the pilot should contact the tower in good time to obtain a clearance to transit the ATZ. The clearance may be passed by the tower controller and the pilot may remain in contact with tower until they are clear of the ATZ, at this point they shall be released.