MODUK DEF STAN 00-972: PART 0 PDF

Part 0 provides guidance and content information, together with definitions of the terms used throughout this document. Specific technical definitions may be separately defined as they are used. 

The material contained in all parts of this Defence Standard set out the requirements for System Safety and Functional Performance of Military Terminal Air Traffic Services (ATS) Systems, ashore and afloat and including ATS elements of MOD Contractor Airfield and Range Air Control systems. Currently, this scope does not include Air Defence Systems performing ATS functions, ‘Area' Air Traffic performed utilising NATS systems, area radar control centres, area radar using terminal equipment, equipment used only for Range Control or Air Traffic Services performed from Airborne platforms. The intention to incorporate any expansion in scope will be subject to consultation and review by the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) in due course (areas likely to be addressed include Air Defence systems and airborne systems). Application of the appropriate contents within this Defence Standard, should be made at the time of any significant change to an ATS System Design or Architecture. The scope of the contents of this Defence Standard covers Safety, Performance and Regulatory aspects.

The legal framework for regulatory powers of the MAA are vested in the Secretary of State, with specific exclusions stated in both EU Regulations and the UK Air Navigation Order. Consequently, provisions within ICAO, EU and UK Air Navigation Order Regulation are not directly legally applicable to Military ATS Systems, although Military ATS Systems should be demonstrably at least equivalent in Safety and Performance. More specifically, ‘An appropriate level of compliance with GATM regulations should be sought where non-compliance would impose an unacceptable level of restriction on operations or training, or lead to restricted overseas airspace and conflict within the European or UK courts of law¹' and ‘SofS' instruction to Defence is that where it can rely on exemptions or derogations from either domestic or international law, it is to introduce standards and management arrangements that produce outcomes that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, at least as good as those required by legislation'². Military ATS Systems are regulated by the MAA.

¹ CAS/8/11 dated 24 September 2003.

² MAA01 – Initial 2.