CROATIA (LD) Division Flight Procedures
Version 4, Revised 12 March 2018
General
General level of compliance with ICAO SARPs
In general, Croatia is in compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.
Units Of Measurment
| MEASUREMENT OF | UNIT |
|---|---|
| Distance used in navigation, position reporting, etc. | Nautical Miles and tenths |
| Relatively short distances such as those related to aerodromes (e.g. runway lengths) | Meters |
| Altitude, elevations and heights | Feet |
| Horizontal speed | Knots |
| Vertical speed | Feet Per Minute |
| Wind speed | Knots |
| Wind direction for landing and taking off | Degrees Magnetic |
| Wind direction except for landing and taking off | Degrees True |
| Visibility including RVR | Kilometers, Meters |
| Altimeter setting, atmospheric pressure | Hectopascals |
| Temperature | Degrees Celsius |
| Weight | Kilograms, MetricTons |
| Time | Hours and minutes, the day of 24 hours beginning at midnight UTC. |
Airports of Entry
Following airports should be used as port of entry into Croatia
- Zagreb (LDZA)
- Split (LDSP)
- Dubrovnik (LDDU)
- Pula (LDPL)
- Zadar (LDZD)
- Osijek (LDOS)
- Rijeka (LDRI)
- Lošinj (LDLO)
- Brač (LDSB)
Controlled airspace and ATC
ICAO ATS Airspace Classifications
The airspace within the Zagreb FIR is divided into 3 classifications: C, D and G, according the ICAO ATS airspace classification (Annex 11).
CTA ZAGREB - Zagreb Radar (LDZO_CTR)
CTA ZAGREB covers the airspace within the following limits:
- Upper limit: FL 660
- Lower limit: 1000 FT AGL
CLASS OF AIRSPACE OUTSIDE OTHER REGULATED AIRSPACE:
- C - above FL 115
- D - Between FL 115 and 1000 ft AGL
- G (with exemption of CTRs)
UNCONTROLLED AIRSPACE covers the airspace within the following limits:
- Above FL660 - unclassified
- Upper limit: 1000 FT AGL / Lower limit: GND - Class G
ZAGREB TMA - Zagreb Radar (LDZA_APP)
Class of airspace: C
- Upper limit: FL 205
- Lower limit: 1000 FT AGL
SPLIT TMA - Split Radar (LDSP_APP)
Class of airspace: C
- Upper limit: FL 205
- Lower limit: 7500 FT MSL
Class of airspace: D
- Upper limit: 7500 FT MSL
- Lower limit: 1000 FT AGL
PULA TMA - Pula Radar (LDPL_APP)
Class of airspace: C
- Upper limit: FL 135
- Lower limit: 7500 FT MSL
Class of airspace: D
- Upper limit: 7500 FT MSL
- Lower limit: 1000 FT AGL
DUBROVNIK TMA - Dubrovnik Radar (LDDU_APP)
Class of airspace: C
- Upper limit: FL 205
- Lower limit: 7500 FT MSL
Class of airspace: D
- Upper limit: 7500 FT MSL
- Lower limit: 1000 FT AGL
ZADAR TMA - Zadar Radar (LDZD_APP)
Class of airspace: C
- Upper limit: FL 155
- Lower limit: 7500 FT MSL
Class of airspace: D
- Upper limit: 7500 FT MSL
- Lower limit: 1000 FT AGL
OSIJEK TMA - Osijek Approach (LDOS_APP)
Class of airspace: D
- Upper limit: FL 115
- Lower limit: 1000 FT AGL
Class C
IFR and VFR flights are permitted. All flights are provided with an air traffic control service and IFR flights are separated from other IFR and from VFR flights. VFR flights are separated from IFR flights and receive traffic information in respect of other VFR flights and traffic avoidance advice on request
Class D – in all CTRs
IFR and VFR flights are permitted. All flights are provided by air traffic control service. IFR flights are separated from other IFR flights and receive traffic information in respect of VFR flights and traffic avoidance advice on request. VFR flights receive traffic information in respect of all other flights and traffic avoidance advice on request
Class G
IFR and VFR flights are permitted and receive flight information service if requested
Reduced vertical separation minima (RVSM) airspace
The airspace within the Zagreb FIR between FL 290 and FL 410 inclusive is RVSM airspace.
Within RVSM airspace the vertical separation minimum shall be:
- 1000 ft between:
- RVSM approved aircraft.
- 2000 ft between:
- non-RVSM approved aircraft and any other aircraft.
- an aircraft experiencing a communication failure.
For RVSM cruising flight levels see Table Cruising levels.
Minimum horizontal radar separation
Minimum horizontal radar separation is 5 NM.
Flight level restrictions
The airspace above FL 660 is an unclassified, uncontrolled airspace.
Speed restrictions
Speed limit below FL 100 (or 10,000 ft by QNH) – 250 knots IAS, unless authorized to do so in an air traffic control clearance.
Additional information
TRANSITION ALTITUDE for all airports in Zagreb FIR is the same and it is 9500 ft (2900 m).
TRANSITION LEVEL is provided by approach control and it is calculated according to the following table:
| Transition Level by QNH | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QNH (hPa) | 960-977 | 978-995 | 996-1013 | 1014-1031 | >1032 |
| TRANSITION LEVEL | FL 120 | FL 115 | FL 110 | FL 105 | FL 100 |
QNH for arriving traffic will be given by approach ATC together with the first clearance for descent below transition level.
QNH for departing traffic will be given by tower controller usually with start up clearance, and latest with taxi clearance.
General flight procedures
The holding, approach and departure procedures in use are based on those contained in the latest edition of ICAO Doc 8168 - Procedures for Air Navigation Services - Aircraft Operations (PANS-OPS).
The holding and approach procedures in use have been based on the values and factors contained in Parts III and IV of Vol. I of the PANS-OPS.
Visual flight rules VFR
Restrictions
An aircraft operating VFR shall not land or take off at an aerodrome within a control zone or enter the aerodrome traffic pattern when:
- the ceiling is less than 1500 ft (450 m), or
- the ground visibility is less than 5 km (exception shall be permitted for aircraft operating a Special VFR flight).
VFR flights are allowed only when the flight visibility is greater than 5 km below 10,000 ft by QNH (or FL 100) or 8 km above 10,000 ft by QNH (or FL 100).
VFR flights are allowed only when the distance from cloud is 1500 m horizontally and 1000 ft vertically.
Cruising Altitudes and Flight Levels
VFR flight shall not be flown at a height less than 500 ft above the ground or water overhead unpopulated areas, and not less than 1000 ft AGL overhead populated areas within a radius of 600 m.
VFR flight shall be conducted at VFR flight levels.
For cruising VFR flight levels see Table 3. Cruising levels.
Change from VFR to IFR
In case of no VMC and when the Special VFR is not possible the pilot must inform ATC and request a clearance to continue his/her flight according to IFR.
When item 8 (Flight Rules) is Z (VFR changing to IFR), then in item 15 (Route) you must specify from what point the flight will become IFR, as well as the speed and the planned level.
Example: PALEZ/N0230F140 IFR L862 OKLAX
This means the flight will depart under VFR and remain VFR until PALEZ, after PALEZ the flight will continue at a speed 230 knots at FL 140, IFR.
VFR squawk codes
All VFR traffic will be assigned a squawk code by ATC on initial contact.
(In case of no active ATC, all pilots should use standard VFR code – 7000)
Special VFR
Special VFR flights shall be operated only within control zones when::
- the ground visibility is at least 1500 m;
- an ATC clearance for a Special VFR flight as per item a) above, shall be issued at a request from the pilot of the aircraft.
Separation shall be provided between Special VFR flights and IFR flights, and all Special VFR flights.
* Additional information
All VFR traffic should report callsign, position, time of crossing and level on initial contact with active ATC.
Instrument flight rules IFR
Selection of flight level and cruising altitudes
An IFR flight shall be flown at a level which is not below the minimum established flight altitude or where no such minimum flight altitude has been established:
- over high terrain or in mountainous areas, at a level which is at least 2000 ft above the highest obstacle located within 8 km of the estimated position of the aircraft.
- elsewhere, at a level which is at least 1000 ft above the highest obstacle located within 8 km of the estimated position of the aircraft.
An IFR flight operating in level cruising flight outside of controlled airspace shall be at a cruising level appropriate to its track as specified in the table below:
Cruising levels
| Magnetic Track | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| From 000° to 179° | From 180° to 359° | ||||||
| IFR Flights | VFR Flights | IFR Flights | VFR Flights | ||||
| FL | Altitude* | FL | Altitude* | FL | Altitude* | FL | Altitude* |
| 010 | 1000 ft | – | – | 020 | 2000 ft | – | – |
| 030 | 3000 ft | 035 | 3500 ft | 040 | 4000 ft | 045 | 4500 ft |
| 050 | 5000 ft | 055 | 5500 ft | 060 | 6000 ft | 065 | 6500 ft |
| 070 | 7000 ft | 075 | 7500 ft | 080 | 8000 ft | 085 | 8500 ft |
| 090 | 9000 ft | 095 | 9500 ft | 100 | 10000 ft | 105 | 10500 ft |
| 110 | 11000 ft | 115 | 11500 ft | 120 | 12000 ft | 125 | 12500 ft |
| 130 | 13000 ft | 135 | 13500 ft | 140 | 14000 ft | 145 | 14500 ft |
| 150 | 15000 ft | 155 | 15500 ft | 160 | 16000 ft | 165 | 16500 ft |
| 170 | 17000 ft | 175 | 17500 ft | 180 | 18000 ft | 185 | 18500 ft |
| 190 | 19000 ft | 195 | 19500 ft | 200 | 20000 ft | – | – |
| 210 | 21000 ft | Not applicable | 220 | 22000 ft | Not applicable | ||
| 230 | 23000 ft | 240 | 24000 ft | ||||
| 250 | 25000 ft | 260 | 26000 ft | ||||
| 270 | 27000 ft | 280 | 28000 ft | ||||
| 290 | 29000 ft | 300 | 30000 ft | ||||
| 310 | 31000 ft | 320 | 32000 ft | ||||
| 330 | 33000 ft | 340 | 34000 ft | ||||
| 350 | 35000 ft | 360 | 36000 ft | ||||
| 370 | 37000 ft | 380 | 38000 ft | ||||
| 390 | 39000 ft | 400 | 40000 ft | ||||
| 410 | 41000 ft | 430 | 43000 ft | ||||
| 450 | 45000 ft | 470 | 37000 ft | ||||
| 490 | 49000 ft | 510 | 51000 ft | ||||
| Etc. | Etc. | Etc. | Etc. | ||||
| The highlighted cells include the flight levels and altitudes in the RVSM airspace. | |||||||
| *When the altimeter is set to QNH, it reads the altitude. | |||||||
| *When altimeter is set to 1013 hPa (STD), it reads the flight level. | |||||||
Radar vectoring
IFR flights being radar vectored shall comply with the following procedures as required:
- Within IAA (Intermediate Approach Areas) aircraft will normally be vectored so as to intercept the final approach track at an angle up to 30°.
- Radar vectoring is considered to be terminated when:
- the aircraft has reported being established on the final approach track, or
- if radio communication failure occurs.
Use of GPS
GPS/GNSS procedures within Zagreb FIR exist and are in non-operational, trial phase. They shall not be used.
In case of non-RNAV equipped aircraft, VOR and/or NDB navigation is required.
Cruise climb techniques
When there are no specific instructions by ATC regarding the rate of climb, the pilot shall comply with the performance of the aircraft.
Check altitudes and climb gradients on SIDs
Except if otherwise instructed in air traffic control clearances, the pilot shall comply with the minimum climb gradients and altitudes, specified in the SID. When cleared to a level/altitude higher than specified in SID, follow the profile unless restrictions are cancelled by ATC.
Free route airspace (SECSI FRA - South East Common Sky Initiative Free Route Airspace)
Free Route Airspace (FRA): A specified airspace within which users may freely plan a route between a defined entry point and a defined exit point, with the possibility to route via intermediate (published or unpublished) way points, without reference to the ATS route network, subject to airspace availability. Within this airspace, flights remain subject to air traffic control.
South East Common Sky Initiative (SECSI): Initiative of several States/ANSP-s (Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro) on European Southeast Axis traffic flow to implement cross-border FRA.
South East Common Sky Initiative Free Route Airspace (SECSI FRA):
The airspace volume consisting of airspace volumes defined in ENR 2.1 and/or ENR 2.2 of the corresponding AIPs where cross-border application of FRA is implemented.
Cross-border application of FRA (in SECSI FRA): Application of FRA operations in a manner to allow crossing of inter and intra ATC units boundaries regardless of State or FIR boundaries, at any position, if not otherwise regulated via the RAD (Route Availability Document).
SECSI FRA flight procedures and flight planning procedures are published in ENR 1.10 of the corresponding AIPs. SECSI FRA constraints, exceptions and restrictions, if any, will be published via RAD and promulgated in accordance with ENR 1.10.
Additional information
IFR traffic shall report position and altitude/FL on initial contact.
VFR traffic shall report position, estimated time overhead (if not already overhead reported position), level and estimated time over the next point on initial contact.
Change from IFR flight to VFR flight
An aircraft electing to change the conduct of its flight from compliance with the instrument flight rules to compliance with the visual flight rules shall, if a flight plan was submitted, notify the appropriate air traffic services unit specifically that the IFR flight is cancelled and communicate thereto the changes to be made to its current flight plan.
When item 8 (Flight Rules) is Y, then in item 15 (Route) you have to fill in after what point the flight becomes VFR.
Example: PALEZ L862 OKLAX VFR.
This means the flight will depart IFR and remain IFR until OKLAX, after OKLAX the flight will continue under VFR.
Special requirements and regulations
All VFR and IFR traffic must check for an active ATC position in the Croatian airspace before starting the engines. Taxi without any clearance is allowed only when there is no active ATC position for the relevant airport (like Tower or Approach) and when Zagreb Radar (LDZO_CTR) is not active.
Text using pilots must first execute and then readback the instructions.
The primary language for communication between pilot and ATC is English and the secondary is Croatian.
Differences from ICAO SARPs
See AIP Croatia GEN 1.7 (check under Charts section)
