David Kerr
The outcome of a consultation into creating a large area of controlled airspace is expected to be published later this month.
Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (Hial) wants Inverness to become the fifth airport in Scotland to have control of what traffic is allowed to use the sky in the area around it.
A second phase of a consultation exercise was held last year.
Several expected publication dates have been advertised by Hial, but the results of the exercise are yet to be released.
The most recent date suggested was June 1, but it’s now understood the feedback will be released later this month.
The proposal has previously proved controversial, with recreational flyers warning that they could be grounded because of the change.
At present Inverness operates in Class G or uncontrolled airspace.
Hial is seeking to upgrade its control of the airspace to Class D in some places and E+ in others, which would mean all aircraft operating in an area stretching around 30 miles from Dalcross would need to be cleared with air traffic control before entering.
Currently only Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Prestwick airports have similar arrangements.
Final approval for the plans will require to be granted by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Hial has previously explained its reasoning behind the application.
A spokesman said: “The ambition here is to deliver a proportionate sector of controlled airspace around the airport where aircraft in the area are required to inform air traffic control at Inverness of their intentions and that will ensure we maintain levels of safety and enhanced operational efficiency for all airspace users.”
At least two local flying groups have warned against the proposals in their submissions to the consultation.
Cairngorm Gliding Club warned that “experience in the rest of the UK over many years has clearly demonstrated that Class D becomes an effective no-go area to gliders”.
Highland Gliding Club, based near Elgin, also objected, claiming the changes could put fliers’ safety at risk.
