The UK Government is preparing to launch a series of airspace restrictions around London and the south-east of the country tomorrow in a move to ensure a safe and secure 2012 Olympic Games, which starts at the end of the month.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), National Air Traffic Service (NATS) and the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) have worked together and developed rules for continuous usage of UK airspace during the event.
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To further enhance the security, CAA has conducted a pilot education programme, claimed to be the largest ever undertaken in the country, to make all aviation community members aware of the new airspace restrictions.
According to the government, the pilots have a legal requirement to understand alterations in airspace prior to each flight and the CAA has sent copies to all private pilots, distributed more than 60,000 pictorial messages, as well as conducted briefings to increase awareness.
To enforce the restrictions and provide enhanced protection for the period, equipment and personnel from the army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force will also be in place from 14 July.
Temporary restrictions currently in force include the deployment of RAF Typhoon fast jets to RAF Northolt, as well as RAF Puma helicopters and snipers to Ilford.
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By GlobalDataArmy Rapier ground-based air defence systems were installed at four sites in and around London, as well as Starstreak high-velocity missiles at two other sites within the capital.
According to the government, Royal Navy Sea King Helicopters will be deployed to RAF Northolt on 13 July, while on the same day the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean is scheduled to return to London.
During the period, aircraft will not be allowed within the prohibited zone, except under the circumstances that they are heading to or out of Heathrow, London City or RAF Northolt and being controlled by those airports, NATS TC or Thames Radar.
