Hi All
Tried to plan LFPO - LFBO with SimBrief (route below), but OFP provides an unexpected FL290 as cruise level, (would expect something between FL330 and FL370) and no stepclimb along the route. I suspect a RAD restriction somewhere capping altitude to FL290. Where do I get this information, if existing ?
ERIXU DCT ETAMO DCT ADEKA DCT MOKDI DCT MEN
Thanks!
G.
Hi,
The RAD can be downloaded here: EUROCONTROL - RAD
The file you’re looking for is Annex 2A: Flight Level Capping Rules, and the restriction in question appears to be LF4281.
Best regards,
Thanks,
in the meantime I’ve googled LF4281, and I’ve found this, making the restriction more visual
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/Annex_RAD03.pdf (slide 14)
Ok my understanding is “If you depart from PARIS_GROUP (or LFOB/LFLX) to flight any destination from LFBB FIR (incl LFBO then), or 6 airports from LFMM CTA or LEBB, and if your flight plan transit via LFBB CTR, then cruise <=FL295”.
If this understanding correct? If yes, I do not understand why commercial flights LFPO-LFBO (eg AFR28PN) can flight above this cap. Maybe flight plan filed at FL290 and cleared by ATC to climb above this cap depending of trafic in LFBB CTA?
Thanks!
G.
AFR28PN appears to land an hour or so before the restriction takes effect.
AFR28PN lands approximatively 20:00 (local time) - where did you get restriction take effect 1 hour after ?
Thanks!
G.
From the actual RAD as suggested and linked:
LF4281 (PARIS_GROUP, LFOB/LX) LF (LFBBFIR, LFMP/MT/ML/MI/MV/MU, LEBB/SO) via LFBBCTA Not above FL295 “AIRAC JUN…AIRAC OCT
09:20…13:20” C “SW Axis Management
To offload LFBBACC upper secTors
Revisionprintemps”
Also LF4061 applies:
LF4061 (PARIS_GROUP, BEAUVAIS_GROUP) LF (LESO, LFBBFIR except (LFCR, BORDEAUX_GROUP)) Not above FL355 "AIRAC MAR…AIRAC OCT
03:00…23:00 (02:00…22:00)" C “To offload LFBBACC upper sectors
Revisionprintemps”
Ok, but capping at FL295 only applies from 09:20 to 13:20 (assuming local time), right?
If this is correct:
What is wrong in this understanding? I assume in real life flight plans are filed with these restrictions, and can break these restrictions upon clearance by ATC… but this is an assumption only.
I do not know if SimBrief takes in account applicable time, maybe a Developper can elaborate on this 
Thanks !
G.
You’re comparing local times to UTC restrictions.
@Rodeo314 ok thanks, I understand times are provided UTC. In that case restriction LF4281 applies 11:20-15:20 local time (currently Daily Saving Time)
But still a recent flight found as flying above FL295…:
Air France flight AF6120 - Flightradar24 (FL350)
…even though the same route a coupe of days before ceils at FL290
@SimBrief does the dispatch system takes in account time applicability? In real life is there any clearance given by ATC permitting to flight above this cap when time is within applicability?
Thanks!
G.
SimBrief currently does not take into account the time applicability. It may be added in a future update.
I am not familiar with ATC procedures in Europe, but I imagine they can clear you higher even within the restriction period. You just aren’t allowed to flight plan it.
Best regards,
Thanks @SimBrief - this was my assumption: Simbrief does not (yet) takes in account time applicability, thanks for confirming this.
I assume as you that aircrafts within time applicability can be however cleared by ATC to flight above this cap depending of actual trafic, restriction being justified by “offload LFBBACC upper sectors”. There were up to 20% flights cancelled these last days from LFPG/LFPO due to ground staff strike, likely diminishing to overall trafic load in these sectors, and then making void these restrictions for some applicable flights (eg AFR43BD).
Thanks!
G.
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