Air defence zones in Lanka sky

Just 12 days before the Tiger guerrilla attack on the Air Force base in Anuradhapura, the Government promulgated Regulations to declare Air Defence Identification Zones (ADIZ). They set out restricted areas in the air space over Sri Lanka. The Regulations promulgated under the Air Navigation Act and signed by Chamal Rajapaksa, Minister of Ports and Aviation, were published in a Gazette Extraordinary on October 9. Here are highlights:

Upon the establishment of ADIZ the Director General of Civil Aviation, may by Order published in the Gazette specify as appropriate.

• specific details including lateral and vertical limits of the ADIZ.
• the nature of accessibility to the ADIZ and the restrictions and hazards applicable in respect of such area;
• the times of activity within each such ADIZ; and
• the requirements applicable to pilots or aircraft operating in such areas or the conditions or limitations subject to which pilots or aircraft may operate within such areas.

No flight or aircraft shall operate within, into or out of an ADIZ without a valid Air Defence Clearance (ADC). Air Traffic Controllers shall not permit any aircraft to depart from any airfield within the ADIZ or enter the zone from outside without having obtained a valid clearance. Any aircraft flying without having obtained valid ADC is liable for interception by the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Air Traffic Services (ATS), with the approval of the Director-General of Civil Aviation and with the concurrence of the Commander, Sri Lanka air Force or his designated representative, exempt from the operation of the provisions of the Regulations:

• Aircraft operations that are conducted wholly within the boundaries of an ADIZ and are not currently significant to the air defence system; and
• Aircraft operations conducted in accordance with special procedures as are prescribed by the Sri Lanka Air Force.