Bermuda’s ATC radar is expected to be out of service for an unspecified “extended period of time,” according to a notice to airmen (Notam) released March 20. This means pilots heading for the Atlantic island had better brush up on their non-radar ATC procedures.
Aircraft flying within 180 nm of Bermuda should also be prepared for delays stemming from application of oceanic non-radar separation standards in the area. Traffic arriving at L.F. Wade International Airport (TXKF) should file to a charted fix on the 180 nm arc from the airport and then via an airway to the BDA [Bermuda] VOR.
Both arrival and departure traffic should flight plan and expect altitudes of FL310 and below.
Pilots should also expect flow restrictions when traffic volumes are heavy, especially in weather.
Most important, aircraft unable to comply with these procedures should avoid the area.