Military Air Traffic Zones

11th May 2021

How to recognise them, cross them and avoid various hazards while doing so.

What is a MATZ?

In order to understand the what, where and why of the MATZ, we must first look at a standard Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ). The ATZ is a circle of protected airspace around a runway from the surface to 2000ft AGL intended to keep the aerodrome traffic safe.
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The size of the ATZ depends on the length of and extends from the midpoint of the longest active runway. If the longest runway 1850m or less, the radius of the mats is typically 2NM however if the runway is longer, ATZ radius increases to 2.5NM. Any differences to this should be listed in the AIP or visible on your VFR charts.

Top view of an ATZ, centred around the midpoint of the longest active runway
ATZ diagram from VFR chartMATZ as seen on VFR Chart
ATZ and MATZ areas as seen on a UK VFR Chart



Entry into the zone must be cleared by the appropriate air traffic control unit. If there is no operational ATC unit, ATIS or sufficient information from the air/ground station should be obtained to allow for safe flight before entry. The appropriate frequency should be monitored throughout to allow traffic separation.

Which brings us nicely onto the MATZ itself. The MATZ is an additional protected area surrounding the ATZ of a military aerodrome, also centred on the midpoint of the longest active runway however this time with a radius of 5NM from the surface to 3000ft AGL. Additional stubs from 1000ft to3000ft may be present to protect the approach path to the dominant runway(s).

Standard MATZ Dimensions from The Skyway Code Version 3
Standard MATZ dimensions from The Skyway Code Version 3
Excerpt from UK VFR Chart Version 47 showing a CMATZ
Excerpt from NATS ICAO Aeronautical Chart Southern England and Wales Edition 47.

If there are multiple military aerodromes near each other, their airspace may be consolidated under a single ATSU to form a CMATZ, or Combined MATZ. In the example seen below from the UK VFR chart, the zone frequency is highlighted. The CMATZ extends to 3000ft AAL of the highest aerodrome contained in the CMATZ, and the QFE used within the zone will also be the QFE at the highest aerodrome (sometimes called Clutch QFE). The CMATZ is under the control of Cranwell but the LARS is provided by Waddington.

Crossing A MATZ



On your initial call, typically you will state your callsign and request and MATZ penetration. If you also plan to transit the ATZ this should also be stated in your initial call. The controller will respond in a standard pass your message format so you can prepare your call ahead of time to include:
‍Although unlike an ATZ it is not required to be cleared into the MATZ, it is considered good practice to contact the appropriate station15NM or 5 minutes ahead of your planned entry point. Some MATZ may be inactive at weekends so if you call twice with no response, you can go ahead and enter however always maintain a good lookout for other aircraft which may be operating in the vicinity and take care not to infringe the ATZ. Details of the active hours can be found in the AIP ENR Section and NOTAMs.

An example of the transmissions can be seen below.

Aircraft: Shawbury Zone, G-MATZ, request MATZ penetration.
ATC: G-MATZ, Shawbury Zone, Pass your message.
Aircraft: G-MATZ, PA38, 2POB, Liverpool to Welshpool, Via Newport. Currently 5NM north of Whitchurch at 2300ft on QNH 1015. Request MATZ penetration.
ATC: G-TZ, basic service, MATZ penetration approved at 2000ft on Shawbury QFE 1012. Report entering and leaving the MATZ.
Aircraft: Basic service, MATZ penetration approved, 2000ft on QFE 1012, Wilco G-TZ.

Clearance into the MATZ may be dependant upon maintaining a specific altitude such as “not below 2500ft” to keep you separated from other traffic in the area. As always, it is good practice to make a note of all clearances given so you can accurately recreate your flight from your plog later, on or double check while in flight.

Associated Hazards

Like any aerodrome, military sites can get pretty busy so maintaining a good lookout and monitoring the correct frequency is essential. Remember that most military aircraft will be a lot faster than SEPs and operations at low level are common with sorties regularly flown between 100 and 300ft AGL. If a controller gives you avoiding action instructions, follow them immediately. It is also worth noting that military aircraft tend to operate in pairs so if you spot one, don’t assume it’s alone.

MATZ are defined in terms of height Above Aerodrome Level and consequently any military aircraft in the area are likely to be using QFE altimeter settings. Ensuring your altimeter is set correctly may be the factor that prevents an infringement into the ATZ or loss of separation with other traffic.

Good pre-flight planning is key. By preparing on the ground, your workload in the air can be drastically reduced leaving extra capacity to focus on your flying or just plain old enjoying your flight!

How To Make Your Life Easier

At the end of the day, MATZ are nothing to be afraid of and the controllers will always do their best to get you from A to B safely.