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Use of Scratchpad in EuroScope

Background

VATSIM UK has recieved complaints from neighbouring divisions and UK area controllers that information left in scratchpads by UK controllers (e.g. stand numbers, holding points, and taxi instructions) has caused incorrect display of aircraft routings, because EuroScope interprets the scratchpad as a direct routing. These false direct routings also affect short and medium terms conflict detection tools, sector inbound lists, and other predictive features. In order to minimise these occurances, a policy is in place to define how information must be entered in scratchpads.

Policy on Use of Scratchpads in EuroScope

Other than direct routings, controllers may choose to enter information into a scratchpad for a variety of reasons, commonly

  • Stand numbers,
  • Holding points,
  • Non-standard callsigns,
  • Notes for the next controller,
  • and more.

Note

Entering this information is not mandatory except where local procedures require it.

All scratchpad entries that are NOT direct routings must be preceded by a / or .

Any scratchpad entries relevant only to ground movement of aircraft (e.g. stand numbers or taxi instructions) MUST be cleared by the tower controller (or other preceding controller) before that aircraft is handed off to the relevant departure controller or UNICOM.

Examples

  • Stand 508: /508 or .508
  • Holding point D1: /D1 or .D1