Doc 10088, Manual on Civil-Military Cooperation in Air Traffic Management. First edition, 2021.
The focus of this manual is to provide guidance to States wishing to implement or improve civil-military cooperation for air traffic management, for the safe and optimal use of the airspace by both parties. It is important to note, however, that most of this material would be equally relevant to the wider spectrum of state aircraft operations, as well as other airspace usage.
Civil and military operations differ in nature and in purpose. While civil aviation supports global interconnection and contributes to the global economy, military operations are conducted for reasons of national security or defence. However, both types of operations take place in a single continuum of airspace and, therefore, civil aviation and military stakeholders need to cooperate to ensure their mutual safety. Successful cooperation is based on mutual trust, respect, transparency and understanding. Additionally, the modernization of air traffic management (ATM) towards greater information flows and operational flexibility creates a need to enhance civil-military cooperation and coordination.
Notwithstanding civilian requirements, militaries also need to use airspace effectively and efficiently while conducting their operations. States are encouraged to foster better civil-military cooperation to meet the increasing need for access to airspace by both types of actors, alongside the growing need for operational flexibility.
Optimizing airspace for both civil and military operations results in nation-wide benefits. The flexible use of airspace (FUA) is fundamental in supporting the optimization process. It is recommended that civil and military experts jointly develop advice and guidance on the best practices for civil-military cooperation and coordination. The principle “as civil as possible, as military as necessary” enhances interoperability, performance and military mission effectiveness, while providing performance benefits for the whole aviation community.
The production of this manual stems from the recognition that, considering the current and foreseeable needs of aviation, a majority of States are facing challenges related to the management of the limited airspace available to fulfil the needs of both civil and military activities.
This document provides information and guidance to relevant aviation authorities on the establishment of a framework for civil-military cooperation and coordination to enhance and optimize the management and use of the airspace, and to achieve and strengthen the trust between civil and military. This manual will also serve as reference for authorities and units responsible for establishing and implementing the processes and procedures that will facilitate civil-military collaboration, cooperation and coordination. This manual supersedes Civil-Military Cooperation in Air Traffic Management (Cir. 330).
