MATZ penetration

The penetration request, position and level, routing and squawk — and how a MATZ differs from controlled airspace.

Listen to this lesson (~1 min)

MATZ penetration — narrated, hands-free

MATZ penetration

A MATZ is a Military Aerodrome Traffic Zone. Crossing one isn't compulsory for civil flights, but you should request penetration so the military controller knows you're there and can pass traffic information.

Call the controlling military unit (the “Zone” or “Radar”) and request MATZ penetration.
On “pass your message”, give aircraft type, position, heading, altitude with the pressure setting, and your routing.
Read back any squawk, the pressure setting (often the aerodrome QFE for the stub) and any instructions.

Wattisham Zone, G-ABCD, Cessna 152, 5 miles east of Wattisham, heading 270, altitude 2000 feet QNH 1013, VFR routing to Cambridge, request MATZ penetration.

Practise & test

Practise: Exercise H: Services & MATZ5 graded calls · spoken or typed, marked against CAP 413

Finished this lesson?

Next lesson: Mandatory zones — RMZ & TMZ →

Study aid only — always defer to CAP 413 and current official publications, and to your instructor and examiner.