Jonathan Fong Posted October 28, 2021 at 12:07 AM Posted October 28, 2021 at 12:07 AM I believe the current wording of 4.02 (in the most recent revised draft released on 10/27) is somewhat unclear. The current wording is: A Sub-Division or Division may designate at least one but not more than 30% (rounded down) of all controllable aerodromes and terminal facilities, whichever is higher, within that Sub-Division or Division as Restricted Airspace. I feel the phrasing "may designate at least one" might unintentionally convey that a Sub-Division or Division is expected or even required to "designate at least one" aerodrome or terminal facility as Restricted Airspace. Even if a strict 'letter of the law' reading of the rule may reveal this not to be the case, I feel that the intent of the rule would be better conveyed as such: A Sub-Division or Division may, but is not required to, designate at least one but not more than 30% (rounded down) of controllable aerodromes and terminal facilities, whichever is higher, within that Sub-Division or Division as Restricted Airspace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Christie Posted October 28, 2021 at 02:19 AM Posted October 28, 2021 at 02:19 AM You may be right... but.... "May" is used in every day language, and does not imply an obligation, its dictionary definition is "express possibility" You may be entitled to a discount. You may have a cookie. You may leave work early. None of these sentences imply any sort of obligation to, a discount, cookie, or leaving early. Kirk Christie - VATPAC C3 VATPAC Undercover ATC Agent Worldflight Perth 737-800 Crew Member Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liesel Downes Posted October 28, 2021 at 08:19 AM Posted October 28, 2021 at 08:19 AM I commonly hear people misusing "may" to express absolute certainty, so perhaps "can" could be better? I'm happy with "may" but whatever is easiest. Liesel Downes she/her/hers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars Bergmann Posted October 28, 2021 at 09:14 AM Posted October 28, 2021 at 09:14 AM (edited) According to the FAA (https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/plain_language/media/toolkit.pdf): Must = mandatory Must not = prohibited May = optional Should = recommended According to EASA/EC (https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/styleguide_english_dgt_en.pdf): Shall = Positive imperative (mandatory) Shall not = Negative imperative (prohibited) May = Positive permission (optional) Should = recommended If we were splitting hairs the may not part of that sentence is not in line with either of those guidelines. A Sub-Division or Division may designate one or not more than 30% (rounded down) of all controllable aerodromes and terminal facilities, whichever is greater, within that Sub-Division or Division as Restricted Airspace. I don't think it sounds better than than the current formulation, but it bypasses the may not part. Edited October 28, 2021 at 01:58 PM by Lars Bergmann Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matisse VanWezer Posted October 28, 2021 at 01:52 PM Posted October 28, 2021 at 01:52 PM 11 hours ago, Kirk Christie said: You may have a cookie. Did someone say cookies? Streaming Brussels Control since 2018 on MatisseRAdar - Twitch to create time lapses on YouTube and TikTok Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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