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Your ref 14.09.2026

Our ref 14.09.2026 nr 1.8-5/26/16263-1



Estonian authorities are currently reviewing the air traffic management arrangements and search and rescue (SAR) arrangements applicable in the Gulf of Finland area, including in the immediate vicinity of Vaindloo Island.
 
In this connection, we have reviewed the current version of ICAO Doc 7754, European Air Navigation Plan, Volume I, including Table ATM I-1 “Flight Information Regions (FIR)” and Table SAR I-1 “Search and Rescue Regions (SRR)”. We have also reviewed the relevant EANPG and EASPG material addressing the verification of historical data concerning FIR and SRR boundaries and the incorporation of boundary coordinates into the Regional Air Navigation Plan.
 
The current version of Doc 7754, Volume I, lists, inter alia:
• Tallinn FIR/UIR (EETT);
• Tallinn SRR;
• Sankt-Peterburg FIR/UIR (ULLL).
 
However, the lateral boundary coordinates for these areas are marked “To be incorporated”. In view of the above, we kindly request ICAO to clarify the following matters.
 
1. Tallinn FIR boundary
We kindly request ICAO to provide the lateral boundary coordinates of the Tallinn FIR (EETT) recognised by ICAO as currently valid, preferably in WGS-84 coordinates.
In particular, we kindly request the coordinates of the segment of the Tallinn FIR boundary located in the Gulf of Finland, including in the immediate vicinity of Vaindloo Island.
 
2. Sankt-Peterburg FIR boundary
We kindly request ICAO to provide the lateral boundary coordinates of the Sankt-Peterburg FIR (ULLL) recognised by ICAO as currently valid, preferably in WGS-84 coordinates.
In particular, we kindly request the coordinates of the relevant FIR boundary segment located in the Gulf of Finland and in the immediate vicinity of Vaindloo Island.
 
3. Tallinn SRR boundary
We kindly request ICAO to provide the lateral boundary coordinates of the Tallinn SRR recognised by ICAO as currently valid, preferably in WGS-84 coordinates.
In particular, we kindly request clarification of the Tallinn SRR boundary in the area of Vaindloo Island and the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland.
 
4. SRR adjacent to the Tallinn SRR
We kindly request ICAO to clarify which ICAO-recognised SRR is adjacent to the Tallinn SRR in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland, and which RCC or RSC is responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations in that area.
Where possible, we would also appreciate receiving the lateral boundary coordinates of the relevant SRR in the WGS-84 system, in particular for the boundary segment adjacent to the Tallinn SRR.
 
5. Relationship between the FIR and SRR boundaries
We kindly request ICAO to clarify whether the boundaries of the Tallinn SRR and the Tallinn FIR coincide in the Gulf of Finland area, including in the immediate vicinity of Vaindloo Island.
If the FIR and SRR boundaries do not coincide in this area, we kindly request the relevant coordinates of both boundaries or another official ICAO geographical description that would allow the location of those boundaries to be determined unambiguously.
 
6. Official basis for the FIR and SRR boundaries
If the coordinates of the relevant FIR or SRR boundaries are not currently published in Doc 7754, we kindly request ICAO to clarify:
• whether ICAO nevertheless holds officially approved boundary coordinates for these areas;
• which ICAO decision, Regional Air Navigation Plan, data submitted by a State, earlier ICAO document or other official source forms the basis for these boundaries;
• whether the relevant boundaries have been formally approved through the ICAO regional air navigation planning process.
If ICAO is unable to officially confirm the coordinates of the relevant boundary, we kindly request, where possible, identification of the source that should be relied upon in determining the currently valid boundary.
 
7. ICAO geospatial data
We would also appreciate information on whether ICAO holds an official geospatial database or digital dataset containing FIR and/or SRR boundaries approved by ICAO.
If such a dataset exists, we kindly request, where possible, its name, its status, and information on how a Member State may obtain the relevant data, including data concerning Estonia and the Russian Federation in the Gulf of Finland area.
 
8. Specific question concerning the immediate vicinity of Vaindloo Island
On the basis of FIR and SRR boundaries recognised and/or approved by ICAO, we kindly request ICAO, where possible, to clarify:
1. Which FIR encompasses the maritime area of the Gulf of Finland east of Vaindloo Island that lies outside the Tallinn FIR, if such an area exists;
2. Which SRR encompasses that area;
3. Which RCC or RSC is responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations in that area.
 
Given the practical importance of this matter, we would be grateful if ICAO could, where possible, also provide the relevant official maps, coordinate tables, geospatial data or historical ICAO documents on the basis of which these boundaries can be precisely determined.
Yours sincerely
Üllar Salumäe
Aviation Division Director
Estonian Transportation Administration


Üllar Salumäe
505 9129, [email protected]