Darwin (YPDN)
Positions
| Name | Callsign | Frequency | Login ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darwin ADC | Darwin Tower | 133.100 | DN_TWR |
| Darwin SMC | Darwin Ground | 121.800 | DN_GND |
| Darwin ACD | Darwin Delivery | 126.800 | DN_DEL |
| Darwin ATIS | 128.250 | YPDN_ATIS |
Airspace
ADC owns the airspace within the DN CTR (SFC–A010). This airspace is designed to facilitate the processing of helicopter scenic flights and low-level helicopter circuits.
The CTR extends 7NM from the thresholds of runways 11 and 29 but does not including the Robertson Barracks transit zone.
ADC may request DN TCU (SFC–A020) from DN TCU to facilitate fixed-wing circuit operations:
a) Fixed-wing circuit operations are typically conducted at Delissaville (YDLV) due to high traffic density at Darwin
b) ADC may deny requests for circuits if IFR traffic may be unduly delayed
Standard Taxi Routes
Aircraft transiting to or from the Southern and Northern GA should follow the following standardised taxi routes:
a) Outbound via V1
b) Inbound via Y1
Traffic permitting, aircraft above 136,000kg MTOW shall be entered/exited for RWY 11/29 from taxiways B2, C3, D or E2 and backtracked as required.
Taxiway V has a passing bay, located adjacent to the ARFF section. The passing bay is the preferred location for engine run-ups, no longer than 3 minutes
Runway Modes
Runway selection shall be coordinated by DN ADC. In any case, a change of runway mode shall not be broadcast on the ATIS until DAW accepts the change.
The Runway Mode options available are:
a) Runway 29 and Runway 36;
b) Runway 29 and Runway 18;
c) Runway 29 only;
d) Runway 11 and Runway 36;
e) Runway 11 and Runway 18;
f) Runway 11 only.
LAHSO
Important
Due to its operational complexity, LAHSO must be authorised by a member of the VATPAC ATS or Events Staff Team or a C3-rated controller.
Very little benefit is achieved by running LAHSO without a flow controller and it is almost exclusively reserved for our busiest events.
Detailed procedures exist to ensure that controllers are aware of their responsibilities when performing LAHSO. See Controller Skills for more information.
Weather Conditions
LAHSO may only be used where the weather conditions meet the following minimum requirements:
| Element | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Cloud Ceiling | A030 or higher |
| Visibility | 8km or greater |
| Surface Condition | Dry |
| Windshear | None Reported |
Two simultaneous landings may be conducted by both day and night. A simultaneous takeoff and landing may only be conducted by day.
Runway Mode
The only approved LAHSO mode at YPDN is 36A/29AD. Runway 36 is considered the active runway, while runway 29 is considered the passive runway.
ATIS
When LAHSO is in use, the ATIS OPR INFO shall include:
LAND AND HOLD SHORT OPERATIONS IN PROGRESS
Non-RNAV Departures
For non-RNAV approved IFR aircraft with a wake turbulence category of medium or greater, issue a Radar SID
For non-RNAV approved IFR aircraft with a wake turbulence category of light, issue a visual departure or Radar SID
Charts
Reference
Additional charts to the AIP may be found in the RAAF TERMA document, available towards the bottom of RAAF AIP page
Miscellaneous
Circuit Operations
VFR aircraft that will operate only in ADCs airspace shall be assigned SSR code 0100
Circuit altitude will depend on the type of aircraft. Assign circuit altitudes for the following aircraft types:
| Aircraft | Altitude |
|---|---|
| Military Jet | A020 |
| Other Jet | A015 |
| Non-Jet | A010 |
| Helicopter | A010 |
VFR Departures
VFR aircraft are required to track via one of the published VFR Routes (as shown on the Darwin VTC). VFR routes shall be assigned based on the destination radial from Darwin, as per below:
| Outbound Radial | Assigned VFR Route |
|---|---|
| 360 – 040 | VFR Route 1 |
| 041 – 084 | VFR Route 2 |
| 085 – 124 | VFR Route 3 |
| 125 – 180 | VFR Route 4 |
| 181 – 224 | VFR Route 5 |
| 225 – 359 | Direct |
Tip
If a VFR aircraft has not planned via a VFR route as above, use the phraseology: “ABC, cleared amended route VFR route 1, climb to A020, squawk 4512”
Coordination
DN TCU
Next coordination is required from DN ADC to DN TCU for all aircraft.
The Standard Assignable Level from DN ADC to DN TCU is:
| Aircraft | Level |
|---|---|
| IFR aircraft assigned a Procedural SID | The lower of F180 and RFL |
| IFR aircraft not assigned a Procedural SID | The lower of A030 and RFL |
| VFR aircraft | The lower of A020 and RFL |