Benalla (BLA)

Positions

Name	Callsign	Frequency	Login ID
Benalla	Melbourne Centre	132.200	ML-BLA_CTR
Eildon Weir	Melbourne Centre	123.750	ML-ELW_CTR

Non-Standard Positions

Non-standard positions may only be used in accordance with VATPAC Air Traffic Services Policy.
Approval must be sought from the bolded parent position prior to opening a Non-Standard Position, unless NOTAMs indicate otherwise (eg, for events).

CPDLC

The Primary Communication Method for BLA is Voice.

CPDLC may be used in lieu when applicable.

The CPDLC Station Code is YBLA.

Tip

Even though BLA's Primary Communication Method is Voice, CPDLC may be used for Overfliers.

Airspace

Reclassifications

CB CTR

When CB TCU is offline, CB TCU (Class C SFC to A085) reverts to Class G, and is administered by WOL.

Note

BLA does not assume the CB TCU in the absence of a CB TCU controller. Assumption of the CB TCU is the responsibility of WOL. Controllers may choose to verbally coordinate the release of the CB TCU to either sector/subsector.

AY CTR

When AY ADC is offline, AY CTR (Class D and C SFC to A085) reverts to Class G, and is administered by BLA. Alternatively, BLA may provide a top-down procedural service if they wish.

Tip

If choosing not to provide a top down service, consider publishing an ATIS Zulu for the aerodrome, to inform pilots about the airspace reclassification. The More ATIS plugin has a formatted Zulu ATIS message.

Sector Responsibilities

Eildon Weir (ELW)

ELW is responsible for the final sequencing actions in to YMML, and issuing STAR clearances to Non-jets bound for YMML and YMAV.

Benalla (BLA)

BLA is reponsible for issuing STAR clearances and initial descent for aircraft bound for YMML (Jets only), YMAV (Jets only), and YSCB. BLA is also responsible for sequencing in to YSCB, and initial sequencing in to YMML.

YSCB STARs

When Runway 35 is in use at YSCB, by default, vatSys will select the POLLI STAR with the ARRAN transition. Aircraft that have planned via EBONY and ARRAN (ie, aircraft on the Y59 airway) need to be assigned the POLLI STAR with the EBONY transition. This can be manually overridden in the aircraft's flight plan as shown below:

Sequencing in to YMML

Aircraft assigned the same runway inbound via LIZZI and BOYSE, must be considered to be on the same STAR for sequencing purposes. That is, they must be at least 2 minutes apart at their respective Feeder fixes.

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.

In accordance with the authorisation requirements above, YMML may utilise LAHSO during exceptionally busy events. Detailed procedures exist to ensure that controllers are aware of their responsibilities when performing LAHSO. See Controller Skills for more information.

STAR Clearance Expectation

Handoff

Aircraft being transferred to the following sectors shall be told to Expect STAR Clearance on handoff:

Transferring Sector	Receiving Sector	ADES	Notes
BLA	GUN	YSSY
ELW	BLA	YSCB
BLA	ELW	YMML	Non-Jets only

First Contact

Aircraft being transferred from the following sectors shall be given STAR Clearance on first contact:

Transferring Sector	Receiving Sector	ADES	Notes
MUN(OXL,GTH)	BLA	YSCB
WOL	BLA	YMML, YMAV	Jets Only
ELW	BLA	YSCB
BLA	ELW	YMML	Non-Jets only

Coordination

CB TCU

Airspace

The Vertical limits of the CB TCU are SFC to F245.

Refer to Canberra TCU Airspace Division for information on airspace divisions when CBW is online.

Refer to Reclassifications for operations when CB TCU is offline.

Arrivals/Overfliers

Voiceless for all aircraft:

With ADES YSCB; and
Assigned a STAR; and
Assigned F130

All other aircraft coming from BLA CTA must be Heads-up Coordinated to CB TCU prior to 20nm from the boundary.

Note

These coordination requirements apply to aircraft entering the CB TCU, even if the airspace is owned by WOL

Departures

Voiceless for all aircraft:

Tracking via a Procedural SID terminus; and
Assigned the lower of F240 or the RFL

All other aircraft going to BLA CTA will be Heads-up Coordinated by CB TCU.

ML TCU

Airspace

The Vertical limits of the ML TCU are SFC to F245.

Refer to Melbourne TCU Airspace Division for information on airspace divisions when MDN and/or MDS are online.

Arrivals/Overfliers

Voiceless for all aircraft:

With ADES YMML; and
Assigned a STAR; and
Assigned A090

All other aircraft coming from ELW CTA must be Heads-up Coordinated to ML TCU prior to 20nm from the boundary.

Departures

Voiceless for all aircraft:

Tracking via MNG, NONIX, or DOSEL; and
Assigned the lower of F240 or the RFL

All other aircraft going to ELW CTA will be Heads-up Coordinated by ML TCU.

Enroute

As per Standard coordination procedures, Voiceless, no changes to route or CFL within 50nm to boundary.

That being said, it is advised that BLA give Heads-up Coordination prior to 50nm from the boundary in the following scenarios:
- BLA to GUN for aircraft not on the Y59 or W817 airway*
- ELW to MUN(YWE) and HUO(WON) for all aircraft
- BLA to MUN(OXL/GTH) and WOL for all aircraft

Tip

BLA should aim to handoff aircraft as soon as possible to GUN, so they can issue STAR clearance and commence sequencing. Remember, As per Standard coordination procedures, the Receiving sector may turn the aircraft 45° left or right and climb/descend to any level. So if required, nominate a restriction.

BLA Internal

As per Standard coordination procedures, Voiceless, no changes to route or CFL within 20nm to boundary.

That being said, it is advised that ELW/BLA give Heads-up Coordination prior to 20nm from the boundary in the following scenarios:
- ELW to BLA for aircraft not on the Y59, H66, or W569 airway (Changes permitted up to boundary for sequencing/descent purposes)
- BLA to ELW for aircraft not on the Q29 or V169 airway (Changes permitted up to boundary for sequencing/descent purposes)

ES TCU

Departures

Voiceless for all aircraft:

Tracking via a Procedural SID terminus; and
Assigned the lower of F200 or the RFL

All other aircraft going to ELW CTA must be Heads-up Coordinated by ES TCU prior to the boundary.

Arrivals

Voiceless for all aircraft:

With ADES YMES; and
Assigned A100

All other aircraft coming from ELW CTA will be Heads-up Coordinated to ES TCU.

AY ADC

Airspace

AY ADC is responsible for the Class D airspace in the AY CTR SFC to A045.

Refer to Reclassifications for operations when AY ADC is offline.

Departures

Next coordination is required from AY ADC to BLA for all aircraft entering BLA CTA.

The Standard Assignable level from AY ADC to BLA is:

Aircraft	Level
All	The lower of `A070` and `RFL`

Arrivals

YMAY arrivals shall be heads-up coordinated to AY ADC from BLA prior to 5 mins from the boundary.

Phraseology

BLA -> AY ADC: "via VEGRU1 arrival, QLK38"
AY ADC -> BLA: "QLK38, VEGRU1 arrival"

The Standard Assignable level from BLA to AY ADC is A080.