Armidale (ARL)

Positions

Name	ID	Callsign	Frequency	Login ID
Armidale	ARL	Brisbane Centre	130.900	BN-ARL_CTR
Cessnock	CNK	Brisbane Centre	123.400	BN-CNK_CTR
Maitland	MLD	Brisbane Centre	132.350	BN-MLD_CTR
Manning	MNN	Brisbane Centre	130.100	BN-MNN_CTR
Mudgee	MDE	Brisbane Centre	133.000	BN-MDE_CTR
Ocean	OCN	Brisbane Centre	128.600	BN-OCN_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).

Airspace

Reclassifications

CFS CTRTW CTRWLM CTR

When CFS ADC is offline, CFS CTR (Class D SFC to A045) reverts to Class G, and is administered by MNN and INL.

Note

MNN does not assume the CFS CTR in the absence of a CFS ADC controller. Assumption of the CFS CTR is the responsibility of INL. Controllers may choose to verbally coordinate the release of the CFS CTR to either sector/subsector.

Tip

If choosing not to provide a top down service, consider publishing a pre-formatted ATIS Zulu for the aerodrome, to inform pilots about the airspace reclassification.

When TW ADC is offline, TW CTR (Class D and C SFC to A085) reverts to Class G, and is administered by ARL. Alternatively, ARL may provide a top-down procedural service if they wish (not recommended).

Tip

If choosing not to provide a top down service, consider publishing a pre-formatted ATIS Zulu for the aerodrome, to inform pilots about the airspace reclassification.

When WLM TCU is offline, WLM MIL CTR (Class C SFC to A065) reverts to Class G, and WLM MIL CTR (Class C A065 to F125) reverts to Class E. This airspace is administered by the appropriate ARL subsector. Alternatively, ARL(MLD) may provide a top-down service if they wish.

Tip

If choosing not to provide a top down service, consider publishing a pre-formatted ATIS Zulu for the aerodrome, to inform pilots about the airspace reclassification.

Departure and Arrival Procedures

YCFS

Coffs Harbour (YCFS) lies under the INL/MNN boundary. MNN is responsible for issuing descent to aircraft arriving into YCFS from the south.

Sequencing

MNN and INL share a joint responsibility to build the final sequence of arrivals into YCFS when the tower is open. Coordination with INL should be conducted to ensure that aircraft from each sector are sequenced appropriately with each other.

YSSY

STAR Assignment

The following subsectors are responsible for issuing STAR clearance.

Subsector	STAR	Type	Notes
ARL	BOREE MEPIL	Jet Non-Jet	Descent not below `F250` Descent not below `F250`
OCN	MARLN	All

Arrivals from the north shall be given initial descent to not below F250. CNK will issue final descent.

Tip

During periods of high traffic flow from the north, it may be beneficial to issue an aircraft with the adjacent STAR (e.g. a jet assigned the MEPIL STAR). This is most common when assigning the alternate runway to an arrival.

Either SY TCU or ARL may propose utilising the adjacent STAR where two aircraft with significantly different cruise/descent speeds will be required to overtake or pass abeam each other to achieve a sequenced landing time, or if assigned different runways. This technique can allow aircraft to be processed for different runways independently with minimal delay by using the built-in separation afforded by the STAR height requirements.

Phraseology

ARL: "RXA6417, amended tracking and STAR clearance available"
RXA6417: "RXA6417, go ahead"
ARL: "RXA6417, recleared direct BOREE for the BOREE4A arrival, runway 34L, maintain F180"
RXA6417: "Recleared direct BOREE for the BOREE4A arrival, runway 34L, maintain F180, RXA6417"

Sequencing

Sequencing arrivals from the north/east into YSSY is a joint responsibility of the subsectors of ARL. Initial sequencing actions for aircraft from the north should be performed by ARL, with fine tuning and any holding required issued by CNK.

Aircraft from the north/east shall be assigned runway 16L/34R during PROPS. However, some situations may warrant the use of the main runway (16R/34L), such as heavy aircraft operationally requiring the longer runway or large volumes of traffic requiring the use of both runways to minimise delay. In this case, coordination must be conducted with Melbourne Centre or Sydney Flow (if operating) to ensure that the sequence is built in an efficient and orderly way.

Phraseology

ARL -> BIK: "North of Sydney, CPA21, with your concurrence will be assigned runway 34L due operational requirement"
BIK -> ARL: "Concur, CPA21 runway 34L, required landing time 43 due sequence from the west"
ARL -> BIK: "Runway 34L, landing time 43, CPA21"

Adjacent Feeder Fixes

Aircraft assigned the same runway inbound via BOREE and MEPIL, 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.

Predictable Sequencing Waypoints

There are ten Predictable Sequencing waypoints available for aircraft inbound YSSY via N774 and M636.

The table below contains the estimated time from the initial waypoint to the final waypoint via the CDO waypoint.

N774M636

Initial Waypoint	CDO Waypoint	Final Waypoint	Delay (in mins)
NONID	HARIZ/PORUV	RIKNI	2
NONID	AVKIR/ISNET	RIKNI	4
NONID	IDAGO/OVMAT	RIKNI	6
NONID	ADLIV/FLEMO	RIKNI	8
NONID	UDISI/OPEXA	RIKNI	10

Initial Waypoint	CDO Waypoint	Final Waypoint	Delay (in mins)
PLUGA	OLNOT	RIKNI	2
PLUGA	ADBOK	RIKNI	4
PLUGA	PEBTU	RIKNI	6
PLUGA	GORTA	RIKNI	8

Holding Fixes

Refer to the vatSys Enroute Holds map for details of published holds on the airways inbound to YSSY. Where delays necessitate holding, aircraft should be instructed to hold at the following positions. The listed time should be subtracted from an aircraft's assigned feeder fix time to determine when they should leave the hold.

Feeder Fix	Holding Fix	Time from Hold to Feeder Fix
BOREE	SADLO	4 min
YAKKA	MONDO	3 min
MARLN	RIKNI	4 min

Tip

Additional holding may be performed at upstream holding fixes to reduce controller workload. This is particularly useful when non-standard child sectors have been opened, allowing aircraft to absorb some of their delay in the previous sector.

YSTW

ARL and MDE are responsible for issuing descent.

Sequencing

ARL and MDE share a joint responsibility to build the final sequence of arrivals into YSTW when the tower is open. Coordination should be conducted to ensure that aircraft from each sector are sequenced appropriately with each other.

YWLM

STAR Assignment

The following subsectors are responsible for issuing STAR clearance.

Subsector	STAR	Type
ARL	LAXUM	All
MNN	LAXUM	All
OCN	ASUVA	All

Coded Clearances

The ARL subsector is additionally responsible for issuing the STORM 2 coded clearance to aircraft arriving YWLM via the Thunder Corridor.

Local Procedures

Special Use Airspace

There are multiple volumes of SUA within ARL airspace, mostly associated with military operations in and out of YWLM.

WLM TCU must give heads up coordination with the relevant enroute controllers prior to any departures intending to operate in a currently inactive SUA.

Phraseology

WAL -> ARL: "On the groud YWLM, PTHR11, requests activation of R560A A085-F240, from 0300 until 0500.”
ARL -> WAL: "PTHR11, expect activation of R560A A085-F240 at 0300 until 0500."
WAL -> ARL: "PTHR11."

Non-participating aircraft intending to transit an activated SUA should be rerouted, where possible, subject to the VATSIM Code of Conduct.

M581-M584 Williamtown

The M581-M584 MOAs are located offshore within the MLD, MNN, OCN, and TSN(HWE) subsectors.

The MOAs directly adjoin the WLM TCU, and when WAL is online aircraft will be transferred directly to/from the MOAs. When WAL is offline, aircraft will contact ARL for transit through the surrounding civilian airspace.

Affected Civil Operations

When activated these MOAs significantly disrupt traffic on the busy A579, B450, B474, B580, and H258 high altitude airways, which connect YSSY to the Pacific and North America.

Planned Airway	ERSA Recommended Rerouting
A579	`DIPSO G595 ATNAT DCT DUDEP DCT UPSAD A579 ...`
B450	`DIPSO G595 ATNAT DCT ABARB B450 ...`
B474	`OLSEM Y193 BANDA DCT VEMLA B474 ...` `DIPSO G595 ATNAT DCT DUDEP Y70 BISAB J328 ISTEM B474 ...` (when M670 is also active)
B580	`DIPSO G595 ATNAT DCT DUDEP Y70 BISAB J328 MISLY B580 ...`

The W149 and W768 low altitude airways, connecting YLHI to YWLM and YPMQ, are also affected, requiring extensive rerouting or facilitated transit through the SUA.

Note

Aircraft tracking via a recommended rerouting must still be separated from the SUA laterally and vertically. After amending flight plans for the purposes of rerouting around SUA, controllers should ensure the route is displayed visually and the BRL is used to measure for >2.5nm clearance with all parts of the SUA.

R560 & R570 Williamtown

The R560A-B and R570A-H restricted areas are located west of YWLM and YSTW within the ARL and MDE subsectors. The restricted areas are connected to the WLM TCU by the Thunder Corridor.

Aircraft departing the WLM TCU will be cleared the STORM 1 coded clearance. Aircraft returning to the TCU will be cleared the STORM 2 coded clearance by ARL.

Phraseology

BARN21 has completed their military training operations in R570, and intends to return to base. BARN21: "Brisbane Centre, BARN21"
ARL: "BARN21, Brisbane Centre, identified"
BARN21: "Brisbane Centre, BARN21, detail complete, for RTB, F130"
ARL: "BARN21, cleared Storm 2. At THNDA, contact Willy Approach, 135.7"
BARN21: "Cleared Storm 2, at THNDA contact Willy Approach, BARN21"

Note

Aircraft tracking via the STORM coded clearances does not constitute a voiceless coordination route between WLM TCU and ARL. Aircraft should still be heads-up coordinated prior to 5 minutes to the boundary, unless coordinated otherwise.

Aircraft transiting the Thunder Corridor should be assigned the appropriate altitude to ensure separation with opposite direction traffic while transiting to their desired restricted area.

Coded Clearance	Altitude
STORM 1	`F140`
STORM 2	`F130`

Affected Civil Operations

When activated these restricted areas distrupt traffic on the Q16, Q235, Q293, and Y46 high altitude airways, used by aircraft travelling between YPAD-YBBN, and YSSY-North Queensland/East Asia.

Planned Airway	ERSA Recommended Rerouting
Q16	via `Q4`
Q235	`... RIC H530 KABIX ...`
Q293	`... RIC H530 KABIX ...`
Y46	via `Y27`

Aircraft travelling below F240 on the H66, H76, and Q35 airways are also disrupted, most directly affecting aircraft departing YSBK to the northwest, and aircraft climbing out of YSSY via RIC. These aircraft may be given altitude requirements to assure separation with the restricted areas, where appropriate.

Note

Aircraft tracking via a recommended rerouting must still be separated from the SUA laterally and vertically. After amending flight plans for the purposes of rerouting around SUA, controllers should ensure the route is displayed visually and the BRL is used to measure for >2.5nm clearance with all parts of the SUA.

R585-R586 Williamtown

The R585A-D and R586A-C restricted areas are located north of the WLM TCU in the ARL and MNN subsectors.

The MOAs directly adjoin the WLM TCU, and when WAL is online aircraft will be transferred directly to/from the restricted areas. When WAL is offline, aircraft will contact ARL for transit through the surrounding civilian airspace.

Amberley SUA

There are three SUA associated with military operations at Amberley which clip ARL airspace: the R639D restricted area, located northeast of MOR VOR partially in the MDE subsector, and the M661A and M670A-B MOAs, which clips MNN airspace offshore east of YCFS.

AMA (or INL(DOS, INL, SDY) on their behalf) will coordinate the activation these SUA prior to any activity.

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
MNN	INL	YBBN, YBCG
MDE	GUN(KAT)	YSCB
CNK, MLD, OCN	GUN(BIK)	YSCB	Jets only
MNN, MDE	ARL	YSSY

Terminal Handover Frequencies

Aircraft being transferred from enroute to a TCU with multiple frequencies shall be given the frequency for the revelant TCU position.

SY TCU

07AD25AD16 PROPS34 PROPSSODPROPS

SY TCU Handover Frequencies - 16 PROPS Mode

SY TCU Handover Frequencies - 34 PROPS Mode

SY TCU Handover Frequencies - SODPROPS Mode

ADES	STAR	Frequency (Controller)
YSSY	BOREE	124.400 (SAN)
YSSY	MARLN	124.400 (SAN)
YSSY	MEPIL	124.400 (SAN)
YSSY	ODALE	128.300 (SAS)
YSSY	RIVET	128.300 (SAS)

Tip

The quick reference tables above only include scenarios for which there is voiceless coordination. Refer to the diagram for the appropriate position/frequency for coordination and handoff for all other situations.

Coordination

SY TCU

Airspace

SY TCU is responsible for the airspace within a 45nm radius of TESAT, SFC to F285.

Refer to Sydney TCU Airspace Division for information on airspace divisions when SAS, SDN, SDS and/or SRI are online.

Arrivals/Overfliers

Voiceless for all aircraft:

With ADES YSSY; and
Assigned a STAR; and
Tracking via MARLN or BOREE, assigned A100; or
Tracking via MEPIL, assigned A090

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

Departures

Voiceless for all aircraft:

Assigned the lower of F280 or the RFL; and
that enter ARL airspace via any of the Green Shaded Corridors below, excluding YWLM Arrivals

All other aircraft going to ARL CTA will be Heads-up Coordinated by SY TCU.

YWLM Arrivals

Additionally, Voiceless Coordination exists from SY TCU for aircraft:

With ADES YWLM; and
Assigned a STAR; and
Assigned the lower of F130 or the RFL

Note

YWLM arrivals are handed off to MLD, not directly to WLM TCU, unless otherwise coordinated.

Enroute

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

ARL Internal

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

That being said, due to their small sizes and frequent random-track traffic, it is advised that ARL(All) gives Heads-up Coordination in the following scenarios:

MNN to ARL for all aircraft
ARL to MNN for all aircraft
CNK to MLD for all aircraft
MLD to CNK for all aircraft

CFS ADC

Airspace

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

Refer to Reclassifications for operations when CFS ADC is offline.

Departures

Next coordination is required from CFS ADC to MNN for all aircraft entering MNN CTA.

The Standard Assignable level from CFS ADC to MNN is:

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

Where possible (and no possible conflict exists), a higher level shall be assigned by MNN for high performance aircraft during next coordination.

Arrivals/Overfliers

YCFS arrivals and overfliers shall be heads-up coordinated to CFS ADC from MNN prior to 5 mins from the boundary.

Phraseology

MNN -> CFS ADC: "Via KADSI, RXA6438"
CFS ADC -> MNN: "RXA6438"

The Standard Assignable level from MNN to CFS ADC is A080, any other level must be prior coordinated.

TW ADC

Airspace

TW ADC is responsible for the Class D airspace in the TW CTR SFC to A045, as well as the Class C airspace between A045 and A065.

Refer to Reclassifications for operations when TW ADC is offline.

Departures

Next coordination is required from TW ADC to ARL/MDE for all aircraft entering ARL/MDE CTA.

The Standard Assignable level from TW ADC to ARL/MDE is:

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

Arrivals/Overfliers

YSTW arrivals and overfliers shall be heads-up coordinated to TW ADC from ARL/MDE prior to 5 mins from the boundary.

Phraseology

ARL -> TW ADC: "QLK6D, via MATLA DCT ST2WD"
TW ADC -> ARL: "QLK6D"

The Standard Assignable level from ARL/MDE to TW ADC is A080, any other level must be prior coordinated.

WLM TCU

Airspace

By default, WLM TCU owns the airspace from SFC to F125.

An additional, non-standard TCU position may be activated for specific military exercises or events to control airspace above F125. When this happens, WAH owns the airspace above F125 to the agreed upper limit.

Note

The upper limit of WAH must be coordinated with ARL prior to the position logging on.

Refer to Reclassifications for operations when WLM TCU is offline.

Departures

Voiceless for all aircraft:

Tracking via a Procedural SID terminus; and
Assigned the lower of F120 or the RFL

All other aircraft going to ARL CTA will be Heads-up Coordinated by WLM TCU.

Phraseology

WAL -> MLD: "QJE1597, request DCT OMGAB"
MLD -> WAL: "QJE1597, concur DCT OMGAB"

Arrivals/Overfliers

Voiceless for all aircraft:

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

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

Phraseology

CNK -> WAL: "QFA1968, request DCT UPTEB"
WAL -> CNK: "QFA1968, concur DCT UPTEB"

TSN/HWE (Oceanic)

As per Standard coordination procedures, Voiceless, no changes to route or CFL within 15 mins to boundary.

Aircraft must have their identification terminated and be instructed to make a position report on first contact with the next (procedural) sector.

Phraseology

ARL: "QFA121, identification terminated, report position to Brisbane Radio, 126.45"