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Sydney TCU

Positions

Positions

Name ID Callsign Frequency Login ID
Sydney Approach North SAN Sydney Approach 124.400 SY_APP
Sydney Approach South† SAS Sydney Approach 128.300 SY-S_APP
Sydney Departures North† SDN Sydney Departures 123.000 SY_DEP
Sydney Departures South† SDS Sydney Departures 129.700 SY-S_DEP
Sydney Director West† SFW Sydney Director 126.100 SY-D_APP
Sydney Director East† SFE Sydney Director 125.300 SY-DE_APP
Sydney Radar†* SRI Sydney Centre 124.550 SY-C_DEP
Sydney Flow† SFL SY_FMP

Non-standard positions may only be used in accordance with VATPAC Air Traffic Services Policy
* Additional requirements must be met prior to opening SRI as a stand-alone position.

Airspace

Airspace

The Vertical limits of the SY TCU are SFC to F285.
SY TCU is responsible for the Sydney TMA, except:

  • SY CTR SFC to A005 as outlined here
  • R470 Restricted Area, when RIC ADC is online (or as negotiated)

Reclassifications

BK CTR

BK CTR reverts to Class G when BK ADC is offline, and is administered by the relevant SY TCU controller.

See also: BK ADC Offline.

CN CTR

CN CTR reverts to Class G when CN ADC is offline, and is administered by the relevant SY TCU controller.

Airspace Structural Arrangements

Pursuant to Section 2 of the VATPAC Air Traffic Services Policy, the following rules apply, in the order presented, to these controller positions, except SFL:

a) “North”/”West” positions shall assume the airspace of corresponding “South”/”East” positions when the latter are inactive (e.g. SAN assumes SAS airspace, SFW assumes SFE airspace)

b) Approach assumes Director/Departure airspace “on-side” when the latter positions are inactive (e.g. with SAS and SAN online only, SAS assumes SDS and SFW)

c) Departures assumes SRI airspace when the position is inactive

d) SRI is not permitted to be logged on to, unless there are already at least 2 other active positions (ie, SY APP and SY DEP, or SY APP and SY DIR) in the SY TCU.

Note

The default ownership of sectors within the SY TCU is merely a suggestion for starters. There are 7 executive controller positions within the SY TCU, plus a flow controller, and the ownership of these sectors can be delegated as desired based on the traffic disposition, when agreed between the controllers. For example, during a Milk Run event, if SY APP and SY DEP are online, SY APP may have a lot more work to do than SY DEP, and it would mostly be concentrated on the RIVET/ODALE corridor. In light of this, it might be wise for SY APP to take ownership of SAS, SFW and SFE airspace, whilst SY DEP take ownership of SAN, SDS, SDN, and SRI airspace.

Note

Unless there are 2 separate Director controllers online (during a Major event like Panic Stations, for example), it is not recommended that the SFW and SFE positions are held by 2 separate controllers, due to the tendency of some less experienced pilots to overshoot the runway centreline

Sydney Radar (SRI)

SRI is responsible for the provision of FIS in Class G airspace within the SY TMA. It is a role normally performed by DEPs but can be delegated to any TMA controller. The position is designed to reduce the workload of the other TMA positions by identifying and issuing clearance (where available) to aircraft OCTA, then transferring them to the relevant TMA controller. Explicit coordation requirements exist between SRI and other TCU positions, and there are certain rules surrounding the opening of SRI as a stand-alone position.

Example

During a busy event, Sydney Departures is experiencing a high workload and wishes to delegate the SRI role to another TMA controller who isn't as busy. SAN's sector is quiet, so they elect to perform the role.

Airspace Division

The divisions of the airspace between SAN, SAS, SDS, SDN, SFW and SFE change based on the Runway Mode.

Note

The following diagrams do not include non SY TCU areas of responsibility such as BK CTR or CN CTR

Side Profile

SY TCU Side Profile

SY TCU Side Profile

07

07 TCU Structure

07 TCU Structure

16 PROPS

16 PROPS TCU Structure

16 PROPS TCU Structure

25

25 TCU Structure

25 TCU Structure

34 PROPS

34 PROPS TCU Structure

34 PROPS TCU Structure

SODPROPS

SODPROPS TCU Structure

SODPROPS TCU Structure
Arrival Procedures

Arrival Procedures

STAR and Runway Assignment

Sequencing of arrivals into YSSY is a joint responsibility of ARL and BIK, with input from SY TCU.

Aircraft from the south/west are assigned 16R/34L and aircraft from the north/east assigned 16L/34R. However, some heavy aircraft from the north/east may operationally require the longer runway. Similarly, it may be beneficial for the sequence to assign an arrival to an alternate runway to avoid unnecessary delays.

Jet aircraft for YSSY shall be assigned the RIVET, BOREE, or MARLN STARs.
Non-jet aircraft for YSSY shall be assigned the ODALE, MEPIL, or MARLN STARs.

Whilst the preference is to keep aircraft assigned the default STAR & runway as above, there are situations where the sequence may be improved by assigning the adjacent STAR or an alternate runway. It is a joint responsibility of SY TCU and the surrounding enroute controllers to consider these STAR/runway changes when reviewing the inbound sequence. If a change is recommended, coordination should be conducted with the enroute controller to request that an aircraft be reassigned. Where aircraft will be passing in close proximity (even if assigned different runways), consider the use of the adjacent STAR, to maintain a separation standard during the arrival.

Note

Before reassigning an aircraft to an alternate runway, consider arrivals inbound from all directions to ensure that no additional conflict is created.

Approach controllers can use the built-in separation afforded by the STAR level restrictions to process aircraft on adjacent STARs (e.g. RIVET and ODALE, or BOREE and MEPIL), allowing aircraft to pass abeam or overtake each other, as dictated by the overall sequence. See Level Assignment below for details on maintaining separation using the STAR level restrictions.

Example

During a busy Milk Run Monday, a large volume of traffic is approaching YSSY from the southwest, with no arrivals from the north or east. To prevent unnecessarily delaying inbound aircraft by processing them for a single runway, coordinate with BIK to request certain aircraft are tactically assigned runway 16L/34R, to improve the overall efficiency of the sequence.

Where aircraft are moved to the alternate runway, consider requesting that they are also assigned the alternate STAR to an aircraft approaching at a similar time on the main runway (i.e. a jet aircraft is moved to runway 34R and cleared the ODALE STAR for separation with a jet aircraft nearby assigned runway 34L via the RIVET STAR).

YWLM STARs

SY TCU is responsible for issuing STARs to aircraft inbound to YWLM via EKIPU and OVLUX. Aircraft shall be assigned the EKIPU or OVLUX STAR (as appropriate) by default, unless coordinated otherwise (eg. via the IVTAG STAR).

Level Assignment

Note

Inbound aircraft will be handed from Enroute to Approach assigned the standard assignable level. This section refers to further descent issued by the Approach controller.

Adjacent STARs do not guarantee lateral separation (particularly as aircraft get closer to TESAT), so to avoid a breakdown of separation standards, Approach should assign levels as follows:

  • ODALE/MEPIL STAR: A060
  • RIVET/BOREE STAR: A080
  • MARLN STAR: A090

RIVET/BOREE aircraft should only be assigned A070 when an adjacent ODALE/MEPIL arrival is maintaining A060. These aircraft can be stepped down to A060 once sufficient lateral separation exists (often during the downwind turn).

MARLN aircraft which require an overfly to the west should be assigned A090 and stepped down on top of any RIVET arrivals.

Tip

Be mindful of Sydney's REP airspace arrangement and avoid leaving arrivals at A100. Aircraft should be descended to A090 or below by 20DME to prevent conflict with departing traffic.

All aircraft should be assigned no lower than A060 until clear of the active runways' departure tracks. This normally occurs once established on downwind (but changes based on runway config).

Note

Remember that you will not receive "Next" Coordination on aircraft assigned Standard Assignable Levels (ie A050 for Jets, A030 for Non-Jets), meaning an aircraft could depart at any time without prior warning and climb to A050.

Example

For an aircraft inbound from the north on the BOREE4A arrival to runway 34R, assign no lower than A080 until any adjacent aircraft are maintaing A060, then A070 until the aircraft are laterally clear. The arrival should then be assigned A060 until south of the field.

Be mindful of departures from YSBK which may also impact aircraft on downwind for RWY 16R at YSSY. Do not assign lower than A040 until the aircraft is north/east of the BK CTR and clear of any departing traffic (who are assigned A030 by default).

Parallel Runway Operations

Parallel Runway Operations

Refer to Parallel Runway Separation Standards for more information

Runway Selection

Unless operationally required, aircraft shall be assigned the following runways for arrival when PROPS are in progress:

Aircraft tracking Runway
via RIVET 16R/34L
via ODALE 16R/34L
via MARLN 16L/34R
via BOREE 16L/34R
via MEPIL 16L/34R
Other aircraft:
From the NORTH and EAST 16L/34R
From the SOUTH and WEST 16R/34L

Director East and West

Sydney Approach North (SAN) / Sydney Approach South (SAS) are required to hand-off aircraft to the appropriate Sydney Director East (SFE) / Sydney Director West (SFW) Controller on a downwind heading, assigned (or maintaining) A060.

Note - the downwind heading is not required to be entered in the label data by SAN/SAS.

SFW/SFE should provide aircraft an approximate 'miles to run' on first contact, to allow the aircraft to plan their descent path.

A typical downwind will take roughly 25 track miles from the normal point have handover from SAN/SAS to SFE/SFW.

Example

"QLK402, Sydney Director, descend to A040, 25 miles to run"

SFW/SFE may provide distance to touchdown, when transferring an aircraft to tower after the aircraft is established on their approach runway centreline (see below).

Example

"QFA490, 8 miles to touchdown, contact tower 120.5"

Instrument Approach

Aircraft joining parallel instrument approaches must remain separated from aircraft on the adjacent approach until they are established. This usually involves keeping aircraft vertically separated and may require aircraft to intercept the localiser/final approach course and maintain their assigned level, only allowing descent on the approach once they are established.

Two aircraft established on adjacent parallel approaches require 1nm lateral separation as opposed to the 3nm standard required in the TMA generally.

Independent Visual Approach

When conducting IVAs, aircraft shall not be transferred to SY ADC until established on final.

Example

SFW: “BNZ444, Turn left heading 360, join final Runway 34L, from that heading Cleared Independent Visual Approach”
BNZ444: "Left heading 360, join final Runway 34L, from that heading Cleared Independent Visual Approach, BNZ444"

SFW: "BNZ444, Contact Sydney Tower 120.5"
BNZ444: "120.5, BNZ444"

Phraseology at Night

"CLEARED INDEPENDENT VISUAL APPROACH RUNWAY (number), NOT BELOW (MVA) UNTIL ESTABLISHED ON THE PAPI (or GLIDEPATH)"

Example

SFE: “ANZ361, Turn right heading 330, join final Runway 34R, from that heading Cleared Independent Visual Approach Runway 34R, not below 1500 until established on the PAPI”

Sydney Harbour Scenic Flights

Sydney Harbour Scenic Flights

Flights may be cleared for one of two standard scenic flight routes at A015, Harbour Scenic One or Harbour Scenic Two, which are described below. Pilot preference should be accommodated where traffic permits.

Aircraft must track via Class G airspace to Long Reef and contact SY TCU prior to reaching Long Reef requesting a ‘Harbour Scenic’ clearance. Attempt to identify the aircraft, and if a clearance cannot be given immediately, instruct the pilot to remain in Class G airspace.

Example

"LOI, squawk 0542, remain clear of Class C airspace"

A ‘Harbour Scenic One’ (or ‘Two’) clearance is used to authorise flight in the nominated route at A015. Sydney QNH must be issued with the clearance.

Example

"LOI, identified, cleared Harbour Scenic One, Sydney QNH 1014"

Caution

The Harbour Scenic One procedure may cause conflict with departures from Runway 34R to the north. Before issuing a Harbour Scenic One clearance, assess the traffic situation on the ground at YSSY and determine whether a departure to the north of the harbour is likely in the next few minutes. If necessary, instruct the aircraft to remain OCTA and advise of the delay, or alternatively, issue the Harbour Scenic Two clearance.

Sydney Harbour Scenic One

Sydney Harbour Scenic One

Sydney Harbour Scenic Two

Sydney Harbour Scenic Two

These can be displayed on vatSys using the SY_VFR map.

Note

Remember that VFR aircraft are not separated from other VFR aircraft in class C airspace. If other VFR aircraft are operating over the harbour, you are not required to provide a separation standard between them, however you must pass traffic information to both aircraft.

Helicopter Operations

Helicopter Operations

Inbound/Outbound Routes

Helicopters outbound from YSSY will make contact with the Departures controller established on a Helicopter Route. Controllers need only identify the aircraft, as they will already be cleared to climb to a suitable level (generally not above A010) through their coded clearance. Each clearance stipulates a point where identification and control services are automatically terminated, but controllers may explicitely cancel these services for new pilots who may not understand where they exit CTA.

Example

YZD: "Sydney Departures, helicopter YZD, passing A009 on the Barracks 5 Outbound"
SY TCU: "YZD, Departures, identified"

Helicopters tracking inbound to YSSY will generally do so via a Helicopter Route. Aircraft are required to contact the TCU controller for clearance along these routes, with the exception of the CAPE BANKS 5 INBOUND and WANDA 5 INBOUND for which they should contact SY ADC directly.

Controllers should identify the aircraft and then provide clearance if traffic permits.

Example

HSZ: "Sydney Departures, helicopter HSZ, Sydney Heads, A010, received Delta, request Harbour Bridge 5 Inbound"
SY TCU: "HSZ, squawk 0552"

SY TCU: "HSZ, identified, cleared Harbour Bridge 5 Inbound"

Note

Some Helicopter Routes may conflict with fixed wing approach/departure paths, so use common sense to separate helicopters when required. For example, during 34 PROPS, it may be more suitable for helicopters to track via the CAPE BANKS 5 INBOUND rather than taking the MAROUBRA 5 INBOUND, due to it's close proximity to the MARUB SID. In any case, if pilots are unfamiliar with local landmarks, simplify your instructions to assist them while maintaining separation.

Helicopters should be transferred to SY ADC early to allow them to provide sequencing and separation with fixed-wing aircraft.

Tip

You can find details of each Helicopter Route in the YSSY ERSA FAC under section 14 HELICOPTER ROUTE OPERATIONS and display an approximation of the route on vatSys using the SY_HELO map.

Terminal Airspace Operations

Bondi Coded Clearances

The BONDI 5 coded clearance is only available to helicopters, provided PRM approaches are not in use to RWY 16s at YSSY. The clearance may not be available (or delays may be required) when RWY 25 is in use for arrivals or RWY 07 is in use for departures.

Tip

You can find details of the BONDI 5 procedure in the YSSY ERSA FAC under section 14 HELICOPTER ROUTE OPERATIONS.

Helicopters should be identified and then cleared for the BONDI 5 NORTHBOUND or BONDI 5 SOUTHBOUND. Traffic information must be provided on any other helicopters operating on the route or any other aircraft in the area (e.g. aircraft in Victor One). Sydney QNH should be provided if the aircraft didn't depart from YSSY recently.

Example

YOE: "Sydney Approach, helicopter YOE, Jibbon Point, A005, received Whiskey, request Bondi 5 Northbound"
SY TCU: "YOE, Sydney Approach, squawk 0451"

SY TCU: "YOE, identified, cleared Bondi 5 Northbound, Sydney QNH 1024"

Once the aircraft exits CTA at Long Bay Headland (southbound) or Sydney Heads (northbound), cancel their identification and control services. If the helicopter is likely to request a clearance via one of Sydney's Helicopter Routes, consider instructing them to remain on their assigned squawk code to assist with identification.

Example

"YOE, clear of controlled airspace, identification and control service terminated, squawk 1200, frequency change approved"

Sector Coded Clearances

To reduce frequency congestion, several commonly used geographically defined areas are designated with lateral and vertical limits and provided upon request via a coded clearance to helicopter aircraft.

Sector Name Lateral Limits Vertical Limits
City East Bounded by Rushcutters Bay, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney Harbour Bridge South Pylon, Fort Denison, Clark Island, Rushcutters Bay Not above A020
CBD Bounded by Rushcutters Bay, Sydney Cricket Ground, Cleveland Street, Regent Street, George Street, Sydney Harbour Bridge South Pylon, Fort Denison, Clark Island, Rushcutters Bay Not above A020
North Harbour The area northeast of a line St Ives Showground, Roseville Bridge, Sydney Harbour Bridge North Pylon then via the northern shore of Sydney Harbour to Middle Head then Manly Not above A015
Northern Beaches The area east of a line Long Reef, Spit Bridge, Sydney Harbour Bridge North Pylon then via the northern shores of Sydney Harbour to Middle Head then Manly Not above A015
South Harbour The area bounded by lines joining Sydney Harbour Bridge North Pylon, Sydney Harbour Bridge South Pylon, then via the southern shoreline of Sydney Harbour to South Head then Manly to Middle Head, then via the northern shoreline of Sydney Harbour to Sydney Harbour Bridge North Pylon Not above A015
Manly The area North of line South Head to Middle Head to the Spit Bridge, East of a line Spit Bridge to intersection Pittwater and Warringah Roads to Curl Curl Beach, Coastal Southbound to South Head Not above A015

Helicopters should be identified and then provided the clearance where traffic permits. Helicopters established on a Helicopter Route should be issued an onwards clearance into the requested sector.

Example

HWD: "Sydney Departures gday, helicopter HWD, passing 800ft on the Harbour Bridge 5 outbound, request South Harbour Sector"
SY TCU: "HWD, Departures, identified, onwards clearance South Harbour Sector"
HWD: "Onwards clearance South Harbour Sector, HWD"

Offline Towers

Offline Towers

BK ADC Offline

Due to the low level of CTA (A015) in the BK CTR when BK ADC is offline, it is best practice to give airways clearance to aircraft at the holding point, to ensure departing aircraft can have uninterrupted climb.

Example

LOA: "LOA, King Air, POB 10, IFR, taxing Bankstown for Shellharbour, Runway 11C"
SY TCU: "LOA, Sydney Approach, squawk 3601, no reported IFR traffic, report ready at the holding point for airways clearance"
LOA: "Squawk 3601, wilco, LOA"

ABC: "LOA, ready Runway 11C"
SY TCU: "LOA, cleared to YSHL via ANKUB, flight planned route, Bankstown 8 Departure, climb via SID A030"
LOA: "Cleared to YSHL via ANKUB, flight planned route, Bankstown 8 Departure, climb via SID A030, LOA"

Flow

Flow

The tables below give an estimated time in minutes from the Feeder Fix to the Threshold, which can be used to plan sequencing actions within the TCU.

It is based on a few key assumptions:
- Nil wind
- Aircraft for the opposite parallel runway (eg, RIVET > 16L/34R) will overfly the field, then join a mid-field downwind
- All aircraft are tracking via the ILS Initial Approach fix

Jets

Feeder Fix 07 16L 16R 25 34L 34R
BOREE 16 11 11 15 17 17
MEPIL† - 9 - - - 15
MARLN 16 17 20 13 18 14
RIVET 11 19 17 17 15 19
ODALE† - 16 - - - 17
  • IAF to Threshold is 4 minutes
  • Add 1 minute for aircraft assigned a reduced speed
  • †MEPIL and ODALE STARs only available to Jets for 16L/34R
  • Subtract 1 minute for MX or CSR

Non-Jets

Feeder Fix 07 16L 16R 25 34L 34R
MEPIL 15 10^ 10^ 13 20 19
MARLN 17 20 22 13 20 19
ODALE 10^ 19 17 16 16 19
  • IAF to Threshold is 4 minutes for Runway 07/25. 5 minutes all other Runways.
  • Subtract 2 minutes for DH8D, Except ^
  • ^ Subtract 1 minute for DH8D
  • Subtract 1 minute for MX
Coordination

Coordination

Enroute

Departures

Voiceless to all surrounding Enroute sectors for all aircraft:

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

SY TCU Voiceless Coordination Corridors

SY TCU Voiceless Coordination Corridors

Note

This means that aircraft can be tracking via any point along an aircraft's flight planned route (eg, LEECE or BANDA), as long as they enter Enroute airspace in the green shaded corridor

All other aircraft going to Enroute CTA must be Heads-up Coordinated to the relevant sector as soon as practical.

Example

SY TCU -> ARL: "DAL40, with your concurrence, will be right of route, DCT GUTIV"
ARL -> SY TCU: "DAL40, concur right of route DCT GUTIV"

YWLM Arrivals

Additionally, Voiceless Coordination exists to ARL(All) for aircraft:

  • With ADES YWLM; and
  • Assigned a STAR; and
  • Tracking from SDN or SDS airspace; and
  • Assigned the lower of F130 or the RFL

Note

YWLM arrivals are handed off to ARL(MLD), not directly to WLM TCU, unless coordinated as such

Arrivals

Voiceless for all aircraft:

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

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

SY TCU Internal

APP / DIR

Voiceless coordination is in place between APP and DIR, with the following conditions:

a) Assigned A060
b) Routed/vectored as per the table below:

STAR 07 16L 16R 25 34L 34R
BOREE H240 LOC/IVA LOC/IVA H060 STAR STAR
MEPIL H240 STAR STAR H060 H150 H150
MARLN H240 H330 H330 STAR H150 STAR
RIVET STAR H330 H330 H060 STAR STAR
ODALE LOC H330 H330 H060 H150 H150

Tip

If strong winds are present at altitude, APP/DIR should discuss slight changes to these headings to compensate for large crosswind components.

Where an aircraft needs to cross the approach paths or overfly Sydney to join the opposite circuit, the following altitudes shall be used until radar separation is established with respect to the approach paths:
Eastbound: A070
Westbound: A080

Any aircraft not meeting these requirements must be prior coordinated to DIR.

Example

QFA421: "QFA421, request direct SOSIJ"
SAS: "QFA421, standby"

SAS -> SFW: "QFA421, requesting direct SOSIJ"
SFW -> SAS: "QFA421, concur direct SOSIJ"
SAS -> SFW: "Direct SOSIJ, QFA421"

SAS: "QFA421, cancel STAR, recleared direct SOSIJ, A060"
QFA421: "Cancel STAR, recleared direct SOSIJ, A060, QFA421"

Example

SAS -> SFW: "VOZ456, with your concurrence, will be assigned A070, for my separation with UJI"
SFW -> SAS: "VOZ456, concur A070"

APP / DEP

Radar Entry Procedure (REP)

Within 15 DME of SY, Departure controllers (SDN and SDS) can allow aircraft to cross airspace owned by Approach controllers (SAN and SAS) at or above A100 without coordination. This allows aircraft to safely depart above arriving aircraft and facilitates more direct tracking for YSBK & YSRI departures.

Note

SIDs from YSSY do not guarantee that aircraft will reach A100 by 15DME, so Departure controllers should be mindful of this and take action where necessary to expedite climb or coordinate with Approach.

Departure controllers should take extra caution when processing the following procedures to ensure they reach A100 prior to entering REP airspace:

  • RWY 34L: WOL SID, & RIC SID with RADAR transition
  • YSBK departures via OLSEM/WOL

It is vital that Approach controllers ensure all arriving aircraft are established below A090 no later than 20DME to avoid conflicting with departures utilising the airspace. All STARs have height requirements which ensure this is achieved. Aircraft inbound to YSBK or YSSY who are not cleared via a STAR should be instructed to reach A090 by 20DME.

Information

Circumstances like excessive weather deviation may make the use of REP impractical. Controllers should coordinate with other TMA positions and suspend REP in this case.

MARLN Corridor

Aircraft are permitted to cross the MARLN corridor at or above A060 without coordination with APP. DEP is responsible for separation with respect to aircraft in the corridor.

Between SDN and SFW/SAN

If aircraft are cleared off runway 11 at YSBK into CTA, coordination is required from SDN (who will be receiving the aircraft from BK ADC) with SFW or SAN (depending on YSSY runway config) as the aircraft will pass closer than 1.5nm from the sector boundary.
Refer to Sydney TCU Airspace Division for more information.

Example

SDN -> SFW: “Request left turn out of Bankstown”
SFW -> SDN: "Approved" (no callsigns need be used here)

Between SRI and APP/DEP/DIR

Entering CTA

Heads-up coordination is required for all aircraft entering SY TCU Class C from SRI Class G. Heads-up coordination must be completed prior to handoff, however, best practice is to complete the coordination as soon as possible, ie, as soon as the aircraft enters SRI airspace, or as soon as it becomes identified after departure from an aerodrome within 45nm SY.

Upon receipt of the heads-up coordination from SRI, the SY TCU controller has several options:

  • Concur the requested level
  • Concur an interim level
  • "Remain outside Class C airspace, expect no delay"
  • "Remain outside Class C airspace, expect XX minute delay" - Useful if it's busy
  • "I'll call you back" - Useful if the SY TCU controller hasn't had time to assess the aircraft yet

Example

SRI -> SDS: “Departed YSHL, EQU”
SDS -> SRI: "EQU, F170"
SRI -> SDS: “F170, EQU”

SRI: "EQU, Cleared to YWLM via TESAT, flight planned route. Climb to F170"
EQU: "Cleared to YWLM via TESAT, flight planned route. Climb to F170, EQU"
(Approaching SRI/SDS sector boundary)
SRI: "EQU, Contact Sydney Departures 129.7"
EQU: "129.7, EQU"

Leaving CTA

Heads-up coordination is not required from a SY TCU position to SRI for aircraft:

Leaving CTA vertically:

  • Assigned 500ft above the BCTA as the CFL; and
  • Handed off to SRI

Example

FD214 is intending on leaving Class C airspace on descent into Bankstown. The lower limit of CTA is A045.
SDS: "FD214 descend to 5,000ft, contact Sydney Centre 124.55"
FD214: "Descend 5,000ft, 124.55, FD214"

FD214: "Sydney Centre, FD214, descending 5,000ft"
SRI: "FD214, Sydney Centre, leave controlled airspace descending, no reported IFR traffic"
FD214: "Leave controlled airspace descending, FD214"

Leaving CTA laterally:

  • Handed off to SRI upon termination of control services

Example

CYF is an IFR C172 leaving CTA to the north at A050.
SAN: "CYF at 30DME SY, control service terminates, contact Sydney Centre 124.55"
CYF: "124.55, CYF"

CYF: "Sydney Centre, CYF, maintaining 5,000ft"
SRI: "CYF, Sydney Centre, no reported IFR traffic, area QNH 1024"

SY ADC

Airspace

SY ADC is responsible for the Class C airspace in the SY CTR SFC to A005.

Auto Release

Auto Release is used for virtually all fixed-wing departures at Sydney. Unlike some other aerodromes, aircraft cleared via the SY (RADAR) SID do not need to be 'Next' coordinated, provided they are assigned the standard assignable level and a standard assignable heading from the table below.

Runway Jet Non-Jet
07 070 020, 110
16L 125 125 (RWY 25 in use), 090 (RWY 25 not in use)
16R 170 210
25 300, 240 020, 210, 240
34L 290 230
34R 030, 070 350

Note

Where multiple standard assignable headings are available, assign the heading most suitable for the aircraft's direction of flight.

Tip

If strong winds are present at altitude, TWR/DEP should discuss slight changes to these headings (+/- 5 degrees) to compensate for large crosswind components.

'Next' coordination is not required for aircraft that are:
a) Departing from a runway nominated on the ATIS; and
b) Assigned the Standard assignable level; and
c) Assigned a Procedural SID (except ABBEY SID); or
d) Assigned the Radar SID with a Standard Assignable Heading

All other aircraft require a 'Next' call from SY ADC.

'Next' coordination is additionally required for:
a) Visual departures
b) Departures to YSBK
c) After a go around, the next departure from that runway
d) Jets departing 16L via WOL
e) All aircraft during the Curfew Runway Mode

Example

SY ADC -> SY TCU: "Next, ADA4, runway 34R"
SY TCU -> SY ADC: "ADA4, Heading 030, unrestricted"
SY ADC -> SY TCU: "Heading 030, ADA4"

The SY TCU controller can suspend/resume Auto Release at any time, with the concurrence of SY ADC.

The Standard Assignable level from SY ADC to SY TCU is:
For Jets: A050
For Non-Jets: The lower of A030 or the RFL

BK ADC

Airspace

BK ADC is responsible for the Class D airspace in the BK CTR SFC to A015.

Refer to Reclassifications for operations when BK ADC is offline.

Departures

Aircraft departing YSBK in to SY TCU Class C will be coordinated from BK ADC when ready for takeoff.

Example

BK ADC -> SY TCU: "Next, TFX12"
SY TCU -> BK ADC: "TFX12, Unrestricted"
BK ADC -> SY TCU: "TFX12"

BK ADC will then clear the aircraft to takeoff , and instruct them to contact SY TCU passing A015.

The Standard Assignable level from BK ADC to SY TCU is A030.

Arrivals

SY TCU will heads-up coordinate arrivals/overfliers from Class C to BK ADC prior to 5 mins from the boundary.
IFR aircraft will be cleared for the coordinated approach (Instrument or Visual) prior to handoff to BK ADC, unless BK ADC nominates a restriction.
VFR aircraft require a level readback.

Example

SY TCU -> BK ADC: "via GRB, UJN"
BK ADC -> SY TCU: "UJN, A010"

Tip

Ensure the aircraft's FDR is up-to-date in order to give BK ADC maximum situational awareness of the traffic picture. (eg. if the aircraft is doing the RNP approach, ensure the FDR has been rerouted via the appropriate points)

CN ADC

Airspace

CN ADC is responsible for the Class D airspace in the CN CTR SFC to A020.

Refer to Reclassifications for operations when CN ADC is offline.

Departures

CN ADC must advise SY TCU when the aircraft has called 'Ready'. In response to a ready call, SY TCU will issue a traffic statement.

Example

CN ADC -> SRI: "Ready, MHQ, Runway 06"
SRI -> CN ADC: "MHQ, traffic is MEH, an IFR AC50, tracking SHL RAKSO SB2WI, A035, estimate RAKSO time 35" (or "No Reported IFR Traffic")
CN ADC -> SRI: "Traffic is MEH tracking SHL RAKSO SB2WI A035, RAKSO at 35"

CN ADC: "MHQ, traffic is MEH, IFR AC50 tracking SHL RAKSO SB2WI at A035, estimating RAKSO at time 35, runway 06, cleared for takeoff"
MHQ: "Runway 06, cleared for takeoff, MHQ"

CN ADC: "MHQ, contact Sydney Centre on 124.55"

Note

Note: Because aircraft enter Class G after departure, an airways clearance need not be issued by CN ADC. This will be done on first contact with Sydney TCU. Therefore, a next call & departure instructions are not required. You must however, pass the above (ready) coordination & obtain a traffic statement.

Arrivals

SY TCU must heads-up coordinate inbound IFR aircraft prior to 5 mins from the boundary. CN ADC is responsible for issuing a clearance into the CN CTR and for coordination with SY TCU in the event of a missed approach (or on completion of airwork if applicable).

SY TCU will NOT clear the aircraft for the approach.

Example

SRI -> CN ADC: “via RNP W, HRP”
CN ADC -> SRI: “HRP”

CN ADC must issue an airways clearance to these aircraft on first contact.

RIC ADC

Reserved.