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Procedures

Methods of Communication

The primary method of communication with Mac Center is 9.032 (VHF alias 128.700 MHz) .

Aircraft approaching Antarctica will normally transfer to 118.200 (VHF) whilst operating within the McMurdo Sector.

Use of 118.200 (VHF)

Controllers must cross-couple (XC) NZCM_CTR to transmit on 118.200 (VHF).

NZCM_CTR is a utility position used only for cross-coupling and must never be staffed.

Airspace Services

Class A

Class A airspace extends from FL245 to FL600 throughout the McMurdo Sector.

Mac Center provides standard enroute and oceanic ATC services within this airspace.

Class D

When NZFX_TWR is online, the airspace within 4.3 NM of Phoenix Field from the surface to A025 is Class D.

Aircraft shall be transferred to NZFX_TWR prior to entering Class D airspace.

Class E

Class E airspace extends from the surface to FL245 within 100 NM of Pegasus Field and Williams Field, excluding Class D airspace.

Within Class E airspace:

  • IFR aircraft shall be separated from other IFR aircraft.
  • IFR aircraft shall receive traffic information on VFR aircraft where practicable.
  • VFR aircraft may request Flight Following.
  • Traffic and hazard information should be provided whenever practicable.

Note

VFR aircraft do not require an ATC clearance to enter Class E airspace.

Transfer of Control

ARO

Aircraft leaving the McMurdo Sector for ARO shall be instructed to contact Auckland Radio.

Transfer to ARO

Mac Center: "ANZ123, at WAYPOINT, contact Auckland Radio on 129.000."

ANZ123: "At WAYPOINT, Auckland Radio 128.700, ANZ123."

BNE

Aircraft leaving the McMurdo Sector for IND shall be instructed to contact Melbourne Radio.

Transfer to BNE

Mac Center: "QFA27, at WAYPOINT, contact Melbourne Radio on 124.650."

QFA27: "At WAYPOINT, Melbourne Radio on 124.650, QFA27."

Coordination

Aerodrome Operations

When NZWD_APP is online, aircraft shall be transferred prior to entering Class D airspace.

When NZFX_TWR is online, arrivals and departures should be coordinated as required.

Coordination

NZCM -> NZFX: "ANZ123, inbound Phoenix Field, FL250, estimating PEGAS at 0215"

NZFX -> NZCM: "ANZ123, PEGAS 0215 FL250"

Non-Radar Approach Service

Warning

When no aerodrome controller is online, Mac Center may provide a non-radar approach service within Class E airspace.

Mac Center shall not provide a control service within Class D airspace.