Overview
Mac Center provides Air Traffic Services for aircraft operating within the McMurdo Sector of Antarctica. This includes enroute and oceanic air traffic control, flight following, search and rescue coordination, and non-radar approach services where applicable. Mac Center coordinates closely with Auckland Radio for flights between Antarctica and New Zealand, and Melbourne Radio for flights between Antarctica and Australia.
Positions
| Callsign | Position Name | RTF Designator | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZCM_FSS | Mac Center | Mac Center | 9.032 (VHF alias 128.700 MHz) |
Use of 118.200 MHz
Aircraft approaching Antarctica will normally transfer from the HF frequency to 118.200 MHz when operating within the McMurdo Sector.
To transmit on 118.200 MHz, controllers must cross-couple (XC) NZCM_CTR.
NZCM_CTR is a utility position used only for cross-coupling and must never be staffed.
Airspace Overview
Mac Center is responsible for aircraft operating south of 60° South latitude within the McMurdo Sector and supporting United States Antarctic Program (USAP) operations.
Mac Center coordinates with neighbouring ATS units at the following boundaries:
- North: Auckland Radio (60° South Latitude)
- North-West: Melbourne Radio (163° East Longitude)
Services Provided
Depending on the operation, Mac Center may provide:
- Enroute and Oceanic Air Traffic Control
- Flight Following
- Search and Rescue Coordination
- Non-Radar Approach Services
- Traffic Advisory Services
Airspace Classification
The McMurdo Sector contains three classes of airspace.
| Airspace | Description |
|---|---|
| Class A | FL245 to FL600 throughout the McMurdo Sector |
| Class D | 4.3 NM around Phoenix Field from the surface to A025 when the tower is operating |
| Class E | Surface to below FL245 within 100 NM of Pegasus Field and Williams Field (excluding Class D airspace) |
Note
Further information on operating within each airspace classification can be found in the Procedures section.