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.

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

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

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 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.

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."

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."

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"

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.

Mac Center provides Search and Rescue coordination for aircraft operating within the McMurdo Sector.

Controllers should maintain situational awareness of overdue or missing aircraft and coordinate with neighbouring ATS units where required.