From d55714832d346e8e4779e4c1b1e402ad21496830 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Adam Baikie Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2026 20:06:44 +1200 Subject: [PATCH 1/5] Add McMurdo Center (NZCM) documentation including overview and procedures --- docs/oceanic/nzcm/.pages | 4 ++ docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md | 53 ++++++++++++++++ docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md | 103 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3 files changed, 160 insertions(+) create mode 100644 docs/oceanic/nzcm/.pages create mode 100644 docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md create mode 100644 docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md diff --git a/docs/oceanic/nzcm/.pages b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/.pages new file mode 100644 index 00000000..a40cc0f3 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/.pages @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +title: McMurdo Center (NZCM) +nav: + - index.md + - ... \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..60f54cbc --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md @@ -0,0 +1,53 @@ +--- +title: Overview +--- + +--8<-- "includes/abbreviations.md" + +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 Brisbane 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) | | + +!!! warning "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 + +![Airspace](../assets/nzcm-area.png){ align=right width="40%" } + +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:** Brisbane Radio (163° East Longitude) + +!!! info "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. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..90317db0 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md @@ -0,0 +1,103 @@ +--- +title: Procedures +--- + +--8<-- "includes/abbreviations.md" + +## 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. + +!!! warning "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 + +The transfer of control between **ARO** and **NZCM** occurs at **60° South Latitude**. + +!!! example "Transfer to ARO" + + **Mac Center**: *"ANZ123, at 60 South contact Auckland Radio on 128.700"* + + **ANZ123**: *"At 60 South, Auckland Radio 128.700, ANZ123"* + +### BNE + +The transfer of control between **BNE** and **NZCM** occurs at the FIR boundary along **163° East Longitude**. + +!!! example "Transfer to BNE" + + **Mac Center**: *"QFA27, at the FIR boundary contact Brisbane Radio on [frequency]"* + + **QFA27**: *"At the FIR boundary, Brisbane Radio on [frequency], QFA27"* + +--- + +## Coordination + +### Aerodrome Operations + +When **NZFX_TWR** is online, aircraft shall be transferred prior to entering Class D airspace. + +When **NZWD_APP** is online, arrivals and departures should be coordinated as required. + +!!! example "Coordination" + + **NZCM** -> **NZWD**: "ANZ123, inbound Phoenix Field, FL250, estimating `PEGAS` at 0215" + + **NZWD** -> **NZCM**: "ANZ123, coordination approved" + +--- + +## 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. + +--- + +## Search and Rescue + +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. \ No newline at end of file From 1d883a20de8cd72ffa79211c532f5baadeea3232 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Adam Baikie Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2026 20:16:29 +1200 Subject: [PATCH 2/5] Update transfer procedures and communication details for ARO and BNE --- docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md | 2 +- docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md | 20 ++++++++++---------- 2 files changed, 11 insertions(+), 11 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md index 60f54cbc..91fd3422 100644 --- a/docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md +++ b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md @@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ Mac Center is responsible for aircraft operating **south of 60° South latitude* Mac Center coordinates with neighbouring ATS units at the following boundaries: - **North:** Auckland Radio (60° South Latitude) -- **North-West:** Brisbane Radio (163° East Longitude) +- **North-West:** Melbourne Radio (163° East Longitude) !!! info "Services Provided" Depending on the operation, Mac Center may provide: diff --git a/docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md index 90317db0..170a2060 100644 --- a/docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md +++ b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md @@ -51,23 +51,23 @@ Within Class E airspace: ### ARO -The transfer of control between **ARO** and **NZCM** occurs at **60° South Latitude**. +Aircraft leaving the McMurdo Sector for **ARO** shall be instructed to contact Auckland Radio at the designated transfer point. !!! example "Transfer to ARO" - **Mac Center**: *"ANZ123, at 60 South contact Auckland Radio on 128.700"* + **Mac Center**: *"ANZ123, at `WAYPOINT`, contact Auckland Radio on 129.000."* - **ANZ123**: *"At 60 South, Auckland Radio 128.700, ANZ123"* + **ANZ123**: *"At `WAYPOINT`, Auckland Radio 128.700, ANZ123."* ### BNE -The transfer of control between **BNE** and **NZCM** occurs at the FIR boundary along **163° East Longitude**. +Aircraft leaving the McMurdo Sector for **IND** shall be instructed to contact Melbourne Radio at the designated transfer point. !!! example "Transfer to BNE" - **Mac Center**: *"QFA27, at the FIR boundary contact Brisbane Radio on [frequency]"* + **Mac Center**: *"QFA27, at `WAYPOINT`, contact Melbourne Radio on 124.650."* - **QFA27**: *"At the FIR boundary, Brisbane Radio on [frequency], QFA27"* + **QFA27**: *"At `WAYPOINT`, Melbourne Radio on 124.650, QFA27."* --- @@ -75,15 +75,15 @@ The transfer of control between **BNE** and **NZCM** occurs at the FIR boundary ### Aerodrome Operations -When **NZFX_TWR** is online, aircraft shall be transferred prior to entering Class D airspace. +When **NZWD_APP** is online, aircraft shall be transferred prior to entering Class D airspace. -When **NZWD_APP** is online, arrivals and departures should be coordinated as required. +When **NZFX_TWR** is online, arrivals and departures should be coordinated as required. !!! example "Coordination" - **NZCM** -> **NZWD**: "ANZ123, inbound Phoenix Field, FL250, estimating `PEGAS` at 0215" + **NZCM** -> **NZFX**: "ANZ123, inbound Phoenix Field, FL250, estimating `PEGAS` at 0215" - **NZWD** -> **NZCM**: "ANZ123, coordination approved" + **NZFX** -> **NZCM**: "ANZ123, `PEGAS` 0215 FL250" --- From 0ed53d37de7982f53f5603ecd38da4f109d01f7a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Adam Baikie Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2026 20:18:20 +1200 Subject: [PATCH 3/5] Refine ARO and BNE transfer instructions by removing redundant details --- docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md | 4 ++-- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md index 170a2060..100cddc3 100644 --- a/docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md +++ b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md @@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ Within Class E airspace: ### ARO -Aircraft leaving the McMurdo Sector for **ARO** shall be instructed to contact Auckland Radio at the designated transfer point. +Aircraft leaving the McMurdo Sector for **ARO** shall be instructed to contact Auckland Radio. !!! example "Transfer to ARO" @@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ Aircraft leaving the McMurdo Sector for **ARO** shall be instructed to contact A ### BNE -Aircraft leaving the McMurdo Sector for **IND** shall be instructed to contact Melbourne Radio at the designated transfer point. +Aircraft leaving the McMurdo Sector for **IND** shall be instructed to contact Melbourne Radio. !!! example "Transfer to BNE" From e01e28ed9df95345346bd5f43ca1ac10dd0eb64f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Adam Baikie Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2026 20:22:01 +1200 Subject: [PATCH 4/5] Correct Brisbane Radio reference to Melbourne Radio in McMurdo Center overview --- docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md index 91fd3422..5ab451a3 100644 --- a/docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md +++ b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md @@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ title: Overview --8<-- "includes/abbreviations.md" -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 Brisbane Radio for flights between Antarctica and Australia. +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 From 43c3916189d45f4a441140b3065112f3f2a5b12d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Connor Sumner Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:21:03 +1200 Subject: [PATCH 5/5] Not required --- docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md | 6 ------ 1 file changed, 6 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md index 100cddc3..13a2431a 100644 --- a/docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md +++ b/docs/oceanic/nzcm/procedures.md @@ -95,9 +95,3 @@ When **NZFX_TWR** is online, arrivals and departures should be coordinated as re Mac Center shall **not** provide a control service within Class D airspace. --- - -## Search and Rescue - -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. \ No newline at end of file