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4 changes: 4 additions & 0 deletions docs/oceanic/nzcm/.pages
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title: McMurdo Center (NZCM)
nav:
- index.md
- ...
53 changes: 53 additions & 0 deletions docs/oceanic/nzcm/index.md
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---
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 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) | |

!!! 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:** Melbourne 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.
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---
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

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

!!! example "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.

!!! example "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.

!!! example "Coordination"

<span class="coldline">**NZCM** -> **NZFX**</span>: "ANZ123, inbound Phoenix Field, FL250, estimating `PEGAS` at 0215"

<span class="coldline">**NZFX** -> **NZCM**</span>: "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.

---