Airspace in the South East of Queensland is an intricate array of Control Zones, CTAF’s, CTAF(R)'s, training areas and restricted airspace. These include:

• Brisbane International
• Gold Coast Airport Tower Hours: Subject to change - Check NOTAM
• Archerfield Airport GAAP Aerodrome; Tower Hours: Check NOTAM
• Amberley Airport Military aerodrome and airspace activated by NOTAM
• Maroochydore Airport Tower Hours: Subject to change - Check NOTAM
• Caloundra, Redcliffe and Caboolture CTAF's
• Southport CTAF(R)

 

Where do VCAs occur around Brisbane?

Most of the VCA’s that occur in Brisbane CTR are associated with aircraft climbing too quickly out of Archerfield, by not waiting until passed the appropriate DME steps. Ensure that you are well clear of the CTA boundary before climbing further. On the other hand ensure that you have descended in time to be beneath the next CTA step. If in doubt, ask for assistance from Brisbane Radar on 125.7.

Also, aircraft tracking northbound out of Archerfield, tend to “cut the corner” between Enoggera (YENO) and Bald Hills Radio Mast (BLHS). Make sure that you keep well clear of the CTR boundary, or ask for assistance from Brisbane Radar on 125.7

When requesting a clearance through the control zone be sure to call Brisbane Radar on 125.7 early, either when taxiing at Archerfield, Redcliffe or Caboolture or if in the air at least 20Nm prior to the boundary of CTA. This is so you can receive your transpoder code, and allow Brisbane Radar to coordinated your request throughout the Terminal Unit, and avoid possible delays at the control area boundary.

 

Where do VCA’s occur around the Gold Coast?

Most VCA’s at the Gold Coast occur by Pilots misreading the VTC and/or calling too late for an airways clearance.

When requesting a clearance through the control zone be sure to call Brisbane Radar 119.5 early, at least 20Nm prior to the boundary. This is so you can receive your transpoder code, and allow Brisbane Radar to coordinated your request throughout the Terminal Unit, and avoid possible delays at the control area boundary.

 

Where do VCA’s occur around the Sunshine Coast / Maroochydore?

Most VCAs occur due to pilots misreading the VTC or diverting around weather.

The features of Moffat Head (abeam Caloundra Airport) and Point Cartwright (inside the CTR) are sometimes confused.

The Bruce Highway to the west is an important visual feature.

Check the Tower Hours NOTAM, as these change seasonally.

 

Care should be taken if referring to GPS distances around Brisbane

Note that the CTA steps are based on the Brisbane DME site and Brisbane Aerodrome Reference point, whereas the CTR boundary is based upon a 7nm arc from the thresholds of Runways 01 and 19.

 

Care should be taken if referring to GPS distances around the Gold Coast. CTA steps at the Gold Coast are based on the DME site.

 

Recommended VFR routes clear of the Brisbane/Archerfield Control zone:

The recommended VFR route for transit of the Brisbane Terminal Area is via the published routes east of Brisbane, flying over Moreton and Stradbroke Islands. (As displayed on the VTC) If these routes are not suitable due to weather, request a clearance through the zone with Brisbane Radar on 125.7

Recommended VFR routes clear of the Gold Coast Control zone:

The preferred route to transit Gold Coast clear of the control zone is on the western side of the zone, via Murwillumbah, Mount Somerville and Hinze Reservoir as displayed on the VTC. If this route is not suitable request a clearance through the control zone with Brisbane Radar on 119.5

Aircraft requiring a transit of the Gold Coast CTZ should plan to track via the VFR route depicted on the VTC as follows:

• Northbound, transit via the highway (inland) and contact Tower 118.7 approaching Cudgen Lake for ATC clearance
• Southbound, transit via the highway (inland) and contact Tower 118.7 approaching Robina Town Centre for ATC clearance.

Aircraft requiring to transit the CTR coastal may experience delays due high density traffic.

 

Several Restricted/Danger Areas exist within the Brisbane and Gold Coast areas, some significant ones include: When exiting the Archerfield Zone to the south, use caution. R633 is active up to 2000’. Be sure that you are clear of Greenbank prior to commencing your south bound turn.

Brisbane Amberley Military Control Zone and associated restricted airspace (R660) active H24 unless deactivated by NOTAM R633 Greenbank - Live Firing Activity Gold Coast R645 A/B Canungra - Live Firing Activity D656 A/B/C/D - Flying Training areas south of Gold Coast

 

Brisbane Terminal Area is made up of several ATC positions:

• Brisbane Approach (South) - broadly controlling south of the Rwy 01 - 19 Centreline
• Brisbane Approach (North) - broadly controlling arrivals from the north of the Rwy 01 - 19 Centreline (Runway direction dependant)
• Brisbane Departures (North) - broadly controlling departures north of the Rwy 01 - 19 Centreline ( Runway direction and Traffic load dependant)
• Brisbane Radar 125.7 - Providing services to aircraft Outside Brisbane Controlled Terminal Airspace

Supporting these positions are:

• Flow - providing coordination and a sequencing facility at Brisbane
• Aisle Supervisor - providing overall supervision of the Terminal Unit

Gold Coast Terminal Area is made up of several ATC positions:

• Brisbane Approach - Gold Coast Approach Service
• Brisbane Radar 119.5 - Providing services to aircraft Outside Gold Coast Controlled Terminal Airspace

Supporting these positions are:

• Aisle Supervisor - providing overall supervision of the Terminal Unit

Widespread radar coverage exists within the Brisbane and Gold Coast area, with the exception of an area to the south west of Gold Coast outside 25DME at lower levels. This allows ‘Brisbane Radar’ on 125.7(BN) or 119.5(CG) to provide traffic and position information, subject to controller workload.

Remember that ATC is here to help you. If in doubt ask! A controller would much rather help you avoid a situation than have to help you get out of one. Controllers are there to keep everyone as safe as possible.