Controlled airspace around the Melbourne area is very complex, and includes the main aerodromes:

• Melbourne International YMML
• Essendon YMEN (24 hour Control Zone)
• Moorabbin YMMB (GAAP aerodrome)
• Avalon YMAV (activated by NOTAM)

The CTA steps are designed to closely contain the climb/descent profiles of typical RPT aircraft . On occasions, clearances on certain routes might not be available under certain duty runway configurations due to busy RPT operations.

Melbourne Radar Information Service (RIS) is available, subject to controller workload, on 135.7. Clearance requests should be made on this frequency.

 

Where do VCAs occur around Melbourne?

Around the west/southwest of Melbourne a high concentration of VCAs occur, this could be due to the lack of visual fixes defining the Control Zone (CTR) boundary. To the north, VCAs can pose a significant risk to RPT operations using Runway 16, as the approach is just contained within CTA.

Source: CASA Flight Safety Australia Nov – Dec 2001, article Lost in Controlled Airspace.

These reflect VCAs over a 12 month period for 2000.

 

Care should be taken if referring to GPS distances around Melbourne.

Note that the CTA steps are based on the Melbourne DME site, whereas the CTR boundary is based upon the Melbourne Aerodrome Reference Point which is over 1nm from the DME site.

 

Two recommended VFR routes clear of the Melbourne Control zone are established within the Melbourne area (check VTC):

• Coastal Route (between Carrum and Laverton)
• Inland Route also known as the Eastern Lane (between Kilmore and Sugarloaf Reservoir

 

Avalon airspace becomes activated by NOTAM.

Jetstar Airlines operates into Avalon, beware of wake turbulence.

 

Yarra Bank CTAF refer Melbourne NOTAM C3371/05

 

Several Restricted/Danger Areas exist within the Melbourne area, which include:

R323A/B - live firing activity R350 - Puckapunyal live firing activity R351A/B - Puckapunyal live firing activity R321 - Laverton Gas Peaking Power Station D314 - Moorabbin aerobatic/training area D315 - Moorabbin aerobatic/training area

 

Melbourne Terminal Area is made up of several ATC positions:

• Melbourne Approach – broadly controlling aircraft from northeast through to southeast
• Melbourne Departures (North) – broadly controlling aircraft to/from the north
• Melbourne Departures (South) – broadly controlling aircraft to/from the south
• Melbourne Radar (135.7) – providing services outside control area (G airspace)

Supporting these positions are:

• Flow – providing sequencing services
• Planner – coordinating position
• Traffic Manager – overall supervision

Extensive radar coverage exists within the Melbourne area, allowing Melbourne Radar Information Services (RIS), known as ‘Melbourne Radar’ on 135.7 to provide traffic information, position information, weather and operational information services subject to controller workload.

Note that ATC is there to help if needed, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Also, ATC are not the police of the air, they simply try to make all operations as safe as possible.