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Williamtown airspace improvements
Air traffic services in the Newcastle region are being improved by reclassifying airspace within 25 nautical miles of the Williamtown aerodrome.
The move follows the review of a number of airspace studies by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Office of Airspace Regulation.
The new air traffic services will be available when the local Williamtown military air traffic control services are not being provided.
At times when Williamtown air traffic control is not operating, class E airspace will apply from 4500 feet up to the base of the existing class E at 8500 feet.
This means in the new class E airspace aircraft operating to instrument flight rules will be provided with separation by en route air traffic controllers from the Airservices Australia Brisbane air traffic centre.
Aircraft in the class E airspace must carry and use a transponder. This makes it easier for air traffic controllers to identify aircraft and increases the visibility of aircraft to each other.
The military currently provide air traffic control at Williamtown five days a week to manage RAAF operations and to integrate civilian flights, including regular public transport, with the military operations at Williamtown.
The new class E will operate on weekends and during this year’s military Christmas/New Year stand down period, which runs from Christmas day until 11 January.
During these times the RAAF also operate an air-ground radio service to provide air traffic information within 12 nautical miles of the aerodrome, below the new class E airspace.
The new airspace arrangements at Williamtown come into effect on 19 November 2009.
Read the full details of the changes at Williamtown here. (AIC-H12/09)
Media contact:
Peter Gibson
mobile: 0419 296 446
Ref: MR8909
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