Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2023 - RAAF base Scherger and Weipa TRA Proposal

On this page

    Closed consultation
    QLD
    Start 16/12/2022
    AEDT 11:00
    End 31/01/2023
    AEDT 17:00

    Submit feedback to

    Joint Airspace Control Cell  (JACC)
    RAAF
    adf.airspace@defence.gov.au

    Elements of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will be conducting Exercise ‘TALISMAN SABRE 2023 (TS23)’ over the period 21 July – 4 August 2023.

    TS23 is a large-scale military activity, involving a wide range of tactical flying activities across Queensland, including aircraft operations from RAAF base Scherger over several days.

    The intention is to activate a Temporary Restricted Area (TRA) around RAAF Scherger operations, instead of activating the entire control zone (CTR) which would impose restrictions on traffic operating from Weipa.

    The issue

    This proposal notes the following key issues:

    • Activation of proposed TRA-Scherger around RAAF base Scherger in lieu of Scherger CTR
    • Access to TRA limited to aircraft with an emergency
    • No impact to published routes
    • Conditional status of TRA will be RA2

    Purpose

    Joint Airspace Control Cell (JACC) requests feedback on proposed temporary restricted area (TRA) and procedures for Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2023, specifically to be employed at RAAF base Scherger and Weipa.

    TRA-Scherger is proposed for the period 22 July – 4 August 2023 inclusive, with up to 16 hours of activation occurring on each day. Activation will occur predominantly during the period of daylight, but may extend into the night.

    Procedures will be highlighted in the AIP SUP. The proposed vertical limit is SFC- 4000 feet above mean sea level (AMSL).

    Refer to Figure 1 for a depiction of TRA-Scherger.

    Normal CTAF Procedures remain in place for aircraft operating at Weipa.

    VHF frequencies for TRA Scherger and SGR ATC will be published via the airspace activation NOTAM and AIP SUP.

    During NOTAM activation periods, access by non-exercise aircraft to TRA-Scherger (SFC-4000) will not be available except in cases of a declared emergency, radio failure or participating in activities for the preservation of life and property (SAR, MED, POL or FFR). Clearances through TRA-Scherger, when appropriate, will be provided by Scherger Tower.

    YBBB/TRA-Scherger

    Conditional Status: RA2

    Military Flying

    Lateral Limits: 122244S 1420145E then along the clockwise arc of a circle radius 15.00NM centre 123726S 1420514E (YBSG/AD) - 125051S 1421148E - 124118S 1420157E then along the clockwise arc of a circle radius 5.00NM centre 123726S 1420514E (YBSG/AD) - 123646S 1420010E - 122244S 1420145E.

    Vertical Limits: SFC – 4000

    Controlling Authority: 44WG ATC Liaison

    Figure 1. Proposed TRA-SCHERGER

     

    AvSEF members are invited to provide feedback to JACC: adf.airspace@defence.gov.au by 31 January 2023.

    Submitted by

    Joint Airspace Control Cell  (JACC)
    adf.airspace@defence.gov.au