Military Exercise High Sierra 23-2

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    Closed consultation
    QLD
    Start 05/09/2023
    AEST 09:00
    End 18/09/2023
    AEST 17:00

    Submit feedback to

    SO3 Airspace Plans  JACC
    RAAF

    Requesting feedback on proposed Temporary Restricted Areas (TRAs) Porcupine and Copperfield in support of Exercise High Sierra 23-2.

    The issue

    This proposal notes the following key issues:

    • activation of proposed TRA ‘PORCUPINE’ and TRA ‘COPPERFIELD’ to extend R737
    • the above volumes were previously used earlier in 2023, but now have a higher upper altitude limit - Flight Level (FL) 600
    • TRA ‘COPPERFIELD’ has been created to allow ease of access to aircraft operating to Kidston (YKID)
    • no additional air routes are affected beyond those already affected by R737 activation
    • airspace is designed to remain clear of air routes W387 and B587
    • conditional status of TRA will be RA2
    • access to TRA is limited to aircraft with a declared emergency or undertaking operations in the preservation of life and property.

    Purpose

    Joint Airspace Control Cell (JACC) requests feedback on proposed TRAs to the west of Townsville to encompass military flying activities for Exercise HIGH SIERRA 2023-2.

    TRA ‘PORCUPINE’ and TRA ‘COPPERFIELD’ are proposed for the period 20 November – 7 December 2023, with expected activation times of 2330 – 0230Z and 0330 – 0700Z Monday to Thursday, 2330 – 0300Z on Fridays, and no flying on weekends. Timings will be confirmed by aeronautical information package supplements (AIP SUP) and NOTAMs.

    TRA ‘PORCUPINE’ has been designed to match the vertical limits of R737, which will be activated up to FL600. Furthermore, the lateral dimensions of TRA ‘PORCUPINE’ and TRA ‘COPPERFIELD’ have been designed to remain clear of air routes W387 and B587. Extant diversion routes for R737 (outlined in En Route Supplement Australia) are not affected by TRA ‘PORCUPINE’ or TRA ‘COPPERFIELD’. TRA ‘COPPERFIELD’ design considerations have included YKID ease of access, as well as the reduction of impact to descent and climb profiles to the aerodrome.

    TRA ‘PORCUPINE’ and TRA ‘COPPERFIELD’ were used earlier in 2023 for Exercise High Sierra 23-1. However, the upper limit of both volumes has been increased to FL600.

    Access to TRA and Townsville Restricted Areas (TLX) by non-military aircraft is not available except for aircraft with a declared emergency or operating in the preservation of life or property (MEDEVAC, flood and fire rescue, police, search and rescue).

    YBBB/TRA ‘PORCUPINE’

    • Conditional Status: RA2
    • Military Flying
    • Lateral Limits: 181955S 1442641E – 181416S 1445605E then along the counter clockwise arc of a circle radius 120.00 nautical mile (n mile) centre 191439S 1464530E (TL/DME) - 201158S 1445336E – 200000S 1442000E - 192621S 1440629E - 192621S 1442504E - 181955S 1442641E
    • Vertical Limits: 7000 feet – FL600
    • Hours of Activity: NOTAM
    • Controlling Authority: FLTCDR 452SQN TOWNSVILLE

    YBBB/TRA ‘COPPERFIELD’

    • Conditional Status: RA2
    • Military Flying
    • Lateral Limits: 182500S 1440000E – 181955S 1442641E – 192621S 1442504E – 192621S 1440629E – 191000S 1440000E – 182500S 1440000E
    • Vertical Limits: FL120 – FL600
    • Hours of Activity: NOTAM
    • Controlling Authority: FLTCDR 452SQN TOWNSVILLE

     

     Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback to JACC: adf.airspace@defence.gov.au by 18 September 2023.

     

    Figure 1. Proposed TRA ‘PORCUPINE’ and TRA ‘COPPERFIELD’ on en route chart low [NOT FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES]
    Figure 2. Proposed TRA ‘PORCUPINE’ and TRA ‘COPPERFIELD’ on en route chart high [NOT FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES]

    Submitted by

    SO3 Airspace Plans JACC
    RAAF
    adf.airspace@defence.gov.au