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Requesting feedback on proposed Temporary Restricted Areas (TRAs) Porcupine and Copperfield in support of Exercise High Sierra 23-2.
This proposal notes the following key issues:
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’
YBBB/TRA ‘COPPERFIELD’
Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback to JACC: adf.airspace@defence.gov.au by 18 September 2023.