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Mitchell
Donovan
RAAF
To increase vertical limit of R596 and divide the airspace into two volumes of airspace.
The issue
- Upon reviewing the airspace volume, Defence has determined there is a requirement to increase the vertical limits to FL150 in order to encompass hazardous activities.
- Dividing the airspace vertically at 6000FT into two separate volumes will allow for flexible use of airspace, reducing the impost upon non-participant aviation activities.
- No change to the lateral dimensions of the airspace is proposed.
Purpose
Defence is proposing a change to the vertical limit of R596 and a division of the airspace into two separate volumes. The first proposed amendment is the raising of the upper limit from FL120 to FL150 to encompass hazardous air weapons range effects. The second proposed amendment is to split the airspace volume vertically into a notional R596A from SFC – 6000FT and R596B from 6000FT – FL150. R596B will only be activated concurrently with R596A.
Proposal
Defence has determined a requirement to amend the vertical limits of R596 in the vicinity of RAAF Base Williamtown in order to encompass hazardous aviation activity and protect non participants from these hazards. Defence proposes an increase from the upper limit of FL120 to a new upper limit of FL150.
Alongside this amendment, Defence has determined that the best approach to flexibly using this airspace is to divide the new volume vertically into two separate restricted area volumes allowing for reduced activations where only a low-level activation is required.
The first volume of airspace proposed will span from SFC – 6000FT in order to encompass low level air weapons range activities.
The second volume of airspace will span from 6000FT – FL150 and encompass the remainder of the use cases for the air weapons range. The second volume will only be activated concurrently with the SFC – 6000FT volume.
Airspace Dimensions
RXXXA
Conditional Status: RA2
Military Flying/Non-Flying
Lateral Limits: 324600S 1515100E, 323830S 1515100E, 323930S 1515745E, 324200S 1520400E, 324630S 1520400E, 324850S 1515533E, 324600S 1515100E
Vertical Limits: SFC – 6000FT
Hours of Activity: NOTAM
Controlling Authority: FLTCDR 453SQN WILLIAMTOWN
RXXXB
Conditional Status: RA2
Military Flying/Non-Flying
Lateral Limits: 324600S 1515100E, 323830S 1515100E, 323930S 1515745E, 324200S 1520400E, 324630S 1520400E, 324850S 1515533E, 324600S 1515100E
Vertical Limits: 6000FT – FL150
Hours of Activity: NOTAM
Controlling Authority: FLTCDR 453SQN WILLIAMTOWN
Effect on Instrument Flight Procedures
No known effects on current Instrument Flight Procedures
Effect on Flight routes
Aircraft planning via V140 or W603 during RXXXB activation can expect to be required to be at FL150 or higher.
All stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the proposal to 453 Squadron Williamtown Flight Commander @ 453sqnwlmflt.fltcdr@defence.gov.au by the 13th of November 2025.