04JUN21 | FIFO Friday - Flinders Ranges

Joshua M - 1342084 · May 19, 2021

Wine, minerals, and opals; the signs that we are in the Flinders Ranges region of South Australia for this month's FIFO Friday! Not only is this region home to some breath-taking views, but it has become the mining hub of SA. Everything from copper to uranium can be found in this rich South Australian soil, eventually making its way around both Australia and the world. With all the mines in this area, it's no surprise that there's no shortage of FIFO operations.

On June 4th, you too can ferry our miners into the Flinders Ranges by joining us with full ATC in the region between 0700z - 1100z (5pm-9pm AEST, 3pm-7pm AWST). Regardless of aircraft type or experience, take advantage of a fully staffed Adelaide (YPAD) TMA, as well as the coverage of 3 different enroute sectors to cover the entire region. Whether you visit the iconic underground town of Coober Pedy (YCBP), the copper mines of Prominent Hill (YPMH), or the beaches of Ceduna (YCDU), we can't wait to welcome you to the Flinders Ranges!

Routes:

The below map highlights some of the most popular routes which can be flown in this region:

With the entire region receiving ATC coverage, pilots are free to fly between any airports and in any direction they choose. For the more popular routes, we recommend following the following routes:

YPAD - YCDU:
AD A585 CDU

YPAD - YCBP:
AD A585 HAWKY Z90 BANAM Z91 CBP

YPAD - YOLD:
AD A585 HAWKY J58 WHA

YPAD - YPMH:
AD A585 HAWKY J58 WHA W274 MEBAH

YPAD - YOOM:
AD H246 OOM

YPAD - YCPT:
AD A585 HAWKY J58 WHA

YPAD - YWHA:
AD W328 WAKEN W142 WHA

YPAD - YPAG:
AD W238 AVPAS

Special Procedures:

The Flinders Ranges are home to a whole array of magnificent regional airfields for you to explore. Being too small for full control services, OCTA services will be provided by enroute controllers to assist you. Below is a guide to help you with these servies:

Departure:

Taxi Call:
The taxi call informs ATC of your intentions and that you are taxiing at your respective airfield. In response, centre will provide you with a traffic statement and a squawk code.
Example:
RXA4483: "Melbourne Centre, IFR SAAB, REX4483 taxies runway 23 at Coober Pedy for Adelaide"
ML-ASP_CTR: "REX4488, no reported IFR traffic, squawk 4782"
RXA4483: "Squawk 4782, REX4483"

Departure Call:
Once you have departed, the departure call allows ATC to identify you and to provide you with your airways clearance to your destination.
Example:
RXA4483: "Centre, REX4483 departure"
ML-ASP_CTR: "REX4483, centre, go ahead"
RXA4483: "REX4483 departed Coober Pedy at time 49, tracking direct BANAM, passing 4500 for FL190, estimating BANAM at time 02"
ML-ASP_CTR: "REX4483, cleared to Adelaide via BANAM flight planned route, climb FL190"
RXA4483: "Cleared to Adelaide via BANAM flight planned route, climbing to FL190, REX4483"

Arrival:

Descent:
As you approach your destination, the centre controller will advise you that you are cleared to leave controlled airspace on your descent. They will provide you with a clearance, traffic statement, and the local QNH.
Example:
ML-BKE_CTR: UNITY3138, leave control area descending, no reported IFR traffic, area QNH 1015"

Cancellation of SARWATCH:
Once you have arrived at your destination, inform centre that you have landed and expect them to respond with a cancellation of your SARWATCH.
Example:
UTY3138: "Centre, UNITY3138 landed Coober Pedy, time 38; cancel SARWATCH"
ML-BKE_CTR: "UNITY3138, SARWATCH terminated, time 38"

Communication with Other Aircraft:
When you are not in communication with the overlying enroute controller, you must announce you intentions on the local CTAF frequency.

ATC:

FIFO Fridays are rostered events and applications can be filed via the events website: https://events.vatpac.org/

Only standard positions are rostered during FIFO Fridays, with non-standard positions only becoming available according to traffic levels, and only with the approval of a Senior Staff Member or C3 Controller. As such, the following positions will be rostered during this event:

Identifier:	Radio Callsign:	Frequency:
AD_DEL	Adelaide Delivery	126.100
AD_GND	Adelaide Ground	121.700
AD_TWR	Adelaide Tower	120.500
AD_APP	Adelaide Approach	124.200

ML-TBD_CTR	Melbourne Centre	125.300
ML-BKE_CTR	Melbourne Centre	128.200
ML-ASP_CTR	Melbourne Centre	131.800