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NZWD - Williams Field

Positions

Position Name Shortcode Callsign Frequency Login ID Usage
Williams TMA WDTMA Williams Approach 126.200 NZWD_APP Primary

NZWD_APP coverage

NZWD_APP is the normal approach position for the Williams Field TMA and is not event only.

Williams Field aerodrome operations are currently fully covered by NZWD_APP. No separate NZWD tower, ground, or delivery positions are published in the VATNZ dataset.

Responsibilities

Williams Approach is responsible for IFR and VFR aircraft operating within the Williams Field terminal area, including aircraft arriving to or departing from Williams Field, Phoenix Field, and the wider McMurdo area.

Phoenix Field (NZFX) is uncontrolled unless a Phoenix Field aerodrome position is staffed for an event. During events where NZFX_TWR, NZFX_GND, or NZFX_DEL are staffed, those positions manage Phoenix Field operations and coordinate with NZWD_APP.

Williams Field (NZWD) is the only aerodrome covered by NZWD_APP for clearance, taxi, takeoff, landing, and approach services.

Ice Runway (NZIR)

Ice Runway is an uncontrolled aerodrome. Aircraft operating at NZIR should use UNICOM on 122.800 to coordinate their own ground and runway movements.

NZIR_TWR is no longer a published position on the VATSIM network and must not be staffed. NZWD_APP continues to provide the surrounding approach service where applicable, but does not provide an aerodrome control service at NZIR.

Aircraft requiring IFR clearance shall call WDTMA on the ground for clearance.

Airspace

The Williams Field terminal area contains controlled airspace around Williams Field, Phoenix Field, Pegasus Field, and McMurdo Station.

The Williams Field CTA/D follows the lateral and vertical boundaries as shown below.

Williams Field TMA

Williams Field TMA (CTA/D)

Class D

Phoenix Field has Class D airspace within a 4 NM radius of the aerodrome, from the surface up to and including A025 AGL. When NZFX_TWR is online for an event, Phoenix Field Tower is responsible for that airspace.

Williams Field operations are fully covered by NZWD_APP.

Class E

The surrounding Class E airspace extends within 100 NM of the Williams Field or Pegasus Field TACANs, excluding Class D airspace, from the surface up to FL245.

Within Class E airspace:

  • IFR aircraft are separated from other IFR aircraft.
  • IFR aircraft receive traffic information about VFR aircraft as far as practicable.
  • VFR aircraft may receive flight following on request, workload permitting.
  • Hazard alerts should be passed to known VFR aircraft.

VFR aircraft do not require a clearance to enter Class E airspace, but should monitor the appropriate frequency and avoid published IFR routes and holding patterns where possible.

Williams Field Operations

Clearances

IFR clearances should be issued using FAA phraseology. Controllers may use standard VATNZ IFR phraseology as a backup to FAA. VFR phraseology should remain in line with standard VATNZ practice.

Aircraft shall be cleared an inital altitude of FL250 or lower if required.

Clearances shall be in the format of CRAFT

C Clearance R Route A Altitude F Frequency T Transponder

IFR clearances may include additional instructions or information where required.

An example of a clearance is shown below.

Cleared to Christchuch, XX departure as filed, climb via SID accept maintain FL250, departure frequency 126.2, squawk 1243

If no SID is assigned, clear the aircraft to destination as filed and assign the appropriate initial altitude.

Ground Movements

Williams Field aerodrome control is provided by NZWD_APP. Aircraft operating IFR should obtain start and taxi clearance before entering the manoeuvring area.

Taxi instructions should be issued in plain language and kept simple. Use progressive taxi instructions where required, particularly during events or when multiple aircraft are operating on the movement area.

Departures

Williams Approach is responsible for departure sequencing, IFR release, and initial climb.

Departing IFR aircraft should be identified as soon as practicable after departure.

Arrivals

Williams Approach is responsible for arrival sequencing, descent, approach clearance, and landing clearance for Williams Field.

Arriving aircraft should be cleared for the nominated approach or a visual approach when conditions and traffic permit. Non-standard approach requests should be handled workload permitting and should not conflict with Phoenix Field operations.

Phoenix Field

When NZFX_TWR is Online

NZFX_TWR is responsible for Phoenix Field local aerodrome operations within its delegated airspace.

NZWD_APP remains responsible for the surrounding terminal area and shall coordinate:

  • IFR arrival sequence and approach clearance.
  • IFR departure release and initial tracking.
  • Visual approaches or circuit operations affecting the terminal area.
  • Any aircraft requiring non-standard routing, altitude, or runway use.

Departing IFR aircraft should be transferred from Phoenix Field Tower to NZWD_APP once airborne and clear of immediate aerodrome traffic, unless otherwise coordinated.

When NZFX_TWR is Offline

When Phoenix Field Tower is offline, NZFX is uncontrolled in the same manner as NZIR. Aircraft operating at NZFX should use UNICOM on 122.800 to coordinate their own ground and runway movements.

NZWD_APP continues to provide the surrounding approach service where applicable, but does not provide an aerodrome control service, taxi instructions, takeoff clearances, or landing clearances at NZFX.

Aircraft requiring IFR clearance shall call WDTMA on the ground for clearance.

Coordination

WDTMA to MAC

Coordinate aircraft entering or leaving the Williams Field terminal area with NZCM_FSS.

Departures should be handed to Mac Center once clear of the terminal area and climbing to the coordinated level - FL250.

Arrivals should be handed to Williams Approach approaching FL250.

When MAC is not online, aircraft leaving controlled airspace should be transferred to UNICOM on 122.800 once no further approach service is required.

WDTMA to TFX

When an event-only Phoenix Field position is staffed, coordinate IFR arrivals, IFR departure releases, runway changes, missed approaches, and any traffic that may affect Phoenix Field local operations.