Christchurch - South (STH)

Positions

Sector Name	Shortcode	Callsign	Frequency	Login ID
Christchurch Control (South)	STH	Christchurch Control	129.3	NZCH-S_CTR

Airspace

STH covers all airspce within the lateral bounds as found below, with the only exception being the airspace delegated to CH TMA, QN TMA, and the NV and DN Procedural Towers. The lower limit for most airspace is A135.

As CH TMA has an upper limit of A095, STH provides control for any aircraft overflying the CH TMA up to its boundary with KAI.

As QN TMA has an upper limit of FL175, STH provides control for any aircraft overflying the QN TMA.

When KAI or QN TMA is offline, STH automatically inherits and assumes responsibility for those sectors.

When DN TWR or NV TWR is offline, STH automatically inherits the TWR and Procedural Approach services provided by those sectors. See the responsibilities sections on DN TWR and NV TWR.

When CH TMA is offline, that position is inherited by KAI. If KAI is also offline, STH automatically assumes responsibility for KAI, and therefore for CH TMA also.

South's Lateral Bounds

Oceanic airspace delegated to STH

STH has been delegated airspace on NZZC FIR's western boundary to ensure smooth operations in and out of NZQN. This airspace consists of a 130nm QN VOR arc, where the overlap is then delegated to STH. Four IFR waypoints exist on this boundary - BEBOB, DADLU, MADOK and EKODA. These waypoints are all considered oceanic boundary fixes.

Sector Responsibilities

STH is responsible for managing all NZQN traffic, in addition to managing the arrivals and departures of NZCH traffic to and from the Tasman.

STH also manages the traffic in and out of NZNV and NZDN, and the integration into other traffic streams.

QN TMA

STH shall ensure that an efficient arrival flow is managed into QN TMA.

When QN TMA is offline, STH automatically inherits QN TMA's airspace.

STH shall ensure that aircraft overflying the QN TMA are no lower than FL190 without coordination.

CH TMA

STH shall ensure that an efficient flow is managed into CH TMA from the West.

STH shall ensure that aircraft overflying the CH TMA are no lower than A110 without coordination.

DN TWR

STH shall ensure that an efficient arrival flow is managed into DN TWR's airspace.

DN TWR is only authorised to climb aircraft to a maximum of FL250. On handover, STH shall clear the aircraft to its RFL.

When DN TWR is offline, the DN Procedural Tower service shall be provided by STH.

When responsible for DN TWR, STH may opt to provide a radar approach service, rather than a procedural approach service.

NV TWR

STH shall ensure that an efficient arrival flow is managed into NV TWR's airspace.

When NV TWR is offline, the NV Procedural Tower service shall be provided by STH.

When responsible for NV TWR, STH may opt to provide a radar approach service, rather than a procedural approach service.

Coordination

Oceanic

Oceanic-bound aircraft are required to cross the FIR boundary at their RFL and via a defined waypoint.

STH may clear Oceanic bound aircraft direct to their boundary crossing fix without coordination from ARO. If aircraft request an amendment to their RFL, this shall be coordinated with ARO.

STH shall give ARO a 10 minute warning of the aircraft's crossing of the FIR boundary.

NAK

STH shall issue STARs without coordination to aircraft bound for an aerodrome within NAK's boundaries, and may descend aircraft to FL190 if necessary.

STH shall ensure that aircraft have been cleared to their RFL on crossing the boundary, with the exception of any descending traffic.

KAI

While mostly not needed, STH may descend aircraft to FL190 if necessary.

STH shall ensure that aircraft have been cleared to their RFL on crossing the boundary, with the exception of any descending traffic.

STH shall ensure that any aircraft crossing the STH/KAI boundary is established on an airway. STH may clear aircraft direct to a boundary fix, provided it is established on an airway once it reaches the direct-to fix.

QN TMA

STH shall issue STARs to aircraft bound for NZQN without coordination, provided that the STAR links with either the RNP Y (AR) or RNP Z (AR) approaches. If a non-standard approach is requested, such as the RNP F or VOR DME, coordination shall occur. This requires agreement from both the TMA and ADC Controller.

STH may descend aircraft to FL175 without coordination from QN TMA, although shall assign FL180 as standard.

Due to the unique geography of NZQN, a standard sequence of at least 15nm shall be maintained between any aircraft commencing on a STAR.

STH may clear aircraft direct to the STAR's QN TMA boundary fix without coordination, provided that they have been cleared to rejoin the STAR after that point. Aircraft may not be cleared direct to a fix within QN TMA's boundary.

Where an NZDN oceanic arrival may descend into QN TMA airspace, STH shall hand that aircraft to QN TMA on passing FL175. QN TMA shall then hand back that aircraft no less than 15nm from BASOS.

CH TMA

STH shall issue STARs to aircraft bound for NZCH wihout coordination, provided that the STAR links with the nominated runway and approach type as stated in the ATIS. A request for the use of a non-nominated approach requires agreement from both the TMA and ADC Controller.

STH may descend aircraft to A095 without coordination from CH TMA.

If a sequencing conflict is to occur, STH shall coordinate with CH TMA as to an ideal arrival order.

STH may clear aircraft direct to the STAR's CH TMA boundary without coordination, provided that they have been cleared to rejoin the STAR thereafter. Aircraft may be cleared to track direct to a fix within CH TMA's boundary with coordination, subject to the same condition.

Short STARs - NZCH

BELEE #J and BELEE #K are Short STARs into CH TMA that capture ILS 02 and ILS 20 at their intermediate fixes, IDUBU and DIVSU respectively. Controllers must co-ordinate with CH TMA before clearing aircraft for these arrivals, as prior planning may be required to ensure flow is maintained.

These STARs are flow control STARs, allowing controllers to sequence aircraft onto a shorter final approach. Controllers should utilise these STARs when a conflict exists at the IAF for the ILS 02/20 or if northbound or southbound arrival flows have already been established.

These arrivals provide track shortening of 4NM compared to the A/B arrivals.

DN TWR

STH shall issue STARs to aircraft bound for NZDN without coordination from DN TWR.

DN TWR is only authorised to climb aircraft to a maximum of FL250. On handover, STH shall clear the aircraft to its RFL.

STH may descend NZDN bound aircraft to A100, unless the aircraft has been given the BASOS oceanic STAR, where the following conditions apply -

• The aircraft shall be descended no lower than FL190 whilst overflying QN TMA airspace. If further descent is required, the aircraft shall be handed to QN TMA, who will hand the aircraft back no later that 15nm from BASOS.

NV TWR

STH shall issue STARs to aircraft bound for NZNV without coordination from NV TWR.

STH may descend NZNV bound aircraft to A095, unless -

• The aircraft has been given the ANOPA STAR, with the SUNGU transition. In this case, the aircraft shall be descended no lower than FL190 while overhead the QN TMA. Should further descend be required, STH is to hand the aircraft to QN TMA.
• The aircraft has been given the DUKOP STAR. In this case, the aircraft shall be descended no lower than A135 while overhead DN TWR airspace. Should further descend be required, STH shall coordinate with DN TWR. The aircraft is to remain with STH for radar monitoring.