VIDEOS AND INFORMATION ARE THE PROPERTY OF THE CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY (CASA).
GENERAL CLASS D INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
On 3 June 2010, there were changes to the airspace associated with the six existing general aviation aerodrome procedures (GMP) locations. These changes involved adopting the international Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) class D airspace classification, along with procedures broadly aligned with those of the American Federal Aviation Administration (FM).
Replacing the Australian-specific GMP with the internationally recognized class D procedures is a step towards standardizing Australian aviation procedures with international practices. And to increase safety through standardization, the new class D procedures at the former GMP aerodromes now also apply in all existing class D airspace.
Australia has adopted FM class D procedures such as abbreviated clearances and distances from cloud, including:
• VMC criteria
• Parallel runway operations
• Abbreviated clearance by establishing two-way communications
• Maximum speeds, and
• Entry not constrained by a particular tracking point.
(Although under the new rules, you no longer have to proceed VFR within a class D control zone; IFR pilots are encouraged to proceed VFR whenever possible, and to advise ATC. Such action will remove delays that may be caused by separation requirements for IFR flights within the zone and adjoining airspace).
CAMDEN AERODROME
Camden Airport is a general aviation airport located 27nm south-west of Sydney's CBD and 3nm north of the town of Camden. It supports a number of fixed-wing and helicopter flying schools, aircraft maintenance organizations, private aircraft, hot-air ballooning, ultralights, and several active gliding clubs. Two instrument approach procedures, used by training aircraft from other airports within the region, add to Camden's traffic levels and operational complexity.
CAMDEN CLASS D PROCEDURES
The airspace surrounding Camden is designated as a class D control zone and an air traffic control service is provided by Camden Tower between 8am and 6pm local time each day. The control zone is deactivated at night when traffic density is low; the airspace surrounding the airport then reverts to class G. and non-towered aerodrome procedures apply. Camden control zone is not active on Christmas Day. When operating in class D airspace use SSR code 3000 Mode C.
The lateral boundary of Camden control zone is 2nm radius from the centre of the aerodrome and is marked on the Sydney Arc. Within that boundary, the control zone encompasses the airspace from ground level to 2,000 feet AMSL. Class G airspace surrounds the control zone and above 2,000 feet.
The circuit altitude at Camden is 1,300 feet on Camden QNH, and specific arrival and departure altitudes apply.
Camden has two intersecting runways. A sealed runway is orientated in the 06/24 direction. There is also a grass runway, oriented in the 10/28 direction, available for use when operationally necessary. Powered aircraft circuits (other than glider tugs) are conducted on the northern and eastern side of the aerodrome, using right-hand circuits on runways 24 and 28.
Each of these runways has an adjacent, parallel grass strip for use by gliders and tugs. All gliding operations use these parallel glider strips and remain to the southwest of the aerodrome.
The complexity of operations at Camden is compounded by the mix of activities that take place: flying training, gliding, helicopters, hot-air ballooning, instrument approach training and an intersecting, contra-runway environment.
Detailed operating procedures are covered in ERSA. However, if you are unsure of the procedures used at Camden, you should advise Camden Tower on first contact using the phrase 'Unfamiliar with Camden'.
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Camden Aerodrome Procedures - Inbound from the Northwestby kingcrumpet241 views
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