Moorabbin is a Class D aerodrome during Air Traffic Control tower hours, catering for high-density general aviation operations. Moorabbin aerodrome hosts emergency services aircraft and air transport operations, plus fixed-wing and rotary wing flying schools. Check the TWR and airspace status with ATC or Moorabbin ATIS. VMC minimums for Class D airfields are:
- visibility: 5,000 m
- horizontal distance from cloud: 600 m
- vertical distance from cloud: 1,000 ft above and 500 ft below.
Moorabbin is located 12 nm south-east of the city of Melbourne. Moorabbin Control Zone (CTR) is from surface (SFC) to 2,500 ft. Following an inbound call to Moorabbin ATC response may simply be your call sign – which indicates you are cleared via your stated intentions – or a more specific instruction (clearance) statement. Pilots unsure of the procedures should advise ATC on first contact using the phrase 'unfamiliar with Moorabbin'.
Moorabbin has 2 sets of parallel runways and a single crossing runway. By day, simultaneous contra-circuits may be conducted using separate tower frequencies. Operations are managed independently in each circuit, and ATC approval is required to enter the opposite circuit airspace.
Circuit direction is determined by the runway. RWYs 17R/35L and 13R/31L circuits are to the west. RWYs 17L/35R and 13L/31R circuits are to the east. There is also a short cross runway 04/22. Circuit direction will only be issued for a non-standard join. When arriving at Moorabbin, you must provide sufficient notice to ATC if you wish to enter the control zone via other than one of the VFR approach points.
The circuit altitude at Moorabbin aerodrome is 1,000 ft. Unless ATC authorise otherwise, indicated airspeed is not to exceed 200 kts (class D requirements).
Taxi clearance is required prior to entering manoeuvring areas.
These entry points are marked by yellow dashed lines and are known as intermediate holding positions.
Danger area D315 (SFC to 7,500 ft) is known as the Moorabbin training area. Expect high volumes of traffic around this area, not just within the confines of the marked danger area. Be aware that some Moorabbin-based flying schools have training areas outside D315.