Conditional RA (restricted area) status
The status of restricted areas (RAs) appears in the DAH and ERSA and is presented in a table on the VTC or VNC. This status indicates which types of restricted airspace it is possible to get a clearance through. NOTAMS are issued to list activation times and levels for military restricted airspace and must always be consulted before flights through these areas, to avoid airspace infringements.
RA conditional status legend
RA1
Pilots may flight plan through the RA and, under normal circumstances, expect a clearance from ATC.
RA2
Pilots must not flight plan through the RA unless on a route specified in ERSA GEN FPR or by agreement with the Department of Defence. However, a clearance from ATC is not assured. Other tracking may be offered through the RA on a tactical basis.
RA3
Pilots must not flight plan through the RA and clearances will not be available.
Surrounding Archerfield are several restricted military areas. Military airspace is activated by NOTAM and may become active at short notice. Check the status prior to going flying using the following codes and, if in doubt while airborne, check with ATC on the frequency you are on.
Military airspace
Canungra (R634A is RA3)
Overfly above 3,800 ft if R634B is not active. R634B is RA2. This airspace extends to 8,500 ft above 634A and is activated by NOTAM. To transit around, track north-east of Eagle Heights to pick up the VFR route at Nerang or vice versa.
Caution: Low-level CTA steps south of Nerang. Clearance will be necessary.
Greenbank (R627)
Greenbank is a military base with associated weapons range located to the south of Archerfield. It is activated daily (except public holidays or as amended by NOTAM) 2100 – 0600z. R627 is RA3.
Amberley
Amberley Airbase lies to the west of Archerfield. Overlapping civil and military airspace, with operations from high-speed jets to heavy transport, and with multiple restricted and danger areas, makes the configuration complex and potentially hazardous. Pilots need to plan carefully and be aware of their location at all times.
The Amberley military control zone begins approximately 8 nm from Archerfield, from SFC–8,500 ft. R625A is to the north of the Amberley CTR and has a lower limit (LL) of 1,500 ft. R625B lies to the west and south of the CTR and has a LL of 2,500 ft.
In Amberley control zone, R625A/B/C/D are all RA1, (NAIPS codes YAMB, Amberley East Airspace AEX or 0939, Amberley Airspace AMX or 0941 Amberley West Airspace AWX or 0940).
Short notice and partial activation of the AMB CTR and associated restricted areas may occur outside of TWR hours.
It is the pilot’s responsibility to check and monitor the status of the restricted areas and CTRs.
Oakey
Oakey Airbase is located to the north-west of Toowoomba and to the north of Wellcamp aerodrome.
The Oakey military control zone begins approximately 7.5 nm north-west of Toowoomba and approximately 4.5 nm to the north of Wellcamp. When activated, the Oakey CTR is from the surface to 6,500 ft.
Pilots need to plan carefully in this area, with a high concentration of military restricted airspace and high-traffic density to and from Wellcamp.
For airways clearance through restricted areas, contact Oakey Delivery on 133.35. For VFR aircraft via the Warrego VFR Route, clearance through R654A is also available through 135.35.
Be aware of D652 (high-velocity exhaust plume), from surface to 2,800 ft on the Warrego VFR route. For pilots operating in this area, check and monitor the status of Oakey airspace on ATIS 124.3, NDB 254, via phone on 07 4577 7235 or Area frequency 121.2.