Weipa (YBWP)
Airspace
YBWP is an uncontrolled aerodrome which sits inside the temporarily activated Scherger restricted area. When SG TCU is online, various airspace activations may change the airspace classification of YBWP. The most common is TRA Scherger. Rarely, SG MIL CTR may be activated.
Note
The status of the Scherger military airspace will be reported on the YBSG ATIS.
TRA Scherger
When TRA Scherger is activated, the airspace above YBWP is reclassified Class C from A040 to F245. Additionally, the airspace within 15 DME YBSG (clipped to the southwest) is reclassified Class C from SFC to A040. YBWP reverts to CTAF procedures.
Aircraft operating in the vicinity of YBWP must remain clear of the Scherger Class C airspace unless in receipt of an airways clearance from SG TCU or SG ADC.
Scherger Military Control Zone
When the SG MIL CTR (Military Control Zone) is activated, the airspace is reclassified Class C from SFC to A040. Clearances are required for all aircraft operations.
Note
While SG TCU is responsible for the airspace above YBWP (to the surface), they have no jurisdiction over the runways, taxiways, or apron areas on the aerodrome itself.
TCU Closed Procedures
When SG TCU is offline, the Class C airspace in R605A/B from SFC to F125 is reclassified as Class G, and from F125 to F245 reclassified as Class E. YBWP reverts to CTAF procedures.
CTA Operations
Departures
Outbound aircraft shall report when taxiing for departure to SG TCU. Controllers will issue the aircraft with a squawk code and a traffic statement regarding any aircraft operating on, or shortly to land at, the aerodrome.
Note
Both VFR and IFR aircraft require a clearance to operate in Class C airspace. The examples below show an IFR aircraft departing.
Phraseology
QLK479D: "Scherger Approach, QLK479D, Dash 8, IFR, taxiing YBWP for YBCS, runway 12"
SG TCU: "QLK479D, squawk 4432, no reported traffic, report lined up for airways clearance"
QLK479D: "Squawk 4432, wilco, QLK479D"
In response to your ready call, SG TCU will issue an airways clearance, if available.
Phraseology
QLK479D: "QLK479D, lined up"
SG TCU: "QLK479D, cleared to YBCS via GUPDA, flight plan route, climb to F230, make right turn, report airborne"
QLK479D: "Cleared to YBCS via GUPDA, flight plan route, climb to F230, make right turn, QLK479D"
All surface areas at YBWP are outside TCU's jurisdiction. Takeoff clearances are not given.
Once airborne, make a Class C airborne report to SG TCU.
Arrivals
Inbound aircraft shall request airways clearance from SG TCU (unless already in ENR CTA). Aircraft may be cleared for a visual approach or one of Weipa's instrument approaches.
As a landing clearance is not given, aircraft will instead be informed of any traffic operating on the aerodrome and instructed to 'report clear of the runway', when their SARWATCH (for IFR aircraft) will be terminated.
Phraseology
FD491: "FD491, visual"
SG TCU: "FD491, cleared visual approach, no reported traffic, report clear of the runway"
FD491: "Cleared visual approach, FD491"
FD491: "FD491, clear of the runway, YBWP, cancel SARWATCH"
SG TCU: "FD491, YBWP SARWATCH terminated"