Terminal Areas

Class C

First Contact

On first contact with a terminal controller (generally 'Approach' or 'Departures'), inbound aircraft must report their assigned level, in-flight conditions, and the ATIS identifier.

Format

"ATC Unit, Callsign, Cleared Level, [Visual], received ATIS Code"

Example

"Sydney Approach, QFA426, descending to A090, received Delta"

On first contact with a terminal controller, outbound aircraft must report their passing level, assigned level, and assigned heading/departure instructions (if applicable).

Format

"ATC Unit, Callsign, [Departure Instructions], passing Passing Level, climbing to Assigned Level"

Example

"Melbourne Departures, QLK78D, turning right heading 320, passing A023, climbing to A050"

Heavy/Super Categories

Aircraft in the Heavy or Super categories must append their callsign with their wake turbulence category during the initial call with each Approach, Departures, and Director controller.

Example

QFA12: "Sydney Approach, SIA213 Super, descending to A010, received Golf"

The category is not required during any subsequent call.

SIDs/STARs

Aircraft on a SID/STAR will generally be given climb/descent instructions using 'climb via SID to (Level)' and 'descend via STAR to (Level)' phraseology. Pilots must readback the instruction exactly as it is issued. Once all height/speed restrictions have been passed, controllers may use traditional climb/descent phraseology.

Important

If an aircraft is cleared via a SID or STAR and the controller issues a climb or descent without the 'climb via SID' or 'descend via STAR' phraseology, this does not cancel any applicable SID/STAR restrictions. Pilots must continue to comply with all speed, level, and lateral tracking restrictions on the procedure.

Example

"JST881, climb via SID to F280"

Cancelling Restrictions

Where a controller wishes to cancel the published altitude restrictions on a SID/STAR, they will use the following format.

Format

"Callsign, cancel level restrictions"

Where a controller wishes to cancel the published speed restrictions on a SID/STAR, they will use the following format.

Format

"Callsign, cancel speed restrictions"

Approaches

Instrument Approaches

Aircraft cleared for an instrument approach in CTA will be issued a clearance of the following format.

Format

"Callsign, cleared Approach Type approach runway Runway Number"

Example

"QJE1535, cleared ILS approach runway 27"

DGAs

Aircraft cleared for a DGA in CTA will be issued a clearance of the following format.

Format

"Callsign, cleared [DME or GNSS] arrival [sector Sector Letter]"

Example

"QLK72, cleared DME arrival sector Bravo"

Visual Approaches

Aircraft cleared for a visual approach in CTA will be issued a clearance of the following format.

Format

"Callsign, [Circuit Join Instructions], cleared visual approach [tracking via the STAR]"

It is important to note the difference between a join instruction and a track to instruction.

Instruction	Meaning
Join final	Continue on your cleared track until within 5nm of the aerodrome (by day), then join final
Track to final	Track now from your present position direct to the final leg of the circuit

Example

"RXA4847, join downwind runway 05, cleared visual approach"

"QFA881, cleared visual approach tracking via the STAR"

"LKU, track to a 5nm final, cleared visual approach"

Leaving CTA

At aerodromes with low overlying CTA (like YMAV during tower closed operations), the terminal controller will issue a clearance to leave CTA on descent via the instrument approach. As with any other approach clearance, this constitutes a clearance to re-enter CTA following the published missed approach in the event of a go around.

Example

"JST607, cleared to leave controlled airspace descending via the ILS approach runway 18, no reported IFR traffic, report clear of the runway"

Procedural Class D

Inbound Call

On first contact with a procedural approach unit (e.g. procedural towers), report your position, assigned level, in-flight conditions, and the ATIS identifer.

Format

"ATC Unit, Callsign, Distance miles Aerodrome Name, GNSS Track/VOR Radial, Assigned Level, [Visual], ATIS Code"

Example

"YCFS Tower, RXA6416, 32 miles Coffs Harbour on the 189 radial, descending to A080, visual, received Oscar"

Departure Report

Once established on your outbound track (or in compliance with your assigned departure procedure), report your departure to the tower controller.

Format

"Callsign, tracking [Outbound Track or via SID], climbing to Assigned Level"

Example

"RXA6417, tracking 203, climbing to A070"

"XEB, tracking via the DUGGI ONE departure, climbing to A070"

Approaches

There is no difference in phraseology used to clear an aircraft for an approach in Class C or Class D airspace, however due to airspace and surveillance coverage constraints, the controller may issue additional report requirements and/or clear aircraft to leave and re-enter CTA on descent prior to commencing the approach.

See Class C for radio phraseology.