Airspace Information and Guidelines
The Canberra Gliding Club enjoys unique access to high altitude airspace in SE Australia. Over many years we have developed a close and trusted relationship with airspace and aviation regulatory authorities, and negotiated arrangements and legal instruments that allow suitably briefied and qualified pilots to enjoy soaring in the SNOWY MOUNTAINS WAVE SOARING AREA (SMWSA).
Pilots wishing to fly in the SMWSA must be briefied and logbook endorsed by an approved CGC Instructor. For details, contact the CGC Panel Chairman (CFI), Drew McKinnie.
A comprehensive guide to High Altitiude Soaring in the Snowy Mountains Wave Soaring Area has been developed for GUIDANCE of club members and visiting pilots. Download the SMWSA GUIDE here. This document provides the regulatory requirements and procedures in a user-friendly format.
Pilots flying at altitidues above FL180 in the SMWSA must carry on their person a copy of the LETTER OF AGREEMENT that defines the requirements and operating procedures. Compliance with Airspace Regulatory Requirements is MANDATORY. Any non-compliance will be treated by the Canberra Gliding Club (and aviation regulatory authorities) in a resolute and professional fashion - this airspace access is a privilege for the entire gliding movement!
GPS Users - the key coordinates are as follows:
| Waypoint | Latitude (S) | Longitude (E) |
|---|---|---|
| ASPCE1 | 36 14’52 | 147 56’10 |
| ASPCE2 | 35 51’58 | 148 48’04 |
| ASPCE3 | 35 33’27 | 149 25’31 |
| ASPCE4 | 35 25’48 | 149 38’33 |
| ASPCE5 | 35 28’00 | 149 43’30 |
| ASPCE6 | 36 15’11 | 149 15’20 |
| ASPCE7 | 36 27’00 | 149 39’00 |
| ASPCE8 | 36 34’00 | 150 00’00 |
Joining these waypoints together will produce a sequence which will provide the CTA boundary which runs through the Northern tip of Lake Eucumbene over Michelago, thence further north to meet the boundary of R422, running down to the East of Bunyan.
SMWSA - REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
In order to exercise these approvals and permissions glider pilots have specific responsibilities in accordance with CASA 289/05. A precis of those responsibilities follows:
- The pilot in command must be a member of GFA
- The pilot in command must be operating from Bunyan airfield
- The pilot in command must have received a briefing from the Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) (Drew McKinnie) or his delegate on the CASA and AirServices Australia operational requirements for high altitude glider operations.
- The pilot in command must operate the glider in accordance with the instructions and directions of the CFI (Drew McKinnie) or his delegate
- The pilot in command must carry a copy of the LOA with him prior to and during the flight.
The club intends to guard this privilege so that we and many others might enjoy the benefits that this provides. Please help us by knowing and adhering to the procedures established.
The club requires that any pilot who is desirous of flying above FL245 MUST be fully and comprehensively briefed on:
- The airspace limitations,
- The terms of the CASA exemption,
- The relevant documentation (and the necessity to carry some papers), and
- The navigation and radio requirements to obtain the necessary clearances. A specific logbook endorsement issued by the Chairman of the CGC Instructors Panel (Drew McKinnie) or one of his Delegates must also be obtained.
RECENT GUIDANCE: Airspace Letter of Agreement
