Fire Response Airspace Matrix
Technical
Scope
This Operational Guideline covers the requirements of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) to provide escalating support to increasingly complex aviation operations within NSW.
Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all RFS members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.
Guiding Principles
The RFS utilises a diverse range of owned, contracted and Call When Needed (CWN) aircraft to support potentially complex aerial firefighting activities across the state. Due to the complex nature of these operations, an escalation matrix has been developed to determine when additional safety controls are required. The procedures are outlined below:
Procedures for Operations OUTSIDE of Controlled Airspace
| Situation | Complexity | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Level One | One aircraft operating | Aircraft required to utilise appropriate Airservices Australia (ASA) designated frequency (e.g. Area frequency, Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), Radar Advisory etc.) for location and type of operation. |
| Level Two (A) | Two to four aircraft operating |
Pilots communications on assigned Fire Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (FCTAF) as issued by the State Air Desk (SAD). FCTAFs are issued in accordance with the FCTAF list held within ARENA. Note: The SAD is required to advise the FCTAF upon dispatch. Frequency also to be used for tactical communication such as tasking and managing aircraft if an Air Attack Supervisor (AAS) is assigned. |
| Level Two (B) | Two to four aircraft operating with ongoing operations where smoke or fire is not apparent to itinerate aircraft. | Same requirements as Situation Level Two (A) however the SAD and relevant district operations staff member to consider request for declaration of incident specific fire Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). |
| Level Three (A) |
Where the following exists singly: - More than 4 aircraft operating in close proximity. Where the following exists in combination: - Multiple fires in close proximity; - Significant smoke/visibility issue; - Activities involving operations in confined valleys etc; - Ongoing aircraft operations where smoke or fire is not apparent to itinerate aircraft. |
Pilots are to confer and establish communications on assigned FCTAF as per Situation Level Two (A). The SAD shall consider nominating specific FCTAFs for each incident or within an incident when multiple aircraft/incidents occur in close proximity. Where more than 4 aircraft operating in close proximity or any complexities exist in combination, the SAD in consultation with the District Duty Operations Officer (DDOO) are to request for declaration of incident specific fire NOTAM. |
| Level Three (B) |
Where more than 4 aircraft operating in close proximity and any of the below: - Aircraft operations adjacent to, or in close proximity to, controlled airspace and there is a risk of firefighting aircraft infringing such airspace; - Aircraft operations in an area of high-density itinerant aircraft traffic e.g. light aircraft lane, Visual Flight Rules (VFR) aircraft route; - Aircraft operations in an area of medium-density itinerant aircraft traffic, when there is reduced flight visibility. |
Pilots are to confer and establish communication on assigned FCTAF as per Situation Level Two (A). The SAD shall consider nominating a specific FCTAF for each incident or within an incident when multiple aircraft/incidents occur in close proximity. Request declaration of temporary restricted airspace to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Office of Airspace Regulation (OAR) via the SAD. Note: consideration may be given to the declaration of a Temporary Danger Area instead by CASA, to avoid closing a lane of entry to a General Aviation Airport Procedures Aerodrome or VFR route around Controlled Airspace. |
Procedures for Operations INSIDE of Controlled Airspace
| Situation | Complexity | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Level One Level Two | As described in Procedures for Operations OUTSIDE of Controlled Airspace. |
Pilot maintains communications with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and arranges separation etc. on designated ATC frequency i.e. obtains airways clearance. Conduct tactical communications on SAD allocated FCTAF. |
| Level Three | As described in Procedures for Operations OUTSIDE of Controlled Airspace. | SAD to discuss appropriate airspace arrangements with ASA or controlling authority. |
Special Considerations
- Where aircraft operations are established within an ASA designated CTAF area (typically within 10NM of an aerodrome), dedicated FCTAF procedures for separation cannot practically be implemented unless all aircraft are able to continue to maintain a listening watch on the CTAF and make the mandatory CTAF related calls or, unless restricted airspace is established.
- Tactical communications for firebombing operations can still be conducted on the assigned FCTAF.
- Operations that are nearby or inside controlled airspace must be coordinated with the relevant ATC shift manager at either Melbourne or Brisbane Centres and/or relevant Controlling Authorities (Sydney, Canberra, Williamtown airports etc) depending on the area of impact to ensure an appropriate strategy is put in place.
Related Information
Content Owner: Aviation
Date Published: 13 Jan 2026
Review Required: 13 Jan 2029
Version: 1.0
If you have any questions or feedback on Operational Doctrine, please email Ops.Performance@rfs.nsw.gov.au.
