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Ground

Victoria Falls does not have a dedicated Ground frequency, as such all Ground responsibilities are assumed by Falls Approach (FVFA_APP). Under no circumstances should FVFA_GND ever be opened without prior approval from staff.

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Aircraft.

On initial call with SMC, the VFR aircraft is expected to provide:

  • Aircraft Registration, if the callsign used is not the aircraft registration
  • Aircraft Type
  • Persons on Board
  • Fuel Endurance
  • Intentions

Once this data has been received by the SMC controller, the controller shall then issue the QNH, Active, and if operating on a FPL, a discrete squawk code.

VFR Phraseology

"ZSTKD, start up approved, Runway XX in use, QNH 1015, report ready for taxi."

Restrictions

Victoria Falls is only able to accomodate up to Code E aircraft.

VFR Phraseology

"BAW09P, Confirm you are able to keep clear of the Bonair A350 ahead of you?"

Stand Restrictions

Stands Restricted To
1 - 20 Code B (max 24m wingspan)
21 - 25 Code C (max 36m wingspan)
26 - 28 Code E (max 65m wingspan)

Taxiway and Apron Restrictions

Warning

Code F aircraft should be advised that there is no guranteed wingtip clearance provided.

Aprons Restricted to
Code C Apron Code C (max 36m wingspan)
Code C, D and E Apron Code E (max 65m wingspan)
GA Apron Code B (max 24m wingspan)
Taxiways Restricted to
Taxiway C1 Code C (max 36m wingspan)
Taxiways C, C2, A, A1, A2, A3 and A4 Code E (max 65m wingspan)

Pushback Procedures

SMC controllers should remain vigilant at all times.

Runway in use Direction
12 S / W / E
30 S / W / E

An aircraft must be squawking their assigned ASSR code provided in the clearance before pushback clearance is issued. If this is not the case, the SMC controller must instruct the pilot to do so BEFORE any push clearance is issued.

Pushback Phraseology

"(callsign), push and start approved, face S / W / E, QNH (QNH)."

Taxi Procedures

By default, all aircraft should be taxied to the full length holding point unless otherwise requested by a pilot.

Runway in use Intersection TORA
12 Full Length 4000
30 Full Length 4000

Arriving Aircraft

Upon arrival into Victoria Falls, inbound aircraft are to provide parking stand (stand number) that they desire. You must check that their requested stand is in compliance with the restrictions listed above. If so, then the aircraft can be instructed to taxi to the bay. If not, ask the pilot for a different stand, or feel free to assign one yourself.

Pilot Reporting Bay Number

ETH823: "ETH823, we are looking for Stand XX."

Taxiing to the Bay

FVFA_APP: "ETH823, taxi via X and X to the bay.