iscover
GAAP and non-radar procedural towers such as Rockhampton, Alice Springs, Maroochydore/Sunshine Coast, Mackay and Coffs Harbour (pictured) are the new homes for many ex-RAAF controllers. RAAF tower controllers are trained to provide not only runway control but procedural approach control within defined airspace, usually the Control Zone. This has allowed them to easily adapt to civil non-radar tower environments.
Airspace Management
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Controller Shortage
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is having difficulty holding onto its air traffic control officers. Due to the mass exodus of trained controllers to AirServices Australia (ASA), the RAAF has had to take extraordinary steps to maintain an operational air traffic service.
Over recent years, the declining number of controllers has caused a manning problem in briefing offices, towers and approach positions at most bases around the country. ATC facilities are now primarily manned for scheduled operations only. In quiet times, most military control zones revert to Mandatory Broadcast Zones (formerly MTAFs) and overlying restricted areas are deactivated or handed over to AirServices (where they overlap with CTA).
ATC hours of operations at most RAAF bases have gradually been reduced and now phrases such as “Flight Planning Office decommissioned. Aircrew self-briefing facilities available …” and, “Facilities may not be continuously manned during promulgated hours” appear in the current Enroute Supplement.
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