More CTAF changes

The proposed changes are in the case of over-flights of non-designated non-controlled aerodromes, the pilot of an aircraft equipped with a serviceable radio is to be responsible for broadcasting on the aerodrome frequency whenever it is reasonably necessary to do so to avoid a collision between his/her aircraft and any other aircraft operating in the vicinity of the aerodrome.

The changes announced in October 2008 are to generally extend radio monitoring and broadcast requirements to all non-controlled aerodromes, for radio equipped aircraft.

The horizontal distance element of the definition “in the vicinity of” a non-controlled aerodrome has changed from being 10 miles to being the greater of 10 miles or the distance from the aerodrome that the aircraft will travel in 8 minutes flying time. (In a PA28/C172 flying at 105 kts ground speed this would equate to 14 nm. In a 130 kt ground speed aircraft this would equate to 18 nm).

A new broadcast requirement was introduced – the pilot in command is to be responsible for broadcasting on the aerodrome frequency whenever it is reasonably necessary to do so to avoid a collision, or risk of a collision, between his/her aircraft and any other aircraft operating at, or in the vicinity of, the aerodrome. The format of broadcast information required is now specified in AIP ENR 1.1 paragraph 21.1.12.

Straight-in approaches positional broadcast are to be made at least 5 miles from the runway threshold.

For an aircraft operating within the vicinity of more than one CTAF aerodrome at the same time, and differing frequencies being used, the PIC to be responsible for determining the most appropriate CTAF to monitor, having regard to his or her intentions and the known or likely traffic at each.

One item that is not clearly spelt out in the new requirements/proposal is that of above what altitude do you not make a CTAF call? That subject was raised in the December 2006 issue of this column.

Meanwhile At Avalon Ctaf(r) …

From Avalon, Victoria, comes news of the commencement of a Certified Air/Ground Radio Service (CA/GRS) operator to assist with the separation of traffic within the Avalon CTAF(R). The CA/GRS is to work the Avalon air waves between 7.30 am local to 4 pm DST with a one hour break from 12.30 pm. The CA/GRS is to monitor the Avalon CTAF (R) frequency and has the assistance of a radar screen to see unheard traffic. While not a controller the CA/GRS will advise traffic using the Avalon airspace of the whereabouts and intentions of other aircraft in that airspace. Avalon is used by the airline Jetstar and is also regularly used by aircraft engaged in instrument training work.

While the Melbourne VTC was altered to allow for a light aircraft lane to the north of the airport a continuing problem exists with traffic using the Avalon airspace but making no radio calls. Time and again calls have been heard on the Melbourne RAS frequency calling traffic that is transiting the Avalon airspace. This writer can recall one recent ‘silent ghost’ being picked up by radar at 600’ as it transited Avalon but not responding to calls by RAS or making calls on the CTAF(R). The ATSB weekly events report has note of a Beech 76 shooting an instrument approach at Avalon in November only to find itself in close proximately to an unknown unannounced aircraft. It is known that Jetstar pilots are also unhappy with the number of ‘silent ghosts’ in the Avalon airspace. In an attempt to head off continued like events CASA has declared Avalon a Temporary Restricted Area (TRA). Aircraft can still use the Avalon airspace without an airways clearance but must be equipped with and use a serviceable transponder plus have a working radio and make the required CTAF(R) radio calls. While it is not stated it is most likely that should CASA catch up with a ‘silent ghost’ there will be some form of punitive action taken other than a chat over a cup of tea and biscuits.

It is understood that an operational control tower is to be opened in March. One has to ask if this will go ahead as planned given the problems with obtaining enough air traffic controllers to man all the positions at Melbourne Centre. As the expression goes, time will tell.

Contact Dave by email at [email protected]