Latest changes include new procedures for operations at aerodromes without towers
Australia will implement the next stage of its controversial National Airspace System (NAS) reforms on 24 November. The latest changes, which primarily involve new procedures for operations at non-towered aerodromes, are considered less contentious than the Stage 2b changes introduced in November 2003, which resulted in a number of safety incidents and a subsequent review and amendments.
The latest changes involve new procedures for operations at all non-towered aerodromes in the country, removing radio communication boundaries and introducing a set of simple, standard positional radio broadcasts for use by pilots, says the NAS Implementation Group (NAS IG). Mandatory broadcast zones and common traffic advisory frequency boundaries will be removed, with pilots using new broadcasts to visually identify other aircraft and adjust flightpaths.
NAS is designed to bring Australian airspace in line with international best practice and improve aviation safety by improving pilot situational awareness and simplifying the flying environment to encourage the growth of aviation.
The programme has been controversial, however, with a number of safety incidents attributed to the last round of changes. One serious incident, involving a Virgin Blue Boeing 737 and a general aviation aircraft in reclassified airspace, resulted in a review of the programme in which shortcomings were identified and safety enhancements subsequently introduced, and Airservices Australia admitting that it had not followed the correct procedures in implementing the changes.
Mike Smith, executive director of NAS IG, denies claims by some in the industry that the correct processes have not been followed with the latest changes. NAS IG says the changes have been the subject of extensive industry consultation and have undergone a detailed safety case which establishes their safety and efficiency.
EMMA KELLY/PERTH
Source: Flight International
