EMMA KELLY / PERTH
Classification changes made despite calls for delay due to controllers' safety concerns
The latest stage of Australia's airspace redesign was implemented late last week, despite air traffic controller and pilot unions calling for a six-month delay because of safety concerns.
The National Airspace System Implementation Group (NAS IG) is expecting renewed campaigns against the next stage of the airspace modernisation, which will affect all non-tower aerodromes, ahead of its implementation in mid-2004.
The Australian & International Pilots Association (AIPA) and the Australian air traffic controllers' association Civil Air have been seeking to delay implementation of the latest stage of the NAS, claiming that it will result in a reduction in safety standards. The government, Airservices Australia and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority have stood by the reforms, however, saying that safety cases have been conducted.
On 27 November extensive airspace classification changes were made, which the unions say will mean that light aircraft will be able to operate without air traffic control clearance in areas where full clearances are currently required, forcing commercial aircraft pilots to rely on "see-and-avoid" procedures. The NAS IG, however, points out that all aircraft operating in class A, B, C and E airspace above 10,000ft (3,050m) must now be fitted with a transponder.
AIPA last week called for a number of changes, including the mandatory use of radios by light aircraft in Class E airspace and adjustment of Class C airspace "steps" to cater for commercial aircraft descent profiles, to keep apart light aircraft and commercial airliners.
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations and the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations have also joined the campaign, expressing "great concern" over the downgrading of Class C to Class E airspace.
The issue was further exacerbated by a leaked email from Airservices Australia's acting head air traffic controller obtained by the opposition Labour party, which describes NAS as "a joke" and says the move is putting Australia back "20 years or so". The air traffic service provider says that it fully supports NAS implementation.
Mike Smith, executive director of the NAS IG, says that normal reporting procedures are in place for the latest changes and that there are contingency plans for any problems, although none were expected. Smith adds that with the pre-NAS system there were 150 breakdowns of separation annually.
Airways New Zealand has completed the upgrade of its air traffic management (ATM) system, with Lockheed Martin's SkyLine system installed at all of the country's radar centres and control towers. The three-year upgrade programme allows Airways New Zealand to cope with expected traffic growth and will support new ATM technology developments, it says. Skyline, which is based on a Windows-style user interface, replaces ageing radar, flight data processing systems and display equipment at all centres, towers and simulators.Source: Flight International
